The Moon Goddess

Rose's Birthday

Chapter 3

ROSE’S POV

I fell onto my bed happily. I laid with my arms out to each side and my feet to the floor. Flashes of Apollo holding my hands appeared in my mind. I smiled to myself. 

“AHHHH” I squealed. A smile starting from my right ear going to my left stretched onto my face. Watch out Apollo Sage, I’m coming for you. 

APOLLO’S POV

“What was it you wanted to talk to us about?” Dominic asked from my bed. He and Lia had been waiting for me in my room while I walked Rose home. Apparently, I took too long because I found them asleep in my bed.

“It’s about Rose.”

“We approve.” Lia cut in.

“It’s not about that.”

They exchanged a look.

“Well then what's it about?” Dominic asked standing up.

“It’s about what her mom said to me before she left.”

“I thought you said it was nothing.”

“I lied. I didn’t want to worry her.”

Lia stood up. “Well does that mean there’s cause for worry?”

“Not that I’m yet aware of. But there may be.”

“Ok, so what is it then?”

“When I walked Rose home from school, I didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye before her mother was at the door and ordering her inside.” They waited and looked at me with anticipation.

“She knew.”

“Knew what Apollo?”

“What I was. And she made it seem like she knew Rose was too.” 

“But how would that even be possible. Even if her dad is a wolf, If a werewolf has a child with a human the offspring do not inherit the wolf gene, and you said her mother was definitely human right?”

“Definitely.”

Lia sat down and bit her lip. “Why are you telling us this?”

“Because I need your help figuring it out. I only have 6 months before I’m forced to marry Cassidy. Unless I find my mate. I don’t even know if that's Rose. But I have to find out.”

“Well, why risk it? I mean if you’re not 100% sure it's Rose then why spend so much time investigating just her? Wouldn’t it be more efficient to search in more than one place?”

“No, I can’t”

“Why not?”

“Because she’s the only person who’s ever made me feel the way I do when I’m around her. Plus, Charlie is convinced of it. Even if it’s not, as alpha and as King I owe my people safety. And Rose is a mystery.”

“You think she may be dangerous?”

“No, but she is living in our town, and I just have too many questions about her family.”

“She seems to have the same questions you do.” Lia bargained. 

I sighed. “Yeah, I know. I’m just not sure how to move forward.” It’s true. I didn’t. I was wrestling with my feelings for Rose and trying to protect my pack from a potential threat. It seemed no matter the choice I made I was being selfish.

“Well, really the only thing you can do is spend time with her,” Dominic interjected. 

“I guess you’re right. I’m taking her bowling tomorrow.” I smiled to myself as I said it. I knew I would have difficulty sleeping in anticipation. It was worth it.

“Just the two of you?” Lia teased.

“Yes just the two of us.” I teased back. “That’s the other thing. I’m taking her out because her birthday is tomorrow.”

“How old is she turning?”

“18.”

“Oh, dear. That means-”

“Yeah. I know.”

“What are you gonna do?”

“Make sure she’s nothing but happy.”

“Okay, but Apollo, you don’t have much time as it is. You can’t procrastinate on this.”

“I know. Thank you, both of you, for helping me. My trust wasn’t misplaced.”

“Of course. You don’t ever have to thank us.” Lia replied. I smiled at her.

“Alright, you two go to bed. It’s late.”

“Goodnight man.”

“Goodnight Apollo.” They called on their way out. 

“Goodnight,” I responded as they shut my door. I threw my jacket into my closet and unbuttoned my shirt. It was gonna be a long night. 

ROSE’S POV

I stretched and yawned as my eyelids fluttered open. Oh god… it’s my birthday. I reached over to grab my phone to see 3 new messages. 

Andy

“Happy birthday Lil sis. Sorry, we can’t hang out today but I promise to make it up to you. Love ya kiddo :)” 

Jake 

“Hey sis. Happy birthday!!!! Andy and I promise we’ll make it up to you. Try to have fun today okay! Love youuuuu” 

I laughed to myself, then sighed. No messages from mom. Not super surprising. I checked the third message.

