The Moon Goddess

The Party

ROSE’S POV

I wasn’t sure what my mom had said to Apollo but when I walked into school the next day, he was gone. As he was the next day and the day after that and the day after that. It went on like this for the next 2 weeks. Dominic had been gone too. Although I met his girlfriend. Lia. She was nice as well, but soon enough she disappeared too. Leaving me alone. 

I sighed as I approached the stairs of my school. I knew today would be no different than the others. So I headed straight towards my small dusty corner I had been spending most of my time outside class. I smiled and sent a small nod in the direction of the librarian who I had grown quite fond of the past couple of weeks as I hobbled over to my quaint secluded corner. 

I made my way through a small maze of bookshelves before squeezing through the crack between two bookshelves that was just big enough I could get through. Then, I was in my secret corner. This part of the library was home to old poems and sonnets, abandoned over the years. After disuse, bookshelves containing more “in the now” titles were put in front making this place a distant memory. I pulled an old and dusty book off of its place on the shelf and admired its title printed in large, beautiful, and bold gold letters. 

“Romeo and Juliet” 

I sunk to the ground, crossed my legs, and sighed in content as I opened the paper cover and read the familiar words. 

“Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona…” 

I snapped my head up as I heard voices approaching. 

“Are you sure she’s here man? It's nothing but old dusty books no one looks at.” 

“Yea I’m sure. Her scent leads back here.” My mouth hung open as I identified the voices as none other than Apollo and Dominic. Did he just say scent? I put the book back quietly and crawled to peek through the small crack. 

I waited for a few short moments before I could see their feet.

“I told you, man, there’s NOTHING back here. Lia and I use it as our hook up spot sometimes.” My face twisted in disgust and as if he read my mind, Apollo had the same reaction. But then he sighed.

“Come on man. I know you can smell her too” What was with him and smelling people?

“Wait a second, It looks like there’s something behind here.” My eyes widened in horror as they moved the bookshelf away with inhuman strength, exposing me and my secret nook. I thought they would be mad but instead, they were both confused.

“Rose? What are you doing on the floor?” Apollo asked while c*****g his head to the side. I had to hold back a small giggle at his resemblance to a confused puppy. 

“Uh, w-well..” I stammered trying to find the right words as I stood up and wiped my hands on my pants to remove the sweat beginning to swell. 

APOLLO’S POV

She looked at me for a moment, considering whether or not to continue. She sighed “This is where I come to hide. Especially since you guys disappeared. I'm kind of anti-social and don't know anybody else.” Rose looked down at her feet and my wolf stirred inside me wanting to comfort her. I held back. I had to come up with some kind of excuse.

“I’m really sorry about that, we had family stuff going on.” Which technically wasn’t dishonest. My presence as future King was required as Alpha John’s pack officially merged with ours. The past two weeks had been focused on helping the new members fully move and integrate into their new homes. Some found their own place in town, while others stayed in the packhouse or moved in with their newfound mates. As an Alpha, I was pleased to see my people were doing well and succeeding, but I missed school, and if I was being honest with myself I missed Rose. 

“Oh, I’m sorry. What happened?”

“O-oh uh-”

“Just had some visitors we needed to tend to,” Dom interjected. 

I gave him a thankful glance before I noticed Rose gathering her things.

“I really am sorry, I would have called or texted but I didn’t have your number.” Instead of responding she just nodded slightly.

“Hey uh, what did my mother say to you?” She asked, folding her arms across her chest. Not in an aggressive way, more in a gentle but inquisitive way. 

“I’ll leave you two alone.” Dom offered while slowly and awkwardly backing away before spinning around and rushing out of the library.

I couldn’t tell her the truth. Not yet anyway. “Nothing in particular” I mused. Pursing my lips as she eyed me skeptically. She relaxed and dropped her arms from her chest.

She leaned a bit forward. “So are you sticking around?”

I smiled at the thought of her wanting me around. “I should be.” A blush flashed onto her face, making the butterflies in my stomach go wild. “Dom and I were talking with Lia and we realized you probably haven’t seen much of the town and were wondering if you wanted to come out with us tonight?” I waited anxiously for her reply, hoping and praying that she’d accept. I had this burning desire to be around her, and I knew it wouldn’t falter. 

“That actually sounds nice. My mom left a couple of weeks ago and my brothers decided to move onto campus, so I’m kinda on my own.”

I felt a rage bubble inside me, and I had to ball my fists to keep it from surfacing .“They left you by yourself?” I asked, trying to appear as calm as possible. Which clearly didn’t work because she looked surprised by my posture shift.

