The Moon Goddess

Apollo

Chapter 4

APOLLO’S POV

A month has gone by since Rose’s birthday. Nothing super exciting has happened, we’ve hung out a couple of times and we’ve just kind of gone with the flow of life. My father has been on my ass about King stuff lately so I haven't seen Rose much. Speaking of Rose, she’s been kinda strange this past week. Avoiding calls, not answering messages. Skipping school. I don’t get the feeling that she purposefully avoiding us, but I can tell that she’s hiding something. I asked if she wanted to hang out this weekend after school today, but she said she’s spending the weekend with her brothers. I was going to hang out with Dom and Lia, but it’s their 6 month anniversary so I’m sure they’ll be busy doing… stuff. If you know what I mean.

Anyway, I guess I’d just focus on getting paperwork done and checking in on things around town. Dom and Lia wanted to start their romantic staycation right away so they left the second the bell rang. I stayed to work out though. We have a few gyms in the palace, as well as one in the packhouse, and some around town and they were all significantly nicer than the one at school, but I wanted to avoid seeing my father for as long as possible today, and school was probably the last place he’d look. I wasn’t in the mood for one of his infamous lectures. But alas, it was time to return. I walked past the front desk and smiled at the receptionist behind the desk.

“Going home for the day Alpha?”

“Unfortunately, yes. And it’ll always be Apollo to you. Plus I’m not Alpha just quite yet.”

“You’ll always be my Alpha. Unlike your father. Such a shameful man. I knew you were going to be a much better Alpha than your father the minute your parents first presented you to the pack. Such a shame about your mother too, she truly was one of the only good things about this pack.”

“Careful of your words Deborah.” Deborah and I both looked over to see my father standing in the middle of the doorway that led to the outside of the school. 

“O-oh your majesty, I-I apologize sir.” She managed to stutter out as she bowed her head in submission. Seeing my father use his power as Alpha to force people to bow to him has always disgusted me. He could even make other Alphas bow since he was king. I was the only person who was immune to it, and he truly hated me for it. 

“I just came here to fetch my son. Alpha training.”

“I thought we finished ‘Alpha training’ when I was 16.”

“Okay fine. It’s more of a transition than training.”

“But I do most of the work now anyway?”

“DAMMIT BOY! JUST DO AS YOU’RE TOLD!”

I sighed unimpressed and tired of his behavior, but Deborah whimpered at her place behind the large desk that greeted anyone who entered the school. For her sake, I better get him out of here.

“Fine. What do you need from me.”

“You need to meet with John and his former chain of command. They have some ideas about ‘pack improvement’ and ‘how to help the new member settle in’ blah blah blah. I don’t understand why people can’t just do as they're told.” I rolled my eyes at his blatant disregard for respect. 

“What are you going to be doing?”

I said as we climbed into his car. I guess I’d have to come back for mine. 

“Getting my divorce arranged. Since I won’t be king much longer, it’s pointless for Viola and I to remain married.” He said starting the car and pulling out of the highschool’s parking lot.

“Well she’ll still be part of the pack, and I’m not planning on kicking her out of the palace. Won’t it be uncomfortable to be around her?” I hated that my father was doing this. Viola was nothing but decent to him. Even when he didn’t deserve it. She has been the best queen she could have been given the circumstance.

“Shouldn’t be. Especially since I don’t plan to stick around.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I’m going to retire to Hawaii. So these next few months while you’re making the transition into leadership and my divorce is getting finalized, I’ll be looking for a house and setting up arrangements to live there permanently. I’ll be leaving most likely after Thanksgiving.”

“Okay well there's a lot to unpack there but first, why Hawaii? I mean why not somewhere less populated, or good places to shift and run? I mean your wolf is going to go crazy.”

“Well, that won’t be much of an issue.”

“And why the hell not?”

“Because I plan to be rid of the fucker the second I get the chance.”

“What? Is that even possible?”

“It is. I see your grandfather didn’t tell you everything.” He said in a spiteful tone. 

I shifted uncomfortably at the mention of my grandfather. His death was especially hard on me, seeing as he’s the one who raised me. Not this jackass.

“So, how is it possible?”

“It’s the same choice you make when you choose to age. You just make it sooner.”

“Wait what?”

“Well you f*****g moron, you are aware that werewolves age to a certain point, and then the aging process becomes significantly slower, that’s why we live so long.”