Apollo 

“Hey I’m gonna pick you up a little early today, there's something I wanna show you. Happy birthday :)” 

Oh right! I forgot about Apollo! I typed a quick response and then hopped out of bed to get ready. I still couldn’t believe he wanted to spend the day with me. It’s so strange but so nice at the same time. I tied my messy brown hair into a ponytail, threw on some sneakers, and a simple hoodie followed by a pair of jeans. I always hated dressing up and I may be going out, but today was still my birthday and I was gonna wear whatever I wanted. I guess I could use the fact that I have no supervision and a hot guy, as an excuse to wear something slutty, but honestly, I didn’t care. I don’t know what kind of feelings Apollo and I may have for each other but I knew I didn’t have to be uncomfortable or try too hard to please him. I checked the time to see it was only 12. He wasn’t gonna be here for another hour so I would try calling my mom. Maybe she would be available. I walked down the kitchen and dialed her number. I put the phone to my ear and sat on a barstool. A moment after the ring began to sing on my end I heard a ringtone begin to chime somewhere in the kitchen. I checked the cupboards and found nothing other than my mother's phone buzzing around on top of some papers. I hung up my phone and placed it on the counter. Why would she leave her phone? I checked the screen to see 30 missed messages, a few from my brothers, a few from me, a couple from neighbors, nothing stood out to me except the oldest one. Sent to her the day before she left. 

Alpha Beaty 

“It’s time” 

Who the hell was “Alpha Beaty” . A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I checked my phone to see it was only 12:15. That's right, Apollo did say he would be early. I set down my mother's phone and put it away for the time being. I could figure this out later. 

I went and opened the door and daammmnnnn. He showed up in a fine ass black V-neck and gray sweatpants. In one hand he was carrying a six-pack (of sprite) and a bag of take-out in the other.

“I remember you saying you liked Chinese and staying in.” He said, shrugging.

I let out a sigh of relief. “Are you sure you’re fine with staying in?”

“Yes. And even if I wasn't, this is YOUR birthday. I want to do whatever you want to do. Plus, I had a long night last night so I would be more than content with staying in.”

“Okay well come on in and get comfortable while I go change.” I opened the door to let him in and led him to the family room before going to my room to throw on my sweats. I came downstairs and turned on the silence of the lambs. I generally liked scary movies, unless it was too creepy. But thankfully the only part of this movie that gives me the heebie-jeebies is when the creepy dude is following her around the house with night vision goggles. 

“Do you like the food?”

“Yeah, how’d you know I liked orange chicken?”

“I don’t know. You had an orange chicken kinda vibe.” 

“Mm, well it's very good,” I said with food in my mouth. I imagine it sounded more like “mm mmhm hairy bood” He let out a soft giggle and covered his mouth with his hand.

“Here you’ve got a little something here.” He said bringing his hand to my mouth and wiping away some orange chicken sauce. 

He let his hand linger and his eyes drifted to mine.

“Thanks,” I muttered slightly.

Without moving his hand or looking away he responded.

“You’re welcome.” His face changed then, his eyebrows narrowed and his mouth parted like he was trying to figure something out. Something he could only find within my eyes. I searched his eyes for an answer it didn’t seem he had. Then I leaned forward and pressed my lips on his gently. He pulled back and looked at me confused. 

“I’m sor-” But before I could get the word out he pressed his lips onto mine passionately. I didn’t hesitate, my arms went around his neck, and his went around my waist. He gently pulled me onto his lap and I broke apart to look at him for a moment. I wanted to remember it, to savor it. And it seemed he did too. He brought his lips back up to mine and they locked in, perfectly synchronized. As if they were made for each other. As if we were made for each other. He pulled away, breathless as I was, and leaned his forehead against mine. We sat still and quiet in each other's company. Afraid that if this moment ended we would never get it back. Eventually, without speaking he laid down and took me with him. I laid my head gently on his chest and fell asleep to the rhythm of his beating heart, somehow perfectly in sync with my own. 

                                                             ***

I wasn’t sure how long I was asleep for but I awoke to Apollo rubbing my back gently and whispering my name.

“Rose? Rose wake up, I have something to show you.” I lifted my head groggily and saw Apollo's beautiful white smile.

“What?” I asked in a rough voice.

“I was having such a good time I forgot why I wanted to come early. There’s something I want to show you.” I groaned and flopped my head down on his chest.

“5 more minutes.” I managed out before my snores came back. I heard a soft laugh and felt like I was moving but didn’t pay much attention to it and snuggled back into Apollo’s chest.