“W-well no not fully…” She stuttered unsure of whether or not to continue, clearly noticing my mood change. “I-i mean they still drop by and pay the bills and stuff for me, they are just gone most of the time. They still come by on weekends though.” I took a deep breath and released my hands. I hated the idea of her having to be alone, but she wasn’t mine. Yet.

“Then you need this as much as we do,” I said, lightening the mood. “How about we pick you up at 6?”

“Yea, ok. Sounds good.” I flashed her one more smile before offering to walk her to class. Knowing damn well we were going the same way. 

ROSE’S POV

It was sweet of Apollo to invite me out with his friends. Plus it was good for me to get out. I played it off but ever since my mom was deployed and my brothers moved out, I’ve been quite lonely. 

Plus, I would finally get a chance to see what Apollo is like outside of school. I had only hung out with him in class and that one time we walked home from school... The last time I saw him. For a while, I thought maybe my mom had scared him off. Now I at least knew it wasn’t my fault. But their whole story was kind of sketchy. 

Apollo, Dominic, and Lia all had a family thing going on when none of them are related and they were gone for two weeks. It just didn’t make sense. I brushed it off however, I wanted to leave my past behind and restart. Making new friends was the best place to start. 

The day went by in a blur, Apollo sat next to me through all of our classes. I still wasn’t sure how he was in all of them. He must have just skipped the morning classes on the first day. He walked me home again and made sure I was ok being by myself before heading back to his place and leaving me to get ready. School ended at 3 and it was a 30-minute walk so I only had 2 and a half hours to get ready. I know that sounds dramatic, but in my defense, I didn’t know I would have plans, so I scheduled a 3-hour nap. With just me and my sweats. Now I had to look somewhat presentable. So I got a snack, watched a show, and at 5 decided to rinse off in the shower. I stepped out and dried my body before throwing on a pair of bleach washed mom jeans and putting a gray sweater wrap shirt around my arms, tying it at one end of my abdomen and then the other. I let my hair drape gently down my back, but I didn’t bother with makeup. I put some tennis shoes on just in time to hear my phone ding. I looked over to see Apollo’s name lit up brightly on the screen and swiped the notification to open my phone.

“We’re outside whenever you’re ready :)”

I couldn’t stop a smile from creeping onto my face, I liked the way he texted. Before I had a chance to respond my screen lit up again and I checked to see a second message.

“This is Apollo by the way ;)”

Hm… I don’t remember giving him my number… or putting his number in my contacts...

I typed a quick response before grabbing my purse and heading out.

“Omw :)”

I opened the front door and my jaw almost dropped. In front of me was a classic red 1966 Ford Mustang. The gentle purr of the engine plus the beauty emanating off the people sitting inside was almost too much to handle. Apollo was behind the wheel sporting aviators and a dark blue blazer that sat over a white untucked button-down shirt and blue jeans. Dominic sat in the back with a similar-looking white button-down and dark blue slacks, with his arm over Lia who was wearing a cute yellow sundress with small flowers sewn in. 

“Hey, stranger!” Lia called from Dominic's side. 

“Hey!” I said leaning down. “Nice ride,” I said once more admiring the car before climbing in the passenger seat next to Apollo.

“You ready?” Apollo looked at me and said somewhat ominously. 

I nodded enthusiastically and we were off. As we drove Dominic let out a loud hoot when we made our way down an old empty country road. Lia laughed beside him and gazed at him lovingly. 

I turned to face Apollo. “So what’s the occasion?” I asked resting my elbow comfortably on the side of the window.

He looked at me almost surprised I asked. “O-oh, you know, just hanging out.” I eyed him suspiciously before Dominic cut in.

“Oh come on, don’t be like that.” Then he turned to me. “It’s big man’s birthday. 18!” He said before letting out another hoot. Apollo shifted uncomfortably before looking at me waiting for my reaction.

“What! Oh my gosh, I didn’t get you anything I’m so sorry!”

“Really it’s ok. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to make a big deal of it.”

“But it is a big deal.” I reasoned. “I mean it’s not every day you turn 18.” He smiled at me but didn’t respond. Simply nodded in agreement. Clearly, he had reservations about becoming an adult. What it was I didn’t know. He was such a mystery. Some would call me an i***t for jumping in a car with a guy I know nothing about. 

We pulled up to a small restaurant where Dominic and Lia jumped out of the car and told us to wait. Apollo and I sat in comfortable silence for a good 10 minutes before he spoke. 

“Do you know what they have planned?” He asked, keeping his eyes ahead.

