Chapter 79: Chapter 17

HALEY

“It’s about damned time, you sneaky little shit. You know I’ve been looking for you,” the Starlight Sister grabs my attention. My eyes widen slightly at her absolutely plain appearance.

I had thought she’d at least have a glow to her skin or something, but this woman looks just like any other human. The only thing that sets her apart is the power she exudes.

She takes my hand and pulls me outside, away from prying eyes and ears. “I know that you’ve been looking for me, Goddess, but I wasn’t ready yet,” I tell her as we lean against a wooden fence.

“It doesn’t matter, you’re here now.” She places a yellow glowing palm to my forehead and closes her eyes. I can feel her practically pawing through my memories.

I jerk back, away from her hand. “Those are private.”

“Not to me, Oracle.”

“I’m not the Oracle yet. She still lives, and you know it.”

“Fine, Seer. I need to find the block, now hold still.” She returns her glowing palm across my forehead and she begins her search anew. My vision of the memories she’s pawing through goes dark, like she’s hiding something.

“What block? What are you not showing me, Goddess?”

“Realta. And it’s not me. You have blocked a portion of your childhood. Aha! I found it.” Realta growls as if she were part wolf. “That motherfucker! At least I got to torture his offspring,” Realta states as if torture is as innocent as playing with a dolly.

She removes her hand and my head begins to ache. She takes a few breaths to calm herself. “Your memory of the incident will return in pieces. I’m sorry to say you’re not going to like what you remember. Once that memory returns, I’ll be able to unlock your true potential.”

Her palm glows white and my headache subsides. “What do you mean my true potential? I already have control of my visions.”

“Don’t be a brat.” She rolls her eyes. “I know what you see and I know what you are capable of seeing. You don’t have full control, they pop into your head randomly. Right or wrong?”

“Yes, that’s true, but I can bring visions of who I want, when I want.”

“That’s not true for everyone. You’re fifteen, right?”

“Yes…Realta. My sister and I will be sixteen soon.”

“Yes, Oracles are always twins. The next one will be a descendant of your sister.”

“So, we’re related to the Oracle? She never told me.” I think back to the few times she’s spoken to me.

“I did just say that. How else could she contact you so easily?” Her turquoise eyes stare deeply into mine. “You haven’t told anyone.” Her eyes light up and she side glances the crowd of dancing people for a moment then smirks at Natalie whose face turns scarlet.

Realta looks back to me. “You’re free to tell those you trust, but it is a good idea to wait for the opportune moment. I will be there when you age up. Oh, before I forget, you must reject your mate when you discover him or he will not be able to succeed. Don’t worry, you’ll have a second chance. Make sure you reject him immediately or he will be too attached to accept the rejection.”

“What? Are you insane? You can’t just tell me to reject a guy that has been destined for me by the Moon Goddess herself.”

“You don’t have a choice. Either you reject him or the Moon Goddess will remove you and give your gift to another, more deserving vessel. I already said you will have a second chance, don’t be stupid. My mother has plans for him and he cannot succeed if he’s distracted by you, got it?”

“Remove me? Good, take it away. I don’t want to be the vessel. Is there another vessel?”

“Remove you as in…” She slashes her fingers across her neck and I feel the full weight of her meaning. “As for vessels, not yet, that’s why the Oracle is as old as she is. The others before you refused to reject their mate, selfish little bitches.” She crosses her arms and juts out her tiny hip.

I hang my head. “I didn’t ask for this, you know.” A tear seeps from my eye and I swipe it away.

“I know. No one asks for the hand they’ve been dealt, but it is as it is.” She tilts my chin up and continues to speak. “You are a strong, brave, worthy vessel or you would not have been chosen. Trust in the Moon Goddess, she will guide you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it is my favorite son-in-law’s birthday and I need to give him his gift. I will be there on your birthday, Haley.” Realta kisses my forehead then leaves to join the throng of dancing people.

I never imagined I would have to let go of my fated mate as soon as I meet him, until all this started happening. How cruel to pair two people only to make them deny each other. Goddess, it’s so unfair. Glory and I both have been looking forward to finding our mates since we can remember.

I guess I have to let that dream go now. My heart is heavily filled with disappointment and loss for a love I am denied. I look up to the sky and almost scream in anger before I let it go knowing damned well that she’s the reason the last two years have been better for me and my sister.

I let out a breath and join the party in the hope that my spirits will be lifted. I stop short when I see a man that I have come to hope for. Glory’s future mate is dancing with Kenna and a group of other girls. I wonder if he has any clue.

I grab Glory’s hand and drag her to the group. I know Kenna has a hard time around us, but she’s nice enough to not say anything about us being here. Since our futures cross paths, I think it wise to break the tension.

The music dies down and I nudge Kenna for introductions. She gives me a tight smile, but complies. “Everyone this is Haley and Glory.” The group waves and she continues. “This is Cameron, Spencer, Melissa, Yuri, June, and Felix.” I nod to each, but Glory’s mate is staring at her. I didn’t catch which names are which, but that doesn’t matter really.

The band starts up again and I grab Kenna’s attention, pulling her away from the crowd. “We’re not that bad. I know you have a hard time with us, but we don’t try to cause trouble, it just kind of happens,” I tell her as bluntly as possible.

“Haley, I just don’t like it when people mess around when they’re supposed to be listening.” She crosses her arms uncomfortably. “Otherwise, I have nothing against you both.”

“Well, that’s good to know, but that’s not how it is. Glory is a klutz, and I try to look out for her so she doesn’t get all the blame. We’re not stupid; we know people think we’re trouble.

“We’ve dealt with it all our lives. I just wanted you to know that we don’t have any hard feelings.”

Kenna looks incredibly uncomfortable. Suddenly, I’m pulled into a vision.

“Haley, it will all work out, you’ll see. I’m sure you can take it back,” Kenna tells me as I cry into my pillow.

I shake my head. “No. It is as it should be. Thank you, Kenna, but please go. I need to be alone right now.”

She gently runs her fingers through my hair. “I’m going to get you something to eat. Do you want me to get Glory?”

I shake my head. “No, she’s with her mate. They need time together. I’ll be all right eventually.”

Kenna hands me a tissue. “I’m all ears if you need to talk. I think Jason is on guard duty with him now.”

“Go be with your mate, Kenna. I’ll get over it. I’ve known this was going to happen, I just didn’t know how hard it was going to be.”

“Well, I am not a seer or anything, but I do know he needs to…”

“Haley? Are you all right?” Kenna has a worried look on her face. I look around and I’m back at the party.

No one seems to have noticed my little moment there.

“I’m sorry, I spaced out for a second. What were we talking about?” I try to play it off, but Kenna gives me a curious look.

In my vision, Kenna knew I was a seer. Should I tell her now? No, it doesn’t feel right, not yet.

She’ll find out later on. And apparently, we’ll be friends enough for her to willingly want to comfort me.

“I don’t know what that was and I’m sure you’re not going to tell me, but I hope you’re all right.” Kenna continues to eyeball me with a look of pure concern.

“I’m fine, it’s just a thing that happens. Nothing to worry about.” I bite my lip then add, “I’ll fill you in later on, just not yet.”

She gives me a slight grimace. “All right, well… Do you need a drink or anything?” I shake my head no.

“Okay, I’m going to go dance. Glory is on her way over. And just so you know, I have no hard feelings either. Natalie likes you guys, I’m sure you all have history and everything, but I trust her. I’m sure you two are great outside of school.”

I snort a laugh. “Not really. Glory is a klutz anywhere.”

“Hey. I don’t try to be. It just…happens. Anyway, Kenna, your pack has a lot of hot guys.” My sister joins our conversation, giving me a drink.

Kenna shrugs her shoulder. “They’re nice and everything, but it’s just because I’m the beta’s sister and the Luna’s best friend. None of them actually look at me.”

“Don’t worry. Your mate will have eyes for you and only you,” I tell her, trying to make her feel better.

~Girls, it’s time to go.~ Uncle Ryan links us. We both grunt, but follow orders.

We have a long drive to get back to our territory.

“We have to go, our uncle is calling us. See you around.” I grip Kenna’s hand and she gives me a nod and a small smile.

“Yeah. You guys drive safe.” She says goodbye to Glory and we rush off to meet Uncle Ryan at the truck.

“Uncle Ryan?” I softly speak out from the back seat of his truck. My cousin Blaine and Glory are both asleep.

He looks up to the rearview mirror. “Do you trust the Ramirez and Redd packs?”

“Of course, or I wouldn’t have brought you to their territory. Why do you ask?” ~Tell me the truth, Haley. I know you’re hiding something.~

I look away from the mirror. “No reason.” ~I just think they’re good people too.~

~Haley. When are you going to tell me what’s going on with you?~

~When it’s the right time. I promise.~

~I love you, tough nut. No matter what, that won’t change.~

~I know, Uncle Ryan. I love you too.~