“Yes I’m ‘aware’ of that. It’s the first f*****g thing they teach us in school.” (pack school)

“Yes, well. It’s possible to extract your wolf earlier by performing a ritual for the moon goddess and getting permission from your Alpha. Which will be you. I assume you have no issue with this?” The audacity of this man.

“Well no, if it’s what you want then I’ll support you. I’m just not quite sure WHY you want to.”

“Well, if I’m being honest with you, son, and really if I’m being honest with myself, I never wanted to be a wolf. I never wanted to be King. I’ve never felt a strong connection to my wolf or even this life. I mean he’s never even spoken to me. He shifted when I needed him to but other than that I didn’t hear or see much of him until your mom came along. Then he couldn’t shut up.” He smiled and nudged my elbow. Like actually smiled. It was weird talking to my dad like this. But it was nice weird.

“After she died, he completely disappeared. I didn’t lose my strength or my hearing. But I was no longer able to mind link anyone, and I was no longer able to shift. I managed to keep this a secret from the other packs because I wanted you to be ready for the responsibilities of Alpha, and not have them forced upon you by angry hooligans who don’t want me in charge. That’s why I’ve been so hard on you. And for that, I do apologize. I know that I went overboard. This life just wasn’t meant for me. That’s why I’ve never been super spiritual or anything. It was hard to believe in someone, or something, who had dealt me such a shitty hand. You know?” I was short of words. My father had never opened up to me like this. I honestly didn’t know what to say or think for that matter.

“Anyway. We’re here.” He turned off the car but didn’t move. “Before we get out of the car and things go back to the way they were, I just wanted to let you know that I am truly proud of the man and leader you have become. And I’m sorry for the way I raised you. Maybe after I’m able to get away from all of this, and live the life I always wanted to, we could get close again. Like we were before your mom died.” I know that he means well, but this is so ridiculous. He should have been a good dad no matter what. 

“Thanks, dad.” Oh well, there was no point in dwelling. Some things needed to be done. 

“Good luck packing,” I remarked as I turned to leave the car.

“Son wait.” I stopped and looked back at him. “Promise me you’ll take good care of them. All of them.” I nodded a short response and made my way to the conference room. My father didn’t come out of the car and I didn’t pester him. I wanted to avoid him today anyway, it’s best if he’s out of the way while I dealt with pack issues. That way I could avoid his constant judgment. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate constructive criticism, but something I won’t tolerate is someone trying to control my every action. I stepped into the conference room and saw Mark, Dom, John and John’s old beta, I believe his name is Carl, sitting waiting for me.

“I apologize for my tardiness. Let’s begin, shall we? Now, what was it that you two wanted to speak to me about.” I addressed John and Carl as I took my seat. 

“Well, with the holidays coming up we had a few ideas to make our former pack feel more comfortable here,” John spoke. I nodded in response allowing him to continue. I truly hated formalities, unfortunately, it was occasionally necessary. 

“Well, our pack has- had,” He corrected himself. Which made me frown, I felt so sorry for him and his people, Alphas are very prideful and protective which made John’s decision to ask for help that much more impressive. I respected the man. “-a tradition in which every year, the day before Thanksgiving, the entire pack meets together and eats, and drinks, and plays games, and just spends time together. Then on Thanksgiving, we usually go our separate ways and celebrate with our mates and families.” 

“So like a big party?” Dom added.

“Precisely. However, I had a thought, how about this year, we turn it into a celebration of our newfound unity. We can have both members of our pack on the party committee, and we can incorporate traditions from each pack.” He finished. They all looked at me waiting for what I had to say. 

“I think that is an excellent idea, and I’d like John and Mark to see it over. I think it will be particularly beneficial to show our people that our leaders are getting along. I also think it’s a fortuitous time, seeing as Dominic and myself have begun to shift into our new roles, and Mark has more time on his hands.” I said winking at him. “Are there any objections?”

“Not at all Alpha, I think that’s an excellent plan,” Mark said, giving me an approving smile.

“I second that,” John added.

“Perfect. It’s settled then. Dominic, can you meet me in my office in 10 minutes please?”

“Yes sir.”

“And can you bring Lia along?”

“Of course.”