“I didn’t even know it was your birthday until 15 minutes ago, so no.” I meant it to be light but it came out a little snarky, I hoped he hadn’t noticed. 

“I'm sorry about not telling you. This really is just a hangout, Dom knows me well enough to know that the last thing I’d want is a big celebration. I didn’t tell you because I figured it wouldn’t come up.” 

I suddenly felt bad. I bit my lower lip and then placed my hand on top of his. The slight sparks made my skin tingle where our hands touched and he looked up at me, his eyes full of an unknown emotion. “You don’t have to apologize, I understand not wanting to celebrate.” He simply nodded and looked away. Man of few words. I sighed and removed my hand from his. Startled by the movement he glanced up at me, but only for a moment. 

“With my brother moving into their dorm and my mother gone, I don’t have much to celebrate tomorrow either.” This seemed to get his attention

“Your birthday is tomorrow?” He asked, almost alarmed. I narrowed my eyes and pursed my lips in suspicion. 

“Yes..” I muttered out slowly. 

“Oh.” He looked taken aback. He turned back to me and was about to speak when Dominic and Lia rushed back to the car.

“Alright, It’s officially the part of the evening where we blindfold the birthday boy and put him in the passenger seat,” Dominic exclaimed enthusiastically as he bent over Apollo’s open window. I took it as my cue to make my way silently to the back seat with Lia as Dominic blindfolded Apollo and took over the wheel. 

“Let’s get this party STARTED!” Dominic yelled, blasting music and singing along to it while the rest of us sat in silence. I hadn’t said anything since me and Apollo’s strange conversation. I wonder why he was so surprised and almost… gloomy? About my birthday being tomorrow. I mean the life literally drained from his face. I suppose I would have time to talk to him about it later. Right now it was about celebrating him and having a good time. Plus, I had only known him for a couple of weeks. Most of that time he had been away. I wasn’t sure where my place was tonight. 

Thoughts spun around in my head as we drove, we made our way down an old looking road that was lined by trees on each side before Dominic had pulled off onto a dirt path that wouldn’t have been noticeable if you were just driving by.

We made our way deeper and deeper into the woods, the deeper we got, the eerier I felt. 

Why were they taking a girl they barely knew, to go celebrate with them in the middle of the woods. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat every time we went over a rock or a root, indicating that our road was no longer a road, and Dominic was now driving in the forest dodging trees and trying to get through the mess of things. 

Once we were a good 30 miles into the woods he stopped the car and everyone stepped out. I followed their example and made my way out, I followed them to the trunk as they pulled out a picnic basket.

“Do you mind holding Apollo’s arm to help guide him?” Lia asked turning to me

“O-of course.” I managed to stumble out, still afraid they were going to kill me and bury my remains. I grabbed hold of Apollo’s arm and the fear and doubt instantly melted away as I felt the familiar sparks fly up my arm, but only for a moment before I was alert again.

I helped guide him through the maze of trees until we finally pushed back the leaves of a large and old willow, and burst through into a large circular clearing. As we walked towards the center, I truly felt I had been transported somewhere whimsical. The moon beat against a small pond reflecting a slight glow. Fireflies flew busily about our heads casting their light onto the world below. Giant willow trees surrounded us. If they hadn’t led me in here I would’ve walked right by without noticing it. It was a hidden beauty. 

“Ok. Now. Open your eyes!” Dominic exclaimed as he threw off the blindfold that once rested upon Apollo’s face.

“I still don’t see the need for the blindfold, we go here every year.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “and I’m the one who found it.” 

“Oh, so you tryna take claim?” Dominic said playfully getting in his face.

Apollo smiled devilishly “Yea maybe I am.” Next thing I knew Dominic was on top of Apollo wrestling him to the ground. Lia walked over to me with her arms folded over her chest as the boy’s squirmed at each other.

“They do this every year.” She informed me as she made her way to my side. I was completely unaware of the way I had been watching. 

“It’s nice to have someone to laugh at them with.”

“He’s never brought anyone else here?”

“Nope.” She said, popping the “P”. “You must be pretty special.” She said nudging my side with her elbow.

“Trust me, nothing special here. Just an average little old me.” I sighed and looked down. I said those words as a joke but I was realizing that being average was my new normal.

