The Moon Goddess

The Trip

Chapter 5

APOLLO’S POV

“Hello Apollo, long time no see.” I turned my head away.

“Hello, Cassidy.”

“You know, I heard about the moving up of your coronation hours ago, and yet, there’s no ring on my finger. Plus, it was such a shame to hear it from your father, Appie.” 

I wanted to throw this hoe into the next dimension, but I managed to keep my cool. 

“Well, Cassandra.” she scowled at me using her full name. “The plans of our union are not yet definite.” She looked taken aback.

“And why the hell not?” She demanded.

“Because I have found my mate.” Now all attention was on me, my friends looked at me in shock.

“When did this happen?”

“And why didn’t you call us?”

“It only happened a month ago-”

“A MONTH AGO?!” Cassidy shouted.

“Yes.”

“So why don’t I see a mark on your neck or a queen by your side.”

“Because there are complications.”

“What complications?” Alex cut in.

I hesitated for a moment before answering, “She’s human.”

“But Apollo, that’ isn't possible,” Becca said gently. 

“I know, I know. But I know it’s her. Dominic, Lia, and I have been looking into her and there's a very real possibility she’s a wolf who has been disguised as human.”

“How is that possible?”

“It’s not.” Cassidy cut in. “Oh Appie, how pathetic. Does your hate for me go this deep? That you would LIE about having a mate? You even look convinced yourself. Anyway, I’m bored now. But you should just accept the inevitable.” She said walking away. Her awful, clicking heels going with her.

“So? How is it possible?” Joey inferred again.

I sighed, “Get in the car. I’ll explain it all on the way home. There’s a lot you guys need to catch up on.”

“Like?”

“Well starting with the good news, Lia and Dom found out they were mates.”

“What?!”

“We have to get home RIGHT NOW,” Becca yelled, practically jumping through the window of the car. That was so Beccs. She loved pack gossip. As we made our way home I explained everything that had happened with Rose, I was beginning to worry about her. She hadn’t called me back. I know it has only been about an hour, but it’s not the phone call that’s worrying me. It’s the fact that Charlie hasn’t been relaxed since we’ve seen her last. But it wasn’t the normal separation anxiety he gets when we’re apart. It’s more than that, it’s a deep concern for her well being. Almost like she was in trouble. I couldn’t take this anymore. I whipped the car around and started to drive towards Rose’s house. I needed to make sure she was okay. 

“Apollo?”

“Where are we going?”

“I have a bad feeling about something, I just need to go check on her real quick.”

“Her as in the human?”

“Rose, and yes, I feel she’s hurting.” I stepped on the gas and went way above the speed limit. I needed to get to her. I stopped in front of her house and ran out of the car banging on the door. One of her brothers opened the door looking sullen. 

“Where is she?? Is she okay?!”

“They’re at the hospital.”

“What! Is she okay!”

“Yeah, yeah she’s fine. She just slipped on the stairs. We wanted to make sure she was okay so Jake took her to the hospital.”

“And why aren’t you there! Why do you look so concerned!?”

He put his hands on my shoulders. “Hey man, breathe. She’s fine.” He dropped his arms. “Right before we left the home phone started ringing. I told Jake to take her while I answered it, and that I would meet them there. The phone call is why I’m concerned.”

“Well I would ask if you’re okay but I think we should go see Rose.”

“I agree. Do you mind giving me a ride?”

“No of course not. Hop in.” Becc took that as her cue to move to the back with the guys.

“Jake, this is Becca, Joey, and Alex. Guys this is Rose’s brother.”

“Nice to meet you all,” Andrew said looking back. “Do you guys know Rose too?”

“No, we just got home after a study abroad year in Europe.”

“Oh wow, nice.” Good thinking Joey.

“I’ll drop you guys off in town on our way okay?”

“Sounds good.” 

I quickly dropped them off as close to the pack as I could before making my way to the hospital. As soon as we parked I flew out of the car and ran to Rose. 

“Wait! You don’t know what room she’s in!” But I ignored him. I knew exactly where she was. It was like there was an invisible force that was drawing me toward her. I burst through the door ignoring the shouts and nags of nurses telling me not to run and I saw her sitting on a hospital bed talking and laughing with her brother. I rushed towards her and wrapped my arms around her small body tightly. 

“Apollo? What are you doing here?” despite her facing away from me, she knew exactly who I was. 

“I had a feeling something was wrong so I rushed to your house to find your brother, he told me you were here so I came immediately.”

“He did tell you I’m fine right?” She threw an accusatory glance over my shoulder at who I assume was Andrew. 

“Yeah I told him, but he insisted.”

“Andy, what's wrong,” Jake called from beside Rose. 

“Apollo, could you please give us a moment?” I looked at Rose to make sure she was okay, and she nodded. 

“Okay, I’ll be RIGHT outside okay?” I told her carefully.

She smiled. “I’ll be fine. I’ll come to grab you in a minute.” I nodded before reluctantly turning around and walking out the door. I decided I wasn’t going to listen in on their conversation. This seemed personal and I didn’t want to intrude. She would tell me if she wanted to. 

