Chapter 4: New Home, New Secrets
[Dove]
Connie is not Cole's grandmother.
And Claire is the housekeeper and cook.
Those were the first two things I discovered the first week in my new home.
Next was the size of Whispering Moon Pack's home ground.
Cole's mansion alone is the size of my pack's village. And, according to the second in command (who told me when Cole first introduced us), it is only a fifth of the entire thing.
It makes sense that my room is as huge as the main hall in my old home.
Yes, I have my own quarters; I'm married but I don't share a room with my husband.
Lord Cole Grey decided that I would be a catastrophe to his peace and quiet so he put me in the opposite wing, 3 main halls away from him. That was two weeks ago, and I heard nothing from him or about him ever since. Not even his shadow; and I don’t even know if he had one since I’ve never actually seen him in broad daylight.
Same story, different setting. What's new?
But I won't let this hurt me. I am determined to do this Luna job right, and I will focus on it.
So if I had to learn how to make Lord Cole Grey's favorite dish - I will do it.
A fair-skinned hand grabbed my wrist. I looked up from the bowl of yellow creamy batter, soon to be baked with the roast beef, and Claire was shaking her head at me.
She pointed to the mess around the bowl.
I gave her an awkward smile. "I'll clean it." And grabbed a rag.
She returned to the roast beef.
Yes. Claire doesn't talk.
But she points, nods, bows, grabs and shakes her limbs - or mine - during emergencies. So we got along pretty well and she has helped me a lot.
She is much older than she looks. Still, she could easily pass off as one of those human biker women - black blouse, black jeans, black hair bun, black eyeliner and black lips.
The only thing missing is the tattoos.
And her eyebrows.
It was the first thing I noticed. That empty space between her forehead and eyelids.
I find it odd. But I guessed she has her reasons, and I'm sure I will learn about it one day. I mean, I am living here permanently; I am part of the family; I am one of them now.
I threw the dirty rag on the white marble counter and frowned. "This is ridiculous."
Claire stared at me with a blank look.
My knees suddenly gave way and I crumpled to the ground. She rushed forward to grab me and ended up kneeling with me.
She lifted my chin and immediately my view started to blur. I burst into hard hot tears.
She gave me a puzzled look.
"I can't do anything right!" I was shouting but I didn't care. "Two weeks, Claire! It has been two weeks! I've been doing the same thing for two weeks and I still can't get it right!"
I hugged my knees and hid my red and wet face in them. I felt a pat on my shoulder and a sense of familiarity hit me.
The Moon Goddess.
I lifted my face and stared at Claire. "Claire, where's the house of the Moon Goddess?"
Her eyes grew twice the size.
I grabbed her hands and pulled her close. "I know I can't leave the house but I can't… I can't take it anymore. I need… I need to… " I was trying hard to make sense because everything was falling apart inside.
She rubbed my arms to comfort me but it made me feel worse.
"Claire," I begged. "Tell me. Where is the house of the Moon Goddess?"
She shook her head.
"Please… please, Claire." I was desperate. I never cried in front of anyone. But just the sight of her face makes me want to pour everything out.
Years of anxiety and suppression. What the hell did I do wrong to deserve such a life?!
I wailed harder. My life was truly a whole ball of werewolf's hair.
"I was supposed to serve the Moon Goddess but I ended up marrying an ox who prefers a log for his wife!"
Claire started rubbing my back.
"Claire. Tell me."
She shook her head again.
"Okay, point. Point it to me. The direction. I'll find my way there."
Claire finally crossed her hands over each other.
I hiccupped in a shock.
"There is no house of the Moon Goddess here?" My voice trembled with fear.
The pale face with black features closed her eyes and shook her head one last time.
I finally let go of her hands.
There is no house of the Moon Goddess here.
One of the greatest werewolf clans roaming the Earth, the largest, mightiest and wealthiest one in the region, and they have no house of the Moon Goddess.
"Why?" I was more scared than angry. No werewolf should turn their back on the Moon Goddess. It’s impossible!
Claire shook her head with a sigh.
I sniffed. Then, I realised.
It had been the Moon Goddess all along. My father insulting Cole, and then the marriage arrangement. It happened so abruptly, I didn't have time to think it through then.
I was meant to take this path and help these people.
I returned to Claire's worried face. "I have to do something." I sniffed again, this time more assured. Wiping my eyes and cheeks, I stood up.
Ignoring Claire’s puzzled face, I grabbed her hands with a newfound purpose and determination and gave her my brightest smile. “I am going to help these people, Claire. That’s what a Luna does - she protects her people. And I’m going to protect you all.”
I need to speak to Cole now. This is ‘necessary’.
“Cole’s out.” The smiling gamma with short spiky hair replied instantly.
The lack of hesitation was quite refreshing, I couldn’t help but return the same enthusiasm. “Do you know when he’ll be back? I need to talk to him.”
“He said he’ll be back for dinner. It sounds urgent. Maybe I can help?”
I hesitated now. An old habit. I never trusted anyone in my pack and learned to pick up signs of danger lurking in the depths of kind offers.
But this bright-eyed, smiley face werewolf seemed genuine. Plus he’s scratching his temple and tilting his head like a lost cub.
“Dove?” He waved a hand in front of me.
I blinked and decided to take the risk. “I’d like to take a walk around this place. Can you help?”
The worried face lit up like the afternoon sun. “Sure! I can escort you around.”
He was already moving towards the exit when I grabbed his shoulder. “Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Owin Williams. At your service, our Luna.” He saluted cheerfully.
I bowed and smiled. “Owin. Is there a more private path we could take?” I noticed his puzzled face and quickly added. “Cole said that I cannot be seen wandering around unless he’s with me.”
His expression turned into a weird one but I had no time for it. I needed to check the grounds. There might be a house of the Moon Goddess abandoned somewhere. All werewolves worship the deity - they might have turned their back on her but not their ancestors.
“Sure, Dove. I know all the paths - open and secret ones. As long as you stick close to me, we’re good.”
I gladly agree.