APOLLO’S POV

I hadn’t said anything to Rose since what happened in the car. I feel bad about it but my thoughts are spinning. I thought I had more time, I thought she had more time. But now that I’m 18 I have to take over as Alpha. And if I don’t have my mate yet I will be set up with the most eligible woman my age. Which in my case was Cassidy Wallace. God, I hated her. She had always been the mean girl. Of school and the pack. She would make a terrible Luna. But the law is the law. A law I intended to change the moment I took over. I find it ridiculous young Alpha’s have to take a Luna as soon as they turn 18. I think they should have time to find their mate. They’re only given 6 months to find their mate after their birthday before their parents arrange something. Thank god I have Rose. I just wish I could learn more, and ease her into it. But if she’s turning 18 tomorrow I don’t have a choice but to introduce her to the pack. I hope for her sake she isn’t my mate, so she can live a normal human life. However, selfishly I’d like it to be real. She’s just so infatuating. Plus I’m much more attracted to her than Cassidy. It’s not even just about appearance either. Every conversation I have with her I find myself falling harder and harder. So naturally, I’m sitting here saying nothing while Dominic and Rose are having a lively debate. I must have zoned out. But Dominic shouting snapped me out of it.

“What do you MEAN Shakespeare is better than Twilight!” Dom was very passionate about Twilight. None of us really knew why, I think it’s the wolves. The first time he read it, he said “Finally an accurate representation of us.” 

“Yea, well Twilight has no culture, no class. Shakespeare writes Love, and tragedy, and comedy. Shakespeare is a real author.” Rose rebutted folding her arms across her chest.

Dom let in an extremely loud and exaggerated gasp.

“How DARE YOU.” Lia was at his side now, rubbing his back. “Come on Dom, let’s go for a walk and cool you down.” She said trying to stifle a laugh.

“Why you little…” He muttered at Rose as Lia led him away. Once they were out of the clearing Rose let out an angelic laugh.

“I like that guy,” She said smiling. 

“Not many people can get him rattled like that. Kudos.” She smiled in response. I shifted uncomfortably and scooted closer to her. 

“So…”

“So…” 

“Are you having fun?” I asked, rubbing my hand. Why was I being so damn awkward? She probably thought I’m a loser.

“I am actually yea. I didn’t know how much I needed this. Thank you for inviting me.”

“Oh yes of course. I’m happy you’re here.”

“Really?”

“Yea, I like it when you’re around.” I felt my cheeks getting flushed so I looked down and saw her do the same.

“Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Yes of course.”

“What did my mom really say to you. Please, I need to know.”

“I uh, i-it’s complicated.” I sighed in defeat. I wanted to tell her but I couldn’t. Not yet.

“Apollo you have to.” I looked up surprised hearing my name. It sounded so nice coming from her mouth. 

“Why do you want to know so badly.”

She waited a second before answering. Eventually, she sighed and stood up. She walked over to the pond and crossed her arms over her chest. I figured she wasn’t going to say anything so I gave up and looked away. But then she spoke.

“After you guys talked, she didn’t say anything for the rest of the night. She skipped dinner and went straight to bed. She left early and didn’t say bye. Every time she leaves, she risks not coming home.” She turned back around to face me, arms still crossed and eyes grim. “When she told me to go inside…. Well, it may be the last thing I’ll ever hear her say. I need to know what she said to you.” I sighed and stood up and a tear began to roll down her cheek.

I walked over to her and wrapped my arms around her. She was stiff at first but then melted into my touch and hugged me back. As soon as she did her tears came in twos and began to pour heavily from her eyes. 

“I’m sorry” She managed to say through sobs. I just held her tighter and stroked her hair with my hand. 

“You’re going to see her again.”

“What if I don’t” I pulled away and held her face in my hands.

“You will.” She just nodded and wiped her face.

“I’m so sorry, this is probably so uncomfortable for you.”

“Hey, you don’t have to apologize for anything.” I stepped away slightly and took her hands in mine. 

“Can I say something?” She looked up at me through wet eyes.

“Anything,” I responded.

“I don’t know why, but I feel so connected to you. When I’m with you, it’s like something in the back of my mind does somersaults out of excitement just for being around you.”

I nodded and she continued.

“Something inside of me… shifted… when I moved here when I met you. I don’t know what it is but I want to find out.”

My wolf purred slightly. I loved her voice, and so did my wolf it seemed.

“Rose, I’ll tell you what your mother said. But not yet. There is a definite time and place to do so, and right now, right here. It isn’t right. Just know that, I don’t want to keep this from you. It’s just really really important that I tell you when the time is right.” She looked down for a moment.

“Okay.” She looked up. “I trust you.” My heart began beating rapidly at our closeness. Her lips parted slightly and I began to lean down. Right before our lips were about to touch we heard Lia and Dominic smash back through the clearing. I sighed and stepped away disappointed. 

