Moon Marked by the Goddess

Fifteen

With my eyes closed, I roll over slowly and search for my phone so I can silence my alarm. My hand it roaming over the sheets, I can't seem to find the phone anywhere. I open my eyes, which are thoroughly crusted over from far too much sleep. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes with hand I pull the flat sheet off and shake it with the other, hoping my phone doesn't fly across the room, still no luck. I stand up and look on the floor next to the bed. Seeing the corned of my phone from underneath the corner of the bed, I grab it and dismiss my alarm. 5:15am, I have enough time to get ready, and eat a quick meal before meeting for training today. Tossing the phone onto the bed, I walk into my restroom. I grab the bottle of mouthwash, to get rid of my horrid morning breath, and look at my reflection as I swish the minty liquid around in my mouth.

My hair is currently in 2 braids to keep my curls from becoming a birds nest as I sleep. My brown eyes, are deep and almost look black, still have some crust in the corners. I spit the mouthwash out, and put tooth paste on my brother brush, I brush my teeth. My skin is a bit dry on my face, reminding me I need to pick up some more of my moisturizer. I spit out the toothpaste, and turn on the faucet to rinse out my mouth, then turn the faucet off. I take off my grey tshirt that falls to about midthigh on me, and slipping off my panties.

I take stock of the bruises that have formed. Noticing two new ones, on my left hip, and one the right side of my abdomen. Training was a bit tougher yesterday, than it has been in a while. I shake my head, and turn the shower on, keeping it luke warm, so I can wash my hair. Getting into theshower, I wash off all of yesterdays training. I was too tired and sore to shower last night, which is evident by the brown color of the water as it goes into the drain. After washing my body, and hair, I climb out and comb my mess of curls, and air dry. I throw my hair into a bun. Then walk back into my room, to get dressed.

I grab a pair of panties, a sports bra, a baggy black tshirt, and some grey shorts and quickly dress. Grabbing my phone, wallet, and keys I head out of the room making sure to lock my door, and heading down stairs to the dining hall.

When I make it to the dining hall, I notice some quiet chatter, coming from several tables, it seems most people are still half asleep. Several people nod their head to me in acknowledgement as I walk by their tables, and I nod back. I make my way to the door in the back that heads to the kitchen.

I step through the kitchen door, and immediately see the smiling face of our head cook, Matthew. "I was wondering when you would make it down here, Ry." He says.

"Yesterday wiped me out. Whatever you're feeding these new kids, give them much more energy then I had when I was starting my training." I scratch the head of my head while chucking.

"You're lucky the last cook retired, and I'm giving you all proper nutrition now. Also, your usual is in the microwave. You were later than normal, so it may be a little cold."

"Even if it's cold, it'll be delicious, your food is the absolute best." I say as I hug Matthew. I grab the plate, and stand in the back of the kitchen out of their way eating my food.

Matthew makes me a special breakfast every morning he works. Today was a cheeseburger, and sweet potatoes fries. He knows how much I hate typical breakfast foods, and doesn't subject me to the food everyone else eats.

I take the plate to the sink, and then walk out the back entrance towards to the training grounds. The sun is starting to rise, and it's chilly enough to put goosebumps on my skin, and it feels perfect out to me.

Running down the trail which takes me to the training grounds, about a quarter mile from the pack house. I can feel the anticipation bubbling beneath the surface to start training.

When I make it to the grounds, I see a masculine figure in the middle of the training grounds. I'm shocked to see I'm the not the first to make it. I usually set up the equipment we need before anyone else arrives.

I slow down and veer off of the trail into the the tree line, so I can see if it's a threat. I look into the arena, squinting to try and make out the figure, but the are too far away, and have their back to me.

The training grounds is in a clearing surrounded by forest on the edge of our land. I close my eyes, and focus on any sounds. Not hearing anyone else I slowly walk around the perimeter to get down wind, so I can try and pick up the scent of the intruder. Once on the opposite side of the clearing, I still can't make out their face, due to shadowing. I take in several breaths, and pick up the familiar scent. I step on a small twig, as I start to make my way into the clearing.

"Rylan, you're getting better. I wouldn't have known you were here, if you didn't give yourself away at the end."

"Thank you Alpha, you know I live to serve you." I say. Though I'm internally rolling my eyes. "I didn't realize you'd be here for the training today."

"I'm just coming to see if their are any ready to move to the more advance training yet. You've been training this group for a few months. We need them ready to progress soon. Very soon."

As he talks, I take the take to look him over. He's the classical definition of tall, dark, and handsome. I would estimate he's about 6'3, with warm russet skin. His eyes are grey, like thunder clouds, before a down pour. He has a strong sharp jawline, his lips are full and seem to be in a permanent pout.

"Ry..." He starts, his Adam's apple bobbing. "They're coming."

"What are you talking about?"

His eyes change, they're now Vincent's deep brown. "Rylan hurry. They're coming, they want you."

I'm start back back slowly, as Jackson's body slowly morphs into Vincent. "They won't stop until they get you."

"Who won't stop? What's coming."

He laughs, though it no longer sounds like either man I know. I squeeze my eyes shut, praying it's a dream that I'll wake up from. The laughter is sinister and all around me now. I open my eyes, and a man I've never seen before is now standing in the clearing. He's very tall at least 6'8 maybe even taller, idk. He's the most beautiful man I've ever seen in my life. Skin like mahogany, and so smooth. He's bald, and has a short neatly manicured beard. His eyes are so dark they look black. Broad shoulders that lead to a bare chest and torso. You can see his clearly defined muscles. He's wearing pair of blue jeans that are molded to his body, as though they were created just for him.

"I've finally found you. I am coming for you Rylan." His voice is a smooth baritone.

"Who in the f*ck are you?" I ask as I take another step back.

"My name is Luca, and you my darling will help me end this curse Morrighan has cast on."

"Morrighan? What are you talking about, I don't know any witches." I've never heard that name before, how could I possibly help?

"Your pathetic Moon Goddess, she cursed me, and you are the answer to freeing me."

I jump up, completely drenched in sweat. My breathing is erratic. I pinch my cheek, and feel a flash of sharp pain. Thank Goddess it was just a dream. Vincent is looking at me. "You've been tossing and turning. You were also talking in your sleep hut I couldn't make out what you were saying. I tried to wait you up, but I couldn't reach you. Are you okay?"

"I don't know, I had a strange dream. I'll have to consult with the Moon Goddess." the name Morrighan flashed into my mind. I'll have to ask her what's going on. It felt so real.