“Alright, thank you all for coming, please go on with your day.” I gave them each a nod before standing up and making my way to my office. Looks like we’re going to be pretty busy this next month with the holidays coming up and my transition to Alpha. I’ll have to speak with my council at some point this week. With my father leaving after Thanksgiving we’ll inevitably have to move up my coronation. This means I’ll have to have a mate by the new year at the latest. I need to put more attention on Rose. Figure her out, I didn’t have much time, and neither did she. I truly wish I didn’t have to throw her into this the way I am but I need to figure out if she is my mate.

“Hey Apollo, what did you need us for?” Lia said, interrupting my thoughts as she and Dom took their seats across from me. 

“Well, first I wanted to check-in. How’s the border looking?”

“Strong, no threats of any kind.”

“Good.” Lia was one of our pack’s best warriors. Her father was our top captain, graduated top of his class, and kept us very safe throughout the years. Lia of course followed in his footsteps, graduating from the academy at the top of her class and 4 years earlier than everyone else, and making captain at 18. She is the youngest female captain we’ve ever had, and she also doubles as my Delta. The Delta is the third in command, Delta isn’t a position that you are born into like Alpha or Beta, it’s a role that’s earned through hard work. Mostly the duties Delta works with Luna to keep peace in the pack. But Lia is also one of my most trusted confidants.

“The other thing I wanted to let you two know is that my father has decided to retire early, divorce Viola, and live off the rest of his days in Hawaii.”

“You’re joking right?”

“No. So now we have to meet with the council,-” The council was made up of the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and three other trusted people that the Alpha appoints. The Alpha still has all the power, the council just helps to suggest new Ideas and help console him if he so requires. They’re also in charge of large pack related events, such as the coronation of an Alpha. My council consists of Dom, Lia, Mark, John, and one of our pack elders. Because the council is so new we’ve never met before. It was unfortunate we’d be having to make our first decision before I’m even King. “-to decide when to move the coronation to.”

“But, you’re not mated yet.”

I sighed, “Yeah, I know.”

“Does that mean you’ll have to marry Cassidy?” Lia asked, horrified. 

“No, absolutely not. I won’t let that happen.”

“So that means you have to pressure Rose then?”

“No of course not!” I was angry with Dominic for even suggesting something like that. “It means, I’ll have to pressure myself. To work harder than I’ve ever had to work. For the greater good of the pack.”

“Well, I think your top priority should be Rose. Lia and I can handle things here. You need to be focusing on her.”

“I have to focus on the pack.”

“This is FOR the pack. Do you think Cassidy will make a good Luna? A good QUEEN. No. Rose, on the other hand, it was like she was made to lead. Have you ever noticed in class when a teacher asks a question that no one has the answer to, she ALWAYS seems to know what the solution is. Not just in class. The way she deals with people is so kind, and patient, but she also sticks to her decisions no matter the outcome. THAT’S what a good leader is. She has every quality that Cassidy doesn’t and more.” My heart swelled as Dominic's words came out. I couldn’t explain it but everything he said made me feel so proud of Rose. Charlie was running in circles out of excitement. 

“I can’t agree with you more. Are you guys sure you can handle things here?”

“Things are pretty chill normally. We’ll call you before big decisions but after this week I think you should focus on Rose.”

“You guys have no idea how much I appreciate you two. You two can go about your business now. Sorry for disrupting your day.”

“Please don’t ever apologize for asking for help, I’m gonna go back to border patrol, and then I have to lead warrior training,” She turned to Dom. “-see you tonight?” She said in anticipation.

“You bet,” He said just as thirsty.

“Alright alright, not in my office.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Lia said in a sarcastic tone before kissing Dominic smack dab on the middle of the lips and letting it linger just to tease me, and walking out the door.

Dominic just sat there smiling like a goof. “I love her so f*****g much,” He beamed. And then he too disappeared through my doorway. I was so happy that they had each other, but watching them kiss made me miss Rose. I picked up my phone and found her contact in my phone. With a deep breath I pressed the call button and after a few rings, was sent to voicemail. A few short moments later Rose’s voice began to flow from the speakers of her phone.

“Hi! Sorry, I couldn’t take your call, I must be really busy. Leave a message after the-” Then her phone beeped. I couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle. She was such a dork.