APOLLO’S POV

“5 more minutes.” I heard Rose mumble into my chest before dozing back off. I wondered why she was so tired. I let out a soft laugh and tried to sit up. If it weren’t for my supernatural strength I don’t think I could have managed to pick up both her and myself off the couch. I cradled her in my arms and walked out to my car. I placed her gently in the passenger seat and gently closed the door before running over to the driver's side and getting in. I started the car and drove off to our destination.

I had wanted to show Rose the waterfall that laid rest on our pack's territory. It was my other “secret place” however this was somewhere I hadn’t even told Dom about. I was waiting to share this place with someone special. It’s an ancient place of Alphas and kings. My ancestors have been coming here for hundreds of years to bask in the moon pool of our goddess Selene. It was a sacred place only to be shared by a king and his true mate. It was a place meant to be passed down from Alpha to son, but my grandfather never told my father about it because even from a young age he could see my father was never spiritual or grateful to our goddess. So he took me here instead. And told me story after story about our history with Selene and the elements. There are 5 elements. Air, water, fire, earth, and spirit. Some wolves are gifted with the ability to summon, control, and bend a single element. These wolves were called Astras. Hundreds of years ago the royal pack consisted completely of Astras, and the Alpha family was made up entirely of Galvas. Wolves gifted with the ability to summon, control, and bend all 5 elements, along with these abilities they were tribrids. Which is why they were thought to be the best to rule all three supernatural species, werewolves, vampires, and witches. But the Galvas became obsessed with power, and money, and vanity. The astras hated being viewed and treated as less by the Galvas. So they rebelled and killed the Galva family. After that the Astras went their separate ways, joining other packs and the royal pack was no more. Until my great great great great grandfather rose up and decided to take action. He was a highly spiritual man who always knew it was the Galvas' place to rule, but until one presented themself, he vowed he and his descendants would be the caretaker of the wolves. The vampires elected their own officials, and the witches simply existed in covens. All of the Sage Alphas knew our duty. Except for my father. He thinks the story is bullshit and sees wolves as the superior species, especially himself because he is “the king.” That is why my grandfather never showed him the sacred moon pool. He is the only Sage to not understand his place in the world. I waited almost an entire decade to bring my mate here. And now here she sits, snuggled up and snoring in my passenger seat. I smiled at the sound of her gentle breathing as I rounded the corner to the familiar country roads. As I was pulling into the trailhead Rose began to stir. Suddenly her eyes opened and her head snapped up.

“Where are we?” She said in a panic

“We’re at the place I wanted to show you.”

She looked at me, then the trail, then at me again.

“You’re not gonna kill me are you?” Her voice was laced with panic so I knew she was serious but I couldn't help laughing.

“No, I’m not gonna kill you.” She relaxed slightly but I could tell she was still on edge.

“How long have we been driving?”

“About a half-hour.”

“A half-hour!?”

“I tried to wake you up. But you wanted to sleep so I let you. It seemed like you were really tired.”

She sighed and sat with her legs folded criss-cross applesauce, and dropped her head in her hands.

“I’m so sorry, I don’t know what’s come over me. I can’t believe I fell asleep while you offered so nicely to spend the day with me and when you have a surprise for me I accuse you of murder.” Then she looked up at me with a hint of humor in her expression. “You must think I’m a complete nutcase.”

I laughed along with her.

“No, I don’t think you’re a nutcase.” She smiled and looked away. “A little cooky maybe.” “Hey!” She laughed and playfully punched my shoulder

“I’m just kidding. You awake enough for a small hike?” She looked back at the trailhead and nodded.

“I think a hike right now would be nice.” She smiled. 

We opened our doors and left the car. I double-clicked the lock button and waited for the beep before I walked around to Rose and held my hand out to her.

“You ready?” She nodded and took my hand. I began leading her on the trail and appreciated the foliage and shrubbery that lined the path. As we got deeper into the woods the trail disappeared and we had to stomp on and avoid bushes and leaves. We made it to the side of a mountain and stopped. I turned to her.

“We’re here,” I said excitedly. She didn’t match my excitement, she was just confused.

“And where exactly is that?” 

“Close your eyes.”