“Hey man, Joey, Becca, and Alex told me what happened. Is Rose okay?” Dom called through the link. 

“Yeah, she’s fine. She’s talking to her brothers now.”

“Good. Are YOU okay?”

“Physically yes, but you should have seen me. Just the thought of her being in danger sent me into a frenzy. My brain was void of all thoughts except one: Rose. Holding her safely into my arms was the only thing I could focus on. I even had the urge to go break the stairs that hurt her. I feel like I’m going crazy.”

“You’re not going crazy. That’s what it’s like when your entire world can be hurt. I feel that way about Lia. And she’s one of the strongest people I know. The point isn’t the strength of your mate, it's the strength of the bond. And we already know you two have a strong bond. To be able to feel it before either of you were 18 is rare. And it becomes even stronger when you factor in Rose. If she is a wolf, her wolf has been suppressed. And yet you can still feel the bond. And it’s going to just get stronger the second her wolf is released.”

“I need to tell her man. I can’t keep living in fear of her safety. It makes me vulnerable as an Alpha, and as a king. She needs to know the truth.”

“I’ll support you whatever you choose to do. But honestly, I agree, she needs to know.”

“I’ll tell her when I have a moment alone with her. Thank you for checking in.”

“Yeah man, anytime. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks, I will.”

I was prepared to do this. I had to. I was hyping myself up when I felt sparks erupt on my shoulder and looked up to see Rose looking down at me concerned. 

“Are you okay? I called your name but you didn’t respond.”

“Oh, sorry. I was just thinking.” I stood up. “So how are you?”

“Um, I’m good. My head hurts a little where I smashed it into the wall, but other than that I’m perfect.” 

I let out a small laugh, “You klutz. I was so worried.” I said taking her hands in mine. “Rose I have to tell you something.”

“Me first.” She said dropping the smile from her face and removing her hands from mine. 

“Why don’t we go for a walk? My brothers will take care of things here.”

“Okay, do you need help? I can carry you if you want.”

She laughed. “No Apollo, I’m fine. Come on.” She said as she started walking. I followed her until we were in the hospital's garden. 

“So what is it?” We had walked the whole way here without her saying a word.

She stopped. And without looking at me, said, “Andy got a phone call today. My mother was attacked. She barely made it out alive. She’s in a hospital in Nevada. We have to go fly to see her.”

“There was open combat in Nevada? Is she okay?”

“She lied. She wasn’t called to duty. Well, she was, but not before a week ago.”

“Wait what?”

She turned to me.

“On my birthday, I called her right before you got to my house. But, I heard her phone ringing in the kitchen and sure enough, when I opened one of the drawers, her phone was right on top.”

“She left her phone?”

“Yes. But that’s not the weirdest part. When I checked her messages, they were all normal. Except one that was sent to her the day before she left. It was from someone named ‘Alpha Beaty’”

I tensed. What business would her mother have with him? I had met Alpha Beaty a few times. He was a nice guy, pretty mellow, but always seemed on edge. My father always thought he was hiding something. Which I ignored, until now.

“After I saw that, you got to my door and I forgot about it until last week. I checked her phone again and saw that her commanding officer had sent a message saying they need her in D.C. That's why I’ve been so dodgy this past week. I’ve been trying to find her. I had almost given up, but a few minutes ago Andy told me the call he got was from cops in Nevada. My mother was just conscious enough to instruct them to call us before she slipped into a coma.”

“Oh my god.” I didn’t know what to say. So I just hugged her. She was tense at first but then wrapped her arms around me and I soon began to feel my shirt get wet. She was crying. Her crying made my heartache and I held onto her tighter. Burying my face in her hair. She pulled away and I reluctantly let her.

“I have to go.”

“Now?”

“Yes. I’m really sorry.”

“No, don’t even think about apologizing.” I paused. “How long are you going to be gone?”

“A week.” She said weakly. 

Charlie whimpered.

“Okay, well keep me updated, and CALL ME. Okay?”

She nodded and I pulled her back into my chest.

“I don’t want to let go.” She mumbled into my chest.

“It’s okay. I’ll be here when you get back.”

“It just feels so wrong to leave you.” I nodded, I knew exactly what she was talking about. 

“Rose. We have to go.” Jake's voice startled me. She pulled away and I held her head in my hands and wiped her tears.

“I’m only a phone call away, okay?”

“Okay.” I released her gently and she gave me one last smile before she walked away. This was going to be a very long week.

ROSE’S POV

I didn’t realize how difficult it would be walking away from Apollo. I already knew that spending a week away from him was more than difficult, but at least we saw each other at school. I would be in a completely different state. And don’t even get me started on my mom. I had no idea what I was going to say to her. She had a lot of explaining to do. 

1 day later (This was where chapter 5 was supposed to start)

“Rosie, wake up. We’re here.” I felt someone gently shaking me awake. I opened my eyes groggily to see we were the last people on the plane. I rubbed my eyes and yawned.