“Nah I like her. She may be annoying as s**t but I think she’s good for Apollo.” I turned around and watched as they walked towards us. 

“We can hear you,” I called as I felt Rose’s hands graze my back. 

“Um… Apollo?” I heard her whisper quietly behind me. I turned around and took her small hands in mine.

“Yes?”

“I-if it’s alright with you, I’d like to go home.” She looked down but up again almost immediately. “-But you don’t have to drive me. The town is small, I could probably walk home.”

“Rose, of course, we can take you home. I’m not letting you walk by yourself. It’s dangerous to be in the woods alone.”

Rose looked at me with uncertainty, as she was about to answer Dom opened his big mouth.

“Ok well, I wanna go straight home so how about you walk your little girlfriend here home and we’ll take the car.”

“N-no i-it’s really okay. You go home with them, you all live close to each other right? I’ll find a way hom-”

“Rose, I’m walking you home.” She hesitated before nodding.

“I’ll see you guys later. When you get home go to the pack- I mean the community center, and I’ll meet you there. I want to show you guys something.” Hopefully, they caught the clue to wait in my room back at the packhouse. 

I turned to Rose. “You ready? I know a shortcut that should lead to your neighborhood so we don’t have to walk 30 miles.” She nodded. I began walking and she trailed behind closely. I waved to Dominic and Lia as they drove off into the woods. 

“So. Was this everything you hoped it would be?” I asked, trying to break the ice. She smiled and pursed her lips.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

“Well, I was the one who invited you. I want to make sure you had a good time.”

“I did. Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For giving me a reason to get out. I haven’t seen anybody outside of school.”

“What about your brothers?”

“Eh. They said they’d be around but it’s college. They are still settling into their dorms and classes. Friends. Parties. I get it. They don’t have time for their dorky little sister. And overall it doesn’t bother me. I’m not much of a “people person”. It really only bothers me the few times where I have nothing else to think about and I realize I’m alone.” I stopped walking.

“What?” She stopped as well and turned to face me. 

I took long deep breaths and studied her features carefully. 

“Apollo, what is it?” Without thinking I took her hands in mine and settled my wandering eyes onto hers and locked them in place.

“You’re not alone Rose. I don’t exactly know what this little thing we have is but I’m here. Always. And so is Lia and Dom.” 

She let out a soft laugh. “Well, I don’t know so much about Dominic.” I chuckled.

“Yeah, you may have some warming up to do with him.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it. I wasn’t expecting to find what I've found.”

“And what's that?”

“Friends.” She smiled. I kept my hand in one of hers and kept walking. I wondered if she felt the mating bond. Or maybe our connection is just so naturally strong it doesn’t need the bond. Not that I’m not grateful for the bond. It allows us to have a connection that goes beyond the physical world. But there’s so much I still don’t know. I mean she is like a big fat question mark. I still have no idea why her mother was being so cryptic. It seemed like she knew Rose was a wolf but for some reason, it was a big secret. I mean, she was definitely a human so maybe she dated a shifter and had kids and maybe his pack found him and was furious that he broke the law so they killed him and she had to hide her kids. Ya, that had to be it. I didn’t see any other possibility. 

I was so lost in my thoughts I barely noticed when Rose stopped walking.

“We’re here.” I heard her say softly. I looked up. We were already at her driveway. I didn’t realize she lived so close to the forest. Maybe that’s intentional… 

“Guess I should probably go to bed…”

“Yea… uh... Goodnight..” I said awkwardly, taking my hand out of her grasp.

“Yeah. Goodnight.” She looked down and walked glumly towards her door. I hesitated.

“R-rose?” She turned around.

“Yeah?”

“Can I pick you up at noon tomorrow?”

“For what?” 

“I wanna take you out for your birthday.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“But I want to.”

“Well ok then. Noon.” She said with a smile. I watched her go back inside and close the door before letting out a big hoot and dancing at the end of her driveway. I was so excited. I ran towards the tree line and broke through my clothes as I shifted. My wolf needed to be free. He was way too excited to stay contained.

“I’m in love.” He howled.

“Haha. You're crazy.” I knew my wolf would eventually need to be controlled, but not yet. I wanted us to enjoy this together. 

Today we won. It was a small win, but a win. I knew my relationship with Rose would be different than normal wolves’. Whether or not she’s human, she was raised as human. I would have to work hard to earn her affection. And I was happy about it. Sure, things would be easier if she felt the mate bond as strongly as I did, but I didn’t want this to be easy. She deserves more than easy. My mate deserves the world. And I’m gonna give it to her.