“Apollo-”

“Close them.” I interrupted. “Trust me.” She looked up at me, her eyes laced in thought. 

“I trust you.” She said closing her eyes. Making sure her eyes were closed I turned to face the rock and let out a loud howl only an Alpha could make. Thankfully the ancestors put a magic barrier around this place to keep anyone from hearing the howls of their Alpha. Otherwise, this place wouldn’t be much of a secret.

I looked back proudly at Rose and saw her mouth drop open as the rock began to part into a small doorway. So much for keeping her eyes closed. The rock moved with a heavy force. The ground gently rumbled as the rock continued to part. Once it was fully open it revealed a small closet-like space covered in leaves.

“This… is what you wanted to… show me?”

“Yes! Er, no…. It's just through here.” I said gesturing to the small open space. She looked at me hesitantly but then walked in.

“Okay…” 

I squeezed in next to her until we were pressed up against each other.

“So… what now?” I smiled deviously and reached my arms around her to trap her in. 

“A-apollo.” She stuttered looking down as a blush crept onto her face. I brought her chin up with my hand so she was looking in my eyes. Then I let out a soft howl and the rock cavity closed making it pitch black.

“Apollo! What’s happening! I can’t see anything, are you ok? Where are you?!”

“I’m here. It’s okay.” I said gently while wrapping my arms around her. I could feel her breathing heavily and I could feel my shirt wetting where her head was pressed against my chest. 

“Hey, hey it’s ok. I’m right here.”

“I’m sorry, I-I just really don’t like the dark.”

“Rose…”

“Yeah?”

“Listen.”

“For what?”

“Just listen,” I stopped “I promise you’ll feel better” I added. She didn’t say anything but I could tell she was trying because her breathing began to still and she leaned into me. After a while, she pulled away.

“It sounds like… Water?” I smiled. Although I know she couldn’t see it. I moved my arm and pushed back a thick layer of leaves to reveal a cave. 

ROSE’S POV

I was beginning to get scared but I felt his arm move from around me, then came the sound of leaves rustling, suddenly light flooded the small space and what I thought was a wall or stone ended up being a thick curtain of ivy. Once they were out of the way, a medium-sized cave was revealed. From which a waterfall flowed into a pool that laid in the middle of the back wall. A circular pool of crystal clear water that was illuminated by an inexplicable light that seemed to be coming from nowhere. There was soft green mossy grass lining the bottom of the pool and the cave floor. A huge beautiful blossoming tree was on the right of the pool, and on the left was a small area that looked to be a place for meditation. The cave was a large circle with no other ways to enter or exit except the small opening we were standing in. I looked up at Apollo and couldn’t help myself from throwing a big goofy grin on and gushing about the cave.

“Apollo! This place is beautiful!”

“You like it?” He said sheepishly 

“I LOVE it!” I threw my arms around his neck and pulled myself into him.

“Thank you,” I mumbled into his neck. I pulled away and I had forgotten how dark it had been before because now I could see how close we were. Our bodies were pressed tightly together and when I looked up at him our faces were barely an inch apart. I looked down blushing.

“Oh, uh whoops,” I said as I managed to awkwardly shimmy out of the entrance and into the cave. 

“It’s okay. I don't mind being close to you.” I knew he was right behind me because I could feel his breath on my neck. I took in a deep breath.

“Soo, what is this place?”I asked, walking forward, ignoring his words.

“That’s kind of a long story… one that I feel would be more appropriate telling some other time.” I turned to face him, and right when I was about to ask more questions, I saw them. Beautiful paintings covered the wall behind us. 

“Wow. What are these?” I asked as I got closer to the wall and traced the painting with my hand.

“Another long story.” I looked at him over my shoulder.

“Seems you have a lot of those.”

“You’d be surprised.” 

I suppose I should be wary of him, but I wasn’t. I’m not quite sure what that says about me, but it felt almost, wrong, to be uncomfortable around him. I continued to trace the paintings until I came to one in particular. It was of a woman, she was standing large over what it seemed to be the world. In one hand she held the moon, and in the other, she held the sun. Her hair flowed wildly and her eyes glowed purple. 

“The moon goddess. Selene.” I heard Apollo say from behind me. “Creator and mother of all supernatural beings. Many liked to refer to her as God’s sister. While Jesus was king of humans, she was Queen of supernaturals.” 

