The Moon Goddess

Friends, Lovers, and Enemies

Chapter 12

APOLLO’S POV

“I think maybe we should talk alone.” I said, taking her hands in mine. I knew her investigation would turn up some interesting things, but I never expected it would go this far.

She nodded and took me up to her room. When we got there I closed the door and sat her down on the bed. I sat next to her criss-cross and she waited patiently for me to share.

“While you were staying with me, I asked an old friend of mine who is a part of Alpha Beaty’s pack, to ask him what relationship he had with your mom. He just got back to us.”

She sat up and her eyes were wide.

“Well, that's good news right? What did he say?”

I hesitated, trying to figure out how to say it. “Apollo…”

“He said that convincing Beaty to answer his question wasn’t easy, and when he finally did, he wasn’t able to get the whole story before…” I stopped, trying to find the strength to say what came next.

“Before what, Apollo.”

“Before he was killed.”

“What?”

“Apparently Beaty got involved with some dangerous humans. They found out what he was, and used that to manipulate him, when he didn’t give him what they wanted, they killed him.”

“Oh my god…”

“What my friend was able to find out is that your dad was Beaty’s Delta, and they were very close, which is why he trusted him with you.”

“What do you mean?”

“My friend wasn’t able to find out how, or why you ended up in their pack, he also wasn’t able to find out where or how you were found, but what he did find out was that your father approached Beaty one day with you in his arms and asked for permission to leave the pack so he could take care of you. Beaty wouldn't tell my friend why you were so important, he said it was dangerous to anyone who knew. But obviously he gave your father permission and he left to be with your mother and to raise you. Then he died, we still don't know why."

“So… you were right… My family isn’t my family…”

“Oh Rose. Of course they are your family.”

“But not biologically.”

“Family isn’t blood.”

She nodded slowly, thinking. “And what about my wolf? Why has she never spoken to me?”

“Communication with your wolf, and shifting are things that are taught, people can figure it out on their own, but if you don't even know werewolves exist most of your life, you’d never even think about it.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“What are you feeling right now?”

She paused. “A lot of things. But mostly, I’m feeling like I don't want to deal with this tonight. I mean, it's not like knowing this changes anything, and we are surrounded by friends and family. Hell, my brother and my best friend are starting to fall in love again, so I think we should just enjoy tonight, and take on tomorrow's problems tomorrow. Is that okay?”

I smiled and gave her a small kiss, “It’s more than okay. Let’s go downstairs, and enjoy tonight.”

We went down to the kitchen to see the food had arrived; Andy and Darius had returned and were laughing at some joke; and Lia, Dom, and Jake were swapping stories and just getting to know each other. Rose sighed and leaned back into my chest, I wrapped my arm around her waist and leaned my head onto hers. I hoped she was happy. She had dealt with so much, and I couldn’t help but feel it was partly my fault. Then again, if she hadn’t moved here, and if we hadn’t met, she probably would have never known she was a wolf, and I would have had to marry Cassidy. I’m not sure how Rose felt about the last couple months, but I knew that I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I definitely would change the way we got information on Rose, considering the death involved. Which I would have to deal with tomorrow. I can’t even imagine how heartbroken their pack is right now, Beaty was a good Alpha from what I’d heard and seen. Now It’s on his daughter. The poor kid, she’s only 16. That would be another reason I’m going, to help her adapt and provide any support I can. Plus there are the humans to deal with, it is dangerous for regular humans to know what we are, but especially ones with means to manipulate and end us. Maybe I would take Rose with me. She did say she wanted to stay in school, but I didn’t know how long I would be gone, and spending time away from her was near impossible. My thoughts jumbled and kept me in a trance until I felt Rose move away from me.

“Let’s eat,” She said smiling. I returned her smile and she pulled me to the table.

“So, what are we talking about?” I asked, sitting down and pulling Rose onto my lap. I could tell she wanted to object but instead she just rolled her eyes, grabbed a box of rice and chopsticks and started eating.

“What we’re going to do tonight.” Jake chimed in through a mouth full of chicken.

“We could play never have I ever.” Lia said.

“Are we in the 4th grade?” Jake responded.

Lia rolled her eyes. “With booze dummy.”

