Barely Breathing

I took the time to take a bath and chose casual jeans and a black off-shoulder shirt. I tied my hair in a messy bun. Looking at my
reflection, a satisfied smile lingered on my lips.
After pacing a few more minutes waiting for Tash to come back, I have grown impatient with it. So, I decided to get some food to
eat first. My stomach can't wait any longer. I wonder what took her so long.
Turning on a corner, the alpha's office door was slightly ajar and it felt Deja vu. Curiosity kills the cat and I know I shouldn't, yet I
peek, again. Seems like no one's inside, it's too quiet. Just as I was about to go away, hushed voices argued.
"The council has divided beliefs arguing the effects it will bring. They're giving me a headache." It was Luna Fae's voice. My
brows knitted together not expecting them to go home up 'til next week.
"They're testing my patience. Those lowly wolves know exactly how I respond to such absurd things. Maybe it's time for them to
realize who has the upper hand" It was Xyrus. I can't see them, they might be seated on the sofa.
"No son, you are not to do anything. Let me and your father deal with this." A sighed was heard and the tapping of heels on the
tiles echoed like someone was moving.
"Besides, aren't you going to let Willow come in?"
That's when the door fully opened revealing a smiling Luna. Blood rushed through my face, so embarrassed being caught
eavesdropping. My face must gave it all since Luna Fae chuckled a little seeing my expression.
This was one of the moments how I wish I was a witch rather than a werewolf. Disappearing whenever you like to, sounds
helpful at the moment.
"How have you been dear?" She pulled me into a motherly hug. It was so warm and welcoming. Something stirred in my heart at
the act.
Luna Fae is a sweet, caring woman with a delicate heart. She has short brunette hair and a slender figure. High cheeks matched
her button nose which highlighted her features.
"I'm good Luna, how's the trip?" She stepped aside so I can come inside. I hesitated but went inside nonetheless.
"It was extraordinary. We are planning to go next week again and head to Egypt. And please call me Fae, you are the Luna now."
She giggled, full of enthusiasm.

"Ohh okay," I smiled shyly. "That is exciting, I wished I could go too."
"Sure you will dear, you and Xyrus should go." We reached the sofa and I saw Xyrus seating on a single cushioned chair. The
loveseat sofa was beside it and Luna Fae sat upon it.
"Not playing hide and seek anymore I see," Xyrus smirked, he narrowed his eyes once he noticed my exposed shoulders.
"What are you wearing. I thought we agreed about this?" He spoke up.
"Agreed what?" I asked innocently, smiling on the inside. I took a seat beside Luna but he pulled my hand by surprise and I
ended sitting on his lap.
I shrieked as my back hit his chest and felt his chin on my shoulder, his hands wrapped around me holding me in place.
If it wasn't for Luna Fae, I probably would have tackled him with me on the floor to make him pay for touching me or better cut his
fingers one by one with pleasure.
"Son, you're making her uncomfortable." I heard her said.
She gave me an apologetic smile though his act was normal for us werewolves having our chosen mate, especially if the bond
was already sealed by the moon goddess. When both marked each other and completed the mating process, they become one.
That's why when one's chosen dies, it's hard for the other to live alone. I should know. That's what happened to my parents.
"Is my son taking good care of you Willow?" She asked.
"He...he is alright," I replied shyly. Torn between focusing on her and ignoring the devil who was brushing my hair with his fingers.
He tucked my hair behind my ear.
"Of course mother, I take care of what's mine." He proudly announced.
My breath hitched as his nose touched my ear and whispered in a low voice. "Changing now aren't we?"
Then he let go of me and I didn't waste more time as I hurriedly stood up and excused myself which she politely agreed telling
me she wants to talk to me later. I didn't bother looking at the devil who probably has his signature evil grin. I sure will make him
pay later.
Once outside, I let out the breath I was holding and walk almost ran into my room to find a shirt.

He's so unreasonable! If I thought I could start to know him better, I'm taking it back now. I hate him! I'm not changing because
he told me so but because I don't want a repeat of what happened.
***
Later that afternoon, the girls decided to take a swim at the lake before it freezes into ice and we all agreed to come. The lake
was beautiful and enticing.
"Wait first, I'll check the water." Heather volunteered. She left us and dipped his foot on the water testing its temperature.
"Grrrr. It's already freezing." She voiced out excitedly. "Jump on girls."
Elony was the one to jump first and even did a flip in the air before diving straight into the lake. As for werewolves, we have a
warm temperature which makes this cold water nice.
I took off my shirt and was about to jump too when a shriek suddenly echoed through the forest, piercing our ears. Cassie was
jumping up and down excitedly looking something at my back. Tash followed her lead and examined it.
"Willow! Is it what I think it is?!" Tash uttered, her face unbelieving while pointing at my back.
I tried to look at what she pointed but how else could I see it. Soon, the girls surrounded me behind gasping and mumbling some
words I didn't catch.
"Girls, you're scaring me! What's in my back?" Please don't make it an insect, I hate those! Ewww... I struggled to not shake it off.
Elony was the first to recover and smiled a teasing smile and said the words which I never prepared myself for.
Willow, someone put a claim on you."
My blood went cold.
"No, but, it doesn't look like mine." Tash retorted. She took off her shirt and showed us a mark on her collarbone. It looks like a
symbol written in an ancient language.
"Yeah," Elony said confused. "I think mine too." She showed hers too. Their marks are different but placed both in their collar
bone.

"Why is yours at your nape Willow?" Callie, one of the twins asked. "It doesn't look like a tattoo either. This isn't a tattoo right?"
"Nope, never had one," I confessed. "What is it like?"
"It's a side face of a wolf howling and... and around it is a moon...not just ordinary moon Willow. It's the moon in red."
"The blood moon." Heather gasped, staring at Tash. Some understanding crossed between them.
"What is it, Heather?" I inquired, staring at her and Tash.
They again looked at each other. Tash was the one who replied. "I think it would be better for you to ask alpha himself."