“Come one, We already got our bags,” Andy said gently. I nodded and stood up out of my seat, my legs sore from sitting for so long. We waddled our way off the plane and took a cab to the hotel we were going to be staying in. 

“The doctor in charge of mom's care just called letting me know that she’s awake and waiting to see us,” Jake said, placing his bag on one of the beds. I took a deep breath and nodded.

“Should we head out?” I suggested. I hadn’t told the twins about what I saw on Mom's phone, but I brought it with me so I could confront her. They still thought she was called to duty, and that this injury was just an occupational hazard. I knew better though, and I needed to get to the bottom of whatever she had going on here. We got in the cab and a short drive later we were standing in front of the hospital.

“You okay Rosie?” Andy asked, taking my hand. 

I nodded in response, “yeah. Yeah, I’m okay.” I said, trying to convince myself more than them. It didn’t work. But with all my pent up determination, I stepped through the doors of the hospital and asked the front desk where my mother was. We found our way to her room and gently opened the door. She was asleep but her eyes opened at the sound of the door. They were alert and scary and immediately locked in place with my own. No one said a word, she just looked at me. Her eyes traveled towards my brothers and her gaze became deadly.

“You shouldn’t have brought her here. It’s not safe.”

Jacob started slowly approaching her. “No, mom it’s okay. We’re in the hospital, we’re all safe, it’s oka-” He tried taking her hand but she ripped it away from his grasp. 

“SHE’S NOT SAFE HERE.” We all flinched, I had never heard my mother speak like this. I was scared but I knew what I had to do. I pulled out her phone and slowly made my way to her. I opened her messages and showed her the one from Alpha Beaty, and then the one from her commanding officer. Her eyes went wide.

“Care to explain this?”

“Where did you get that.” She hissed. 

“I know you weren’t called into duty until a week ago, so where the hell have you been the last month?” I said staying firm where I was standing, even though my legs felt like jelly. 

“Rose, what are you talking about?” Jake asked from behind me. I handed them the phone and read the messages.

“Mom?”

A single tear fell from her eye.

“I wanted to tell you…” She started, her head falling. “-I tried to tell you so many times. But I just couldn’t do it. You’re my baby.”

“Tell me what?”

“The truth about your father.”

“What's the truth about dad?” Andy asked, his voice barely audible.

“Have a seat. There’s a lot I need to tell you…”

3 days later…

My mother ended up not saying anything. The first day we were here, she said she was going to explain everything, but then said she was too tired. The next day it was the same, and it was the same again today. We only have three days before we go back, and I’m beginning to suspect I’ll never know the truth. The boys gave up on day 2 and went sightseeing. They claim it’s the meds driving her crazy. I knew better though. I was going to be alone in the hotel tonight because Jacob met a girl, and Andy met a guy. They said they wouldn’t be out late, but you know how it is with kids. “Young love” and all that. With that in mind, I grabbed my phone and found Apollo’s contact. He had called a few times but I was either with my mom or sleeping, so I didn’t have a free moment. But now that I did I figured I’d check-in. I took a deep breath, pressed the call button, and put the phone up to my ear. He responded immediately. 

“Rose? Rose are you okay?” He asked frantically into the phone. I should have at least texted him saying I was busy. I hate that he was worrying.

“Yeah, I’m sorry for not calling back. I’ve been really busy the last few days with my mom but I know I should have at least texted.”

“No, stop. Don’t apologize. I shouldn’t be acting like a crazy person. I’m just worried sick about you when you’re away.” This made me smile. He was so kind and cared so much about me. 

I started to get choked up. “I miss you.”

“Yeah, I miss you too.” He paused. “So, how are you? How's your mom?”

“Um, I’m doing well. All things considered.”

“And your mom?”

“I’m not quite sure how to answer that. Physically, her health is improving. The doctors say she should be clear for combat in a month.”

“Well, that's great. Why do you sound so down?”

“Because when we walked into the hospital the first day we were here, she went crazy. Started yelling things like “why did you come here” and “It’s not safe”. Stuff like that. Then when I showed her the messages, she said it was time for her to tell the truth.”

“About what?”

“My father.”

“And did she?”

“No.” I took in a deep breath. “After that, she said she was too tired, but that she’d tell us later. And she's continued to keep things to herself.”

“I’m so sorry Rose. Is there anything I can do to help? Make you less stressed?”

“Hearing your voice has helped” Smiled. And don’t ask me how, but I knew he was smiling too. 

“So, enough of my pity party. Tell me what has been happening with you.”

“Well, things have actually been pretty crazy over here.”

“Oh yeah? Like what?”

“Well if you must  know, my family is throwing a big thanksgiving party, and everyone has been working around the clock to pull it together.”

“Oh, that sounds so nice.”

“It is. Plus, some old friends just got back into town.”

“where were they?”

“They got a special opportunity to advance their fighting skills in Europe.”

“Ooh, fighting skills. Sounds fancy. Do I get to meet these friends?”

“Well that depends, Do you want to spend Thanksgiving with my family?”