Chapter 98: Chapter 36

HALEY

Glory and Spencer step out of the limo, their mouths dropping open in awe. Glory jumps up and down before rushing up to hug me. She slams into me hard, knocking the wind out of me.

“Oh, Haley, I’m so sorry,” she says, pulling back to wipe her eyes. “I’ve missed you so much!”

“You too!” I reply, giving Spencer a hug before showing them to their room. “Once you’re settled in, we’ll have lunch. Take a left at the bottom of the stairs and through the dining room. Just a heads up, the staff here are all human.”

Spencer grins broadly while Glory gives me another hug. Glory looks around in awe as she timidly steps into the sunroom, Spencer right behind her. I rise to my feet to welcome them.

“Hey guys. I’d like you to meet Auntie Lindra Thornley, the Oracle. Come in. We’re having lunch picnic style.”

“This is awesome! Thanks for having us, Auntie. I’m starving. That flight was pretty long. What about you, my morning Glory? Aren’t you hungry?”

Spencer pulls out a chair for Glory and sits her beside me. “I am, thank you. It’s a delight to meet you…Auntie Lindra. We really are descendants of your twin sister?”

Lindra smiles sweetