Chapter 78: Chapter 16

HALEY

Months have passed, and Virgil and I are still together, still a secret. Not much has changed except that I’ve been training with the guards in their wolf forms. It’s so much harder with their size, their teeth, and their fur.

One jerk took a bite out of my shoulder. It pissed me off so much that he took a knee to the balls. Uncle Ryan was angry, but since it was training, and I fed the guy his nuts for lunch, he was only reprimanded.

I got bandaged up.

Virgil was fuming when I told him what happened. I calmed him down by cuddling into his chest behind some bushes at school. “I’m not some delicate little flower, you know.”

“You are to me. My delicate little Moon Flower.” I giggle, but he pulls me in for a kiss, being careful of my injury. “Haley. How much longer do we have to keep this a secret?”

I feel bad. He’s been so accommodating to my wish. It would be nice to be able to just kiss him whenever I felt like it. Or to let him hold me. Hell, even go on a date.

“Soon. I promise. Let’s let my arm heal before anything though.”

He lets out a frustrated breath but nods. “All right. We should probably get going or we’ll be late to class.” He gives me one more kiss then we part ways, at least for the first hour.

“Where’ve you been?” Glory asks as I sit beside her just as the bell rings.

“I was with Virgil. I was telling him about my shoulder.” She rolls her eyes and the teacher begins her lesson.

It’s already Friday and tomorrow is Alpha Ramirez’s party. I see Natalie at lunch and she’s still not marked. That’s weird. When I saw the party in a vision, she had a mark.

Huh. Maybe he’ll mark her tonight. I daze off as I focus on Natalie. Yup, he marks her tonight.

Glory nudges me. “Would you stop that?” I just roll my eyes.

~Your little crescent moon birthmark is so cute,~ Virgil tells me.

I just shake my head. ~It’s not cute.~

~I’ve always liked it. It only shows up when you stare off into space.~

~That’s why I’m not supposed to do it. Uncle Ryan said it means I’m blessed by the Moon Goddess.~

~So if someone sees it and recognizes it, you could be in danger?~

~That’s the gist of it.~

~Why not just wear a hat?~ I snicker a laugh.

A deep, gravelly voice enters my thoughts. ~The Moon Goddess’s gift is not a joke, child.~

~Oracle?~

~You are a stubborn one. Seek the fallen star. She searches for you. She will help you.~

~Do you mean the Starlight Sister that is Natalie’s mother?~

~That is correct, child. You need her to reach your full potential.~

My thoughts clear and I look around. I’m no longer at the lunch table, but on the ground behind the bushes with Virgil and Glory looking over me. “How did I get out here?”

“I carried you. Shit, you scared the hell out of me.”

I crawl onto his lap and kiss him. “I’m sorry to have worried you.”

“I knew it. You two could’ve told me, you know. Haley, you did more than blank out, we’ve missed a whole class. The bell rang just after you blanked out so I don’t think anyone noticed.”

“Your mark was glowing brighter than I’ve ever seen it glow before.” Virgil caresses my forehead with his thumb, then kisses the spot. I close my eyes and relish the feel of his touch.

“So how long have you been dating?” Glory looks between us.

“Since the camp. The day after my birthday.” Virgil answers.

Glory shakes her head and gets to her feet. “Well, I guess since you are a secret, I won’t say anything. We should probably get going, last period will start soon.”

I close my eyes and picture Natalie to find out more about her mother. She watches as Natalie trains her cousin to control his fire. I focus in on the Starlight Sister and see her bless little D with a green glow.

“Damn it, Haley. Stop it. We’re going to get in trouble if we miss any more classes.”

“Sorry, Glory.” I chirp out.

Virgil helps me to my feet. I want to ask him about his brother, but I’m not supposed to know that. He holds me and looks into my eyes. “Are you good?”

I give him a slight nod. “Yeah. I have a small headache, but I’ll be fine.” Just then the bell rings. He kisses me then we walk back into the school.

Natalie and Kenna are already here with their aprons on, ready to go. Uncle Ryan said he never questions the Oracle’s warnings. It’s now or never, I guess.

“Natalie. Can I talk to you for a second?” She gives me a questioning look, but follows me to the corner away from anyone that can eavesdrop. I look around to make sure no one is near then whisper. “How is the training going?”

She gets a bit defensive. “What are you talking about?”

I know damn well she knows what I’m talking about. “Training your cousin to control his fire. I haven’t seen anything burn here at school so I assume it’s going all right.”

Her mouth drops open, but she quickly recovers. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I roll my eyes. I guess we both have secrets. “Ugh, whatever. I get it. Just tell your mom I’m ready to meet her now. I need her help.”

She looks at me like I have two heads. “What do you need from my mom? She’s a nurse at the Redd Pack.”

Goddess, I know she’s not a freaking idiot. “I know that, I’ve met her. But I’m not talking about your adopted mom, I’m talking about your real mom. She’s looking for me. Just tell her to be at the party for Alpha Ramirez tomorrow. Glory and I will be there with Uncle Ryan. Oh, and good luck tonight.” I tell her knowing she’s losing her v-card and getting marked.

Goddess, I want what she has; a mate that would do anything for her. My heart sinks and I get back to my station beside Glory.

~There, Oracle. Are you happy now?~

~Very. Now stop dating that stray.~

~Hell no! You’re not going to let me have my mate, I’m at least going to enjoy my boyfriend.~

~Do not give yourself to him or you will not only lose your mate, you will forfeit your life and your sister’s as well.~

My heart plummets to my stomach, and tears flow from my eyes. It’s not fair! Why don’t I get to be happy?

Everyone else on the planet gets to have a mate, so why not me? What did I ever do that was so bad to warrant this as my punishment?

Fate is so cruel sometimes in choosing life and death. But for me, it’s much worse. I get to live a lonely existence while my sister gets her mate.

Yet, I’m the one dealing with visions of other people. Fuck you, fate! Pick someone else for your twisted game.

Glory pats my back as we ride home on the bus.

“Haley? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I just don’t want to be different anymore.”

My anger has subsided, and my sadness has abated. Virgil calls me, but I ignore the call. I send him a text letting him know I’m fine but that I have a lot of homework.

He already knows this since we’re in the same classes. I call him just to say goodnight, then toss and turn as new visions bombard my mind.

I wake up exhausted with Uncle Ryan asleep on the navy blue couch he bought for my room. It’s not fair to him either. He just took in two strays, one of which is defective.

~Child, you will have a chance. You are stronger than you know. I know it is a difficult request, but I guarantee it will be worth it.

You will receive help from now on. Trust in your sister, she is your other half for a reason.~

I have no reply and let go of a shaky breath. Uncle Ryan wakes up and looks me over.

“That was another rough night.”

I nod, having nothing to say.

“Stay and rest more if you need it.”

“Uncle Ryan, am I allowed to have a boyfriend?” I ask, just to see if he would freak out.

“You mean Virgil?” I look up to his knowing eyes.

“I saw the way you look at each other. You’re an intelligent young lady, I leave that up to you. But I will caution you to save yourself for your mate.”

“I don’t get to have a mate.” My eyes tear up again.

“You never know. Things happen for a reason.”

I shake my head, remembering the Oracle’s warning.

“I can’t get physical anyway. The Oracle told me that it would kill me and Glory both. I just want to have a connection to someone that isn’t family, just for a little while.”

“I understand. I trust you to make that choice. I’ll let the guards know Virgil is welcome to visit.”

“I’m sorry you have to lose sleep over me.”

“I’m not. I’m happy to be here for you. I’m glad to know you’re safe and no longer in the camp.”

He stands and stretches, then folds up his blanket and places it and his pillow at the end of the couch.

“We have a party to go to tonight, I hope that will perk you up at least a little.”

I smile because I know Glory gets to meet her mate, even if they don’t recognize each other yet.