“Supernaturals?”

“Witches, Vampires, and Werewolves.”

“Hm, fun story.”

“You don’t believe it?”

“I wouldn’t say I don’t believe it, I’ve grown up my whole life without believing anything really. I haven’t had the opportunity to stop and actually figure out what exactly it is I believe in.”

This time he didn’t hesitate. In one swift movement, he was behind me and his arms were around me.

“Apollo?”

“I’m sorry. I just needed a hug.” He began to drop his arms but I pulled them back up. “I like hugs.” And so we stayed there. Just holding each other. 

“Rose?”

“Mhm?” I responded, closing my eyes.

“Can we lay down? My legs hurt.” I turned to face him and laughed. 

“Yes ya goof, we can lay down.”

We laid down on the soft grass and his arm snaked around my waist but stopped before his hand touched my breast. I let out a soft laugh and brought his hand up to my boob and cuddled his arm. He tensed up.

“Rose….”

“Shh… just go to sleep.” He relaxed and our body’s molded together perfectly, making us both drift off happily. 

The Next Morning

APOLLO’S POV

I woke up to someone whispering to me gently.

“Apollo. Apollo wake up.” I opened my eyes groggily and found Rose still peacefully asleep in my arms. My head snapped up trying to find the source of the voice.

“APOLLO! It’s me you MORON.” I sighed

“What do you want, Charlie,” I said closing my eyes again.

“Dominic has been trying to mind link us for a half-hour, but when you’re asleep you obviously LOSE YOUR ABILITY TO HEAR.”

“I’m with Rose. Dominic can wait.”

“While I’m loving the groping, I think this is something you may wanna hear.” I sighed and mind-linked with Dominic.

“Hey man. Charlie says there’s something you wanna tell me?”

“Apollo! There you are! We’ve been looking for you for 10 hours!”

“What? Why?”

“Because you never came home last night, and you didn’t tell anyone where you were going. Plus your phone was off and no one could link with you. You scared us half to death.”

“Oh, sorry I’ve been with Rose.”

“ALL night. I see you, you sly dog.”

“It was nothing like that man.”

“Okay well if you’re with Rose then where are you guys. We checked her house and just found two very confused boys who thought their sister was asleep in her room. They even called the police. It became a whole thing.”

“We were gone for one-night man.”

“Her brothers are CRAZY. I would not wanna be you right now. I’m gonna go tell them that you called me back to ease everyone’s worry, but you should get her home soon.”

“Alright, we’re on our way.”

“See you soon.”

I sighed and gently shook Rose awake.

She turned to me and a groggy smile stretched across her face

“Hey, you.”

“Hey,” I responded with the same smile

“How’d you sleep?”

“Best I’ve slept in months.”

“That may have been the best I’ve slept, period.” She responded jokingly.

“Hey uh, Rose?”

“Yeah?”

“We might be in a little tiny bit of trouble.”

“What why?”

“Apparently your brothers showed up at your house demanding to know where you were just as Dominic went there to find me. And now they’ve called the police worried sick.”

“Oh shit.” The color drained from her face.

“It’s okay though, Dominic managed to mind link me and I sorted it all out. All that’s left is to get you home.”

“Oh okay good- wait, Mind linked?”

“Sorry I meant called. Dom and I call it that sometimes because even over the phone it’s like we can read minds.”

“Oh, um okay. Well, I guess we just gotta get me home then.”

“Yeah and FAST. Your brothers weren’t super thrilled when they found out you spent the night with a boy.”

“Yeah, I don’t imagine they would be.”

We let out a laugh together and then rushed out of the cave and back to the car. I hoped They wouldn’t try to kill me. Rose may very well be the person I spend eternity with and if her family didn’t like me… we’d have issues. We left the cave and rushed back. The police had already left, clearly tired of dealing with the teenagers in this town, and her brothers were waiting with Dominic and Lia at the front door. They were smiling and laughing until they saw my car pull up. Rose got out of the car and was about to get out of the car when I grabbed onto her hand.

“Hey, you can’t mention the cave. No one knows about it.”

She looked a tad confused but smiled anyway.

“Don’t worry, I won't. I like having a secret place with you.” I returned her smile and let her go. She hopped out of the car with me close behind her.

“I am so sorry you guys worried about me.”