“Ohoho alriiiight. Let’s do it.” Jake said, clapping his hands together. This was going to be a disaster. We all started moving to the living room when there was a knock on the door. Rose went to go see who it was with me behind her. She opened it and I could not believe what I was seeing.

“So this is her.” the shrieky jugdey voice called out.

ROSE’S POV

The doorbell rang while we were on our way to the living room. I went and opened the door and was met with a girl dressed up in shiny leggings, purple pumps, a bright green long sleeve shirt, and a pink, poofy, feathery vest. She had medium blonde hair that went down to her t**s, and sunglasses over her eyes. Her lipstick was bright red, and all her weight was shifted to one leg.

“So this is her.” She said in quite a judgy tone looking me up and down.

“Can I help you?”

“I’m here for the party. Duh?” I c****d one of my eyebrows at her… boldness, and Apollo sighed behind me.

“Rose, meet Cassidy Wallace, Cassidy, meet Rose.”

“Pleasure.” She said, sounding quite bored. “You guys got any booze?” She said pushing past us.

I turned to Apollo with my eyebrows raised.

“You were supposed to marry, that?”

“Is that your only question? Not why she’s here?.”

“No.”

He sighed, placing his face in his hands. “Yes, that is who I was supposed to marry.”

“Well thank god for me.” I said closing the door. He laughed and trapped me against the door.

“Thank god for you.” He said smiling. He leaned down to kiss me, but before he could make it to my lips a very loud Darius yelled at us.

“STOP MAKING OUT GET YOUR ASSES IN HERE!” He called from the living room. I groaned and leaned my head against the door.

“I feel like you and I haven’t had much alone time recently.”

“Well let's change that tonight.” He said, smirking at me.

“I like the sound of that.” I said, biting my lip. We once again leaned in.

“I DON’T WANT TO ASK TWICE ROSEALINE DIANE HARROW.”

“We should probably go.”

“Probably.” We walked into the living room to see everyone sitting in a circle with a red solo cup in front of them and two vacant spots for Apollo and I. We took our place in the circle and Lia filled two cups halfway of something that smelled very strong.

“Okay, who wants to go first?” Lia said eagerly.

“Me.” Cassidy interrupted Darius who clearly was about to say something.

“Cassidy, what are you even doing here?” Lia said, trying not to hit her.

“I heard there was a party happening.”

“Don’t play dumb.”

Cassidy dropped her cocky scowl and sighed.

“Fine. I was sent by the king. He thought I could-”

“Ahahaha what king? What are you talking about, you silly little… ahem.” Dominic bursted out.

“Cassidy, could I have a word?” Lia said standing up and dragging Cassidy with her before she could object.

“What was that about?” Andy asked with his brow c****d.

“Oh, it’s just some girl who goes to our school. She likes to joke around, I don’t think she entirely understands half of what she says.” I said, trying to brush her behavior off. Come to think of it, did she go to our school? I hadn't seen her there before, but I also hadn’t been paying much attention to anyone other than Apollo. Lia and Cassidy walked back into the room, and Cassidy had the face of a teenager who had just been scolded by her mother.

“Anyway, Darius, why don’t you start?”

“Hm… Okay. Never have I ever… done the nasty.” He said, raising his eyebrows.

“Um… Darius? You have to say something you’ve never done. And then you drink if you’ve done it.” Andy said blushing.

“Ohhhh. Okay. Let me be more specific. Never have I ever done the nasty with… Rose.” His eyes snapped to me and I swear I could have killed him right then and there. Everyone looked at Apollo. My brothers looked ready to pounce, and Dom looked nervous for him. Lia just looked excited for some gossip, and Cassidy was biting her lip, probably hoping it wasn’t true. Which it wasn’t of course, we hadn’t slept together. Though I kind of wish that we had just for this moment so I could rub it in her face. No, thats stupid. It's up to me and Apollo as to when we take that step. When Apollo didn’t drink he began to get nervous.

“W-wait do I d-drink if I have or h-have not?” He said, turning a concerning shade of red.

“You drink if you have,” Darius said, getting more excited.

“Oh.” Apollo said putting his cup as far away from him without being awkward, hoping people get the message and move on. Which they didn't.

“God. We haven’t had s*x, okay?” I said, rolling my eyes. “I’ll go.”

“No, I will.” Cassidy said, smiling and raising her cup.