“Hey, Rose.” I sighed. “I don’t know exactly what you’ve got going on, but I’m currently going through mountains of paperwo- Homework” I corrected myself before continuing. “And just really missed your voice. I hope you’re doing good, wish I wasn’t so busy so we could go hangout. Call me when you get the chance okay? Bye.” I mumbled sadly into my phone before hanging up and resting my head on my desk. I didn’t realize how much she affected me and my mood. I haven't slept in days, I’ve had a headache since Monday, and my muscles and joints ache. How can one person affect me this much?

“Because she’s your mate.” Whispered Charlie weakly. Even he had begun to grow weak. I sighed for what feels like the hundredth time today before grabbing my keys and leaving my office. I decided to go for a small walk through the pack territory and check up on everyone. I needed to grab my car from the school parking lot anyway, and it’s been ages since I walked through town. I walked down the familiar streets of our pack neighborhood and greeted fellow pack members and visitors as I walked by. I stopped at the pack school that everyone living in the royal pack once went to from ages 1-10. It’s where we learned to shift, to fight, to mind link, to communicate with our wolves and everything about our history and the goddess. Lia, Dom, and I spent a lot of time here before Lia graduated way before us and transferred to warrior school. With Dom and I soon following of course. Every pack member was required to have a basic knowledge of combat and training, which happened in pack school, but those who wanted to become pack warriors, or in the case of Dominic and I, those who were supposed to advance into leadership positions went to the warrior academy. I peered through the window at all the small pups and smiled, I couldn’t wait to have my own children. One of the boys, who I got to know particularly well because his name was Charlie, came running to the window with wide eyes and waved when he saw me. This of course drew the attention of the other kids and I was soon being waved in. I chuckled and made my way to the front door. I had barely touched the handle when the door suddenly burst open and dozens of tiny hands were reaching out and pulling me inside. 

“Alpha Alpha! I can’t believe you’re visiting again!” One of the children squeaked. 

“It's been so long, Alpha Apollo!” I laughed as they continued to pull me inside and force me down onto one of the pillows in their reading corner.

“Read to us!” One of the young girls shrieked.

“No! He’s gonna come to fight with us!” Another young girl demanded while punching the air and nearly missing the face of a boy nearby. 

“Now children, don’t smother the Alpha. I’m sure he has much to do.” Viola’s voice called from the front of the class. She was filling in for the previous teacher who was currently on maternity leave. 

“Not too busy to visit my favorite munchkins,” I said, pinching Charlie's nose. “But I do need to speak with Miss Viola right now.” There were a few ‘aws’ that spread across the group of tiny humans. “How about I come back tomorrow and spend the day with you? We can read and fight all you want.” They all jumped in the air and cheered. 

“All right children. Why don’t you all go to the other room and practice your forms while I speak to the Alpha.” Viola cooed.

The children were reluctant, but obeyed her and went to the next room over.

“It’s sweet to see how much the children look up to the pack leaders,” I said standing up and making my way over to my stepmother. 

“They don’t love you because you’re their Alpha, Apollo. They love you because you are an incredibly kind, compassionate, and genuine person, and they can see that. Adults don’t give enough credit to children, they see through more bullshit than we give them credit for.” She said winking at me. To which I responded with a slight laugh.

“I assume you’re here to discuss your father's decision.” She said furrowing her brows.

“Yes and no. I just wanted to check on you and see how you were doing.”

“Oh well that’s very sweet of you dear, but there’s no need to worry. I knew what I was getting myself into when I married your father. I had no doubt this day would eventually come.”

“Yeah, but it still must suck. That being said, I just wanted to let you know I don’t plan to make you leave the palace. OR your room for that matter. Which probably won’t arise much of an argument from dad since he’s decided to ditch his wolf and move to Hawaii.” She shook her head at my words.

“He truly is a misguided soul, isn't he?”

“Yeah.”

“Well dear, I appreciate the check-in and I appreciate your words. Honestly, I think it WOULD be a bit of a hassle to find a new place, but on the other hand, I do like the idea of living the rest of my life as a simple woman. Maybe I could find a permanent job here at the school, and a small cottage by the lake. Plus, I do enjoy spending time with the pups. I feel I have a lot to learn from them.” I gave her a quizzical look.

“I know it sounds silly. You must be thinking ‘Viola, what could you possibly have to learn from a bunch of children?’ But honestly, they hold a very simple ideology of what life should be like, the kind of simple ideology I always wanted to live by.”