“Where the hell were you, Rosie,” Jake demanded. “You scared us half to death,” Andy added.

“I know and I’m sorry, I should have told you I was going out, but we weren’t planning on staying out all night.”

“Oh yes. WE. Where's this boy we heard so much about.” I looked over to see Apollo talking to Lia and Dominic.

Jacob and Andrew followed my gaze to Apollo and both let out a wow.

“Damn Rosie, good work.” 

“You’re not mad?”

“You’re an adult for christ's sake, so no we’re not mad. Just tell us where you are and who you’re with next time so we don’t worry.” Andy said

“I promise.” They smiled and hugged me.

“As for him. Staying out all night with a hot hunk of meat huh.” Jake said, nudging me with his elbow.

“Stop, it’s not like that. He came over to watch a movie because he wanted to spend my birthday with me and then he ended up wanting to show me something and we fell asleep.”

“SHOW you something huh?”

“It was a- uh-” I was trying to find something to say instead of “cave.” “It was a clearing. Yeah, this beautiful clearing in the woods, that's what happened”

“Yeah okay. So anyway, what's the deal with him. You guys dating?”

“I- don’t really know what we are. He was the first person I met at school and he introduced me to those two over there. I’ve hung out with them a couple of times, I don't know, we’ve kissed-”

“You KISSED?!”

“I’m 18 years old. You are aware I’ve kissed people before right?”

“Well damn, we’ve got to meet this kid.”

“What do you mean? Why?”

“He’s the first guy you’ve been serious enough to talk to us about. We wanna meet him.”

“Well, I was kinda forced to…”

“Nonsense. Twin? Shall we go introduce ourselves?” Andy said looking at Jake.

“We shall.” and without giving me a chance to think they swerved around me and made their way to Apollo. I turned around to see them making introductions. 

“Weird huh?” Lia said beside me, I hadn’t even noticed that she had made her way over.

“Uh, what's weird?” I responded quite distracted by my brothers looking particularly nosy.

“Worlds colliding. It was pretty much the same for me when Dom and I met each other's family. But now his parents are like my parents and vice versa.”

“Yeah, I wouldn't be as concerned if those two knuckleheads weren’t my brothers.”

“Eh, what could they really do, Apollo can take care of himself.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” We both looked back over to see Apollo in a headlock and Andy giving him a noogie.

“What the hell?” 

“Haha, Rosie! We liked him!” While Andy was distracted Apollo managed to break loose of his hold and lock his arms behind his head.”

“Careful, all it takes is a moment of distraction to lose your advantage.”

“Kid knows his stuff.”

“Aren’t we the same age?”

“Oh whatever, just let me go,” Andy grumbled. Apollo laughed and let him go before walking over to me.

“Hey, so I think I should probably head out. I got some things to do back home, but we’ll talk later?” 

“Yeah sure.” I looked to my side to see all four of the other human beings near us staring at us in clear anticipation. I looked back towards Apollo uncomfortably and raised my head so I could whisper to him. He was so tall he had to lean down a little so I could reach.

“I want to kiss you but it seems we have an audience.”

He looked over and let out an “ah”

“Oh what the hell.” He said looking at me and shrugging before leaning down and gently placing his lips on mine. It surprised me a bit at first but then I melted into it and draped my arms around his neck as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Alright, that’s enough.” I heard Jacob call out from down the driveway. I sighed and pulled away from Apollo. 

“I’ll see you at school?” I nodded and he smiled before getting in his car with Dominic. 

“Happy birthday,” Lia said, hugging me before following the guys.

“Bye guys!” I said waving to them as their car disappeared down the street. 

“You’ve got some good friends sis.”

“I do, don’t I?”

“Come on, go get dressed. We’re taking you out to dinner.”

“Ooh, where?”

“It’s a surprise. Just go get ready, we’ll wait in the car.”

“Okay!”

I ran inside and was halfway up the stairs when I remembered mom's phone. I ran back into the kitchen and got her phone from the drawer. There was only one new message and it was from her superior.

Captain Russel 

"Commander, we need you in Washington. Get here immediately. We will send someone to pick you up at the airport on Wednesday at 0700 hours. I apologize for the short notice."

Wait… this was sent today. I thought mom was called to service last week. Where the hell is mom?