“Never have I ever stolen someone’s fiance.” She said, looking at me. This was going to be a long night.

“Well, Cassidy. Then I have a question for you.” I said, returning the spiteful look she was giving me.

“Never have I ever stolen someone else’s mate.”

“Oh, but you’re just a little human, can you ever really understand the bond?”

“Oh, haven’t you heard? Looks like I’ll have no trouble at all feeling that bond, especially once I’ve marked him.” I said, throwing her a little grin.

“Ookay, I think THAT is enough rehearsal for one night girls don’t you?” Darius chimed in. Poor guy, he was just trying to keep the packs secret.

“Rehearsal?” Andy asked.

“Shhh, it was just starting to get good.” Darius said, focusing on the tension between the two of us and sipping his drink.

“Yes that's right dear brother, Cassidy and I were cast in the school play. In fact, why don’t we show them more Cassidy?”

“I’d love to my dear co-star.” She said, raising a glass.

“Now where were we…”

“I believe you were just lying about being able to mark him?”

“Oh. That's right. Well luckily enough it’s not a lie.”

“And what does that mean?” She said, her confidence draining.

“It means, soon enough, I’ll feel everything the mate bond has to offer. Mentally… emotionally… physically…” I drew out each word, making her really angry.

She huffed out a large breath. “Well fine then! I was sent here to help protect YOU, but oh well. I guess I’ll just let that flying freak come kill you!” She got up and stormed out. The room was quiet as we heard the front door slam.

“Are we supposed to clap?” Andy whispered to Darius.

“I don’t know. This went in a direction I didn’t think it was going to go.” He whispered back, though we could all hear them. I rolled my eyes and downed whatever was in that cup.

“I think that’s my cue. Godnight everyone, thank you for the lovely evening. Dom, Lia, you can take my mom's room. Up the stairs to the left. Boys, you know where your rooms are, and Darius, I’m sure you wouldn’t be opposed to finding your way to Andy’s room.” I said winking. “Though if you are, I’m sure the couch should suffice.” I threw up a peace sign and hobbled to the stairs while everyone just stared.

“Okay! I think someone may have drank a little too much Apollo said trying to make the room less awkward while simultaneously trying to help me up the stairs.

“Goodnight everyone!”

LIA’S POV

We all stared in silence as Rose and Cassidy had it out. Poor things, I knew it was coming. Followed by Rose’s drunken sleeping arrangements, shadowed by awkward silence. I couldn’t help it, I burst out laughing.

“Oh that Rose.” I said, managing to tame my breathing.

“I have to say, in all the time I’ve known her, she has NEVER done THAT.” Rose’s friend Darius said, joining in my laughter.

“It is strange. I’ve never seen her quite so… uncomposed.” Dominic began laughing with us.

“I did always hope I’d be here for the first time Rose got drunk. Though I couldn’t have imagined this evening would have been the cause of it.” Her brother Jake chimed in.

“I can’t help but worry about her though. Do you think she’ll be alright?” Andy asked.

“Of course. Apollo is with her. He really loves her more than anything. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her.” I responded, trying to reassure him.

“Yeah. I kind of noticed that when Jake had to take her to the hospital when she fell down the stairs. Nothing was wrong with her, but he rushed over to our house like it was life or death. I don’t even know how he knew she was hurt.” Andy added.

“Yeah well Apollo is like that. It can come off as intense, but I promise he means the best.”

“I’m sure he does.” He thought for a moment. “But you know, he didn’t even need the room number, he just knew where she was.”

“Like I said… a little intense, but good intentions. Anyway, I think Rose had the right idea about sleep.” I said getting up, and trying to change the subject.

I held out my hand to Dominic and he took it happily.

“See y'all in the morning.” I called as I led us up the stairs and found our way to Rose’s mom’s room.

Dominic went in first, and right as I shut the door he pulled me towards him.

“Oh, well someone had an idea about how tonight would go.”

“Absolutely I did” He pulled me towards him in a heat of passion and smashed his lips against mine. I pushed him away and onto the bed. He gave me a devilish smirk as I climbed on top of him. He flipped us over so he was on top and brought his head close to my ear.

“We just have to remember to keep it down.” He whispered in a low husky voice.

ANDY’S POV

Jake stood up and sighed. “Alright well. I guess I’m off to bed too. Have fun.” He said while winking at Darius and I before disappearing up the stairs.