“I think that’s a wonderful thing. You know, when Sarah returns from maternity leave, she’s going to need extra help. I’m sure we can find something for you to do.”

“I appreciate that, Alpha,” Viola said while bowing her head.

“Please, you know how much I hate formalities. You’re the only mother I’ve ever known, so please, forever drop the formalities.” I said laughing. Surprisingly I earned a laugh from her too, she was always so calm and solemn. It was rare to see her show genuine emotion. I suppose that’s how it goes when you lose your mate though. 

“Yes, perhaps I went a little overboard. I should get back to the kids.”

“Yes, and I need to go pick up my car.”

“I’ll see you at dinner then.” She called as she walked into the other room.

“Bye!” I called as I stepped out of the door. 

I always loved visiting the school, I don’t know why I haven't been in so long. Maybe I just got busy; however, I don’t think a busy schedule is an excuse. I walked by the first year warrior academy students training in the fields and nodded over to Lia, before disappearing behind the tree line. I greeted the border patrol as I strolled into the forest and past the wall. Years ago we put up a wall with private property signs, so teenagers wouldn’t wander too far and find shifting wolves. We were allowed to run freely wherever we wanted as long as we shifted before exiting the wall. A few humans have stumbled onto the property, but we just told them that it was the town owner's land and that seemed to stop them from coming. Which wasn’t technically a lie. The royal pack was such a large piece of land that when more and more humans tried to settle on it, our ancestors pretended to be the owners of the land and said they had named the town Roslyn. My great, great grandpa named it after his mate. Which I thought was pretty sweet. Plus, the wall told wolf visitors exactly where their destination was. The royal pack tends to get more visitors than other packs, whether it’s for business reasons, or wolves just wanting to visit the kingdom. Visitors would usually stay at a hotel, or the palace, depending on who they were. My father commanded that only he, me, and Viola were permitted to live at the castle. He even made pack members become servants and do everything he asked of them. These were the first things I planned to change. I’d send all our pack members who were forced to slave for us home, and I would hire a cleaning crew from in town to keep the castle walls sparkling and pristine, plus I would be supporting a small business, win-win. ( Author’s note: We should ALL be supporting small businesses and black-owned businesses right now, sending love!)

The next thing I plan to do is invite people to come to live with Viola and me. Not necessarily just anybody, and nobody is forced to come, but I’ll invite Dom, Lia, and the members of my council. They will all have the option to come live here, and the rest of the vacant rooms will go to those who need extra support. I would rather die than have any of my pack members suffering. And since I’m king, that hospitality goes out to everyone. All werewolves. I finally made it to the school parking lot but stopped short when I saw the gang of misfits in front of me.

“You have got to be f*****g with me right now.” I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. “Are you really here?”

Suddenly six arms and three bodies were wrapped tight around me.

“AHHHHHHH I CAN’T BELIEVE WE FINALLY GET TO HUG YOU AGAIN.”

“Damn Becca, you’re gonna pop our eardrums.” 

“Stop bickering guys! We’re finally home!”

I pulled back to see the three beaming faces of my other three best friends. 

Becca, Joey, and Alex. 

“How are you guys here? When we talked last week you said they prolonged your training.” I managed to say through all the excitement. 

“We lied to you,” Becca said putting on her best evil face. The three of them were a year older than Dominic, Lia and I, and had been sent to a different pack for “behavioral adjustment.” But really my father just didn’t want them around. Every time they were supposed to come home, my dad always made up an excuse. I was so happy they were back.

“They treated you well over there right?” I asked sternly. 

“Of course they did Appie.” That was Becca’s nickname for me. I really hated it. Ignoring my glare she continued. “They knew that we were sent there on baseless accusations and doohickey.”

“Well, that’s good to hear. Have you seen your folks yet?”

“Yeah, and then we went to find you and were told you went for a stroll.” Joey teased.

“I just came to get my car, my dad picked me up today, terrified that I would be late for a meeting.”

“God, what's his issue.” Alex chimed in. 

“He just never wanted this life, and he makes that clear now more than ever since he stopped having to do Alpha things. Good thing you guys are home. We have a lot planned for thanksgiving, and we are moving my coronation up.”

“Oh yes, I heard about that” A wicked, wicked voice called out. We all snapped our heads over to see Cassidy evilly walking towards us. Her heels clicking and clacking with every god forbidden step that she took.