“So, D, how’s the city been without us?”

“Dreadfully boring. I really missed you guys.”

“Yeah, we missed you too. I (make slanted) missed you.” He gave me this look, and next thing I knew his lips were on mine.

APOLLO’S POV

“Come on Rose, let's get you in bed.” I closed her door gently as she hung from my side.

“Apollo?”

“Yes?”

“I think I may love you”

I let out a small laugh at her drunken confession. “You think?”

“Do you love me?” She looked up to me as I set her on her bed. I sighed and stroked my hand through her hair.

“Are you even going to remember this in the morning?” She laughed “Probably not”

“I do love you Rose. More than I can ever express with words.”

“Mmm” She said in a happy tone, closing her eyes. I smiled back at her and gently took off her shoes. I took off my dress shirt and realized the bag of clothes Lia and Dom had brought for me was still downstairs. I went to the door and listened to see if anyone was still downstairs.

“Darius… are you sure we should be doing this right now?”

“We’ve wasted too much time… I want to do this right now.”

Yeah alright, someone was DEFINITELY down there. I sighed and looked at Rose still in my clothes. I laughed to myself, guess she hadn’t changed yet. “f**k it” I climbed in her bed next to her, still in my dress pants. I sighed in content almost falling asleep before I felt my pocket buzzing and pulled my phone out to see my father calling. I sighed and stood up, almost going downstairs before remembering what was going on. I looked around and decided to take the call in Rose’s bathroom. I walked in, closed the door, and answered it.

“Hello?”

“Apollo? What the hell happened? I was gone for 1 week and there's an unidentified flying creature, you’re mated to a HUMAN, and Alpha Beaty is dead?? What the hell is going on!”

“A lot. I’ve known about Rose for a few months, and she’s no human. She was raised by Beaty’s Delta, who had already left the pack to marry a human. He died mysteriously after that. All we know about Beaty’s death, is that when I sent someone to get more information on Rose, all we got was that she was found in his pack borders and sent away, then he was killed by a group of shady humans he did business with.”

“Which meant they knew what he was.”

“Exactly, which is why I’m going to go deal with them tomorrow and take care of the pack.”

“Good, and the flying man?”

“ We’re still not sure. All we know is that he wanted Rose, He dropped a feather that we’re processing right now.”

“Hm. I see. I’d like to meet this mate of yours.”

“I’d like you to meet her too. I’m going to introduce her to the pack briefly, and then take her on the trip with me. You can meet her then.”

“Are you sure that's a good idea?”

“Unfortunately I don’t have time to ease her into it. But it's fine, she’s a natural leader, plus it will be good practice. I’ve already sent out a notice to their pack, telling them I will be there shortly, and explaining the complications of our situation.”

“Alright, I trust you to take care of this son. You’ve always been better at this stuff than me anyway.”

“Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you promise me something?”

“That depends.”

I sighed. “I’m sure things are awkward between you and Viola right now, but I need you to take care of her while I’m gone. Though it will probably only be for a few days.”

“What do you want me to do exactly?”

“Just, don’t let her eat meals by herself, ask her about her day, talk to her, I don’t know. Just don’t let her be lonely.”

“She’s a grown woman Apollo.”

“And she’s also been nothing but good to our family. You can be nice for one weekend.”

“Fine.'' Suddenly the line ended. Guess he said everything he wanted to say, and heard everything he wanted to hear. I opened the bathroom door to notice the wind blowing through the window. Did we open that? I glanced over to the bed and saw a shadowy figure curled over Rose. It saw me and let out a blood curdling screech before returning to the window and flying away. I ran to the window and locked it tight. I ran over to Rose to make sure she was okay. Realizing she was unharmed I cursed at myself. How could I have let this happen? I crawled in behind her and held her tightly, too tightly because she began to stir. I loosened my grip but only slightly. She turned towards me and opened her eyes. “Apollo?”

“Shh, go to sleep.”

“What happened?”

“Nothing, it’s okay. Go to sleep.” she closed her eyes and I stroked her hair, until I heard her breathing deepen. Looks like I don’t have a choice. I have to take her with me on my trip. I am so sick of people trying to hurt her. This is beginning to become the new normal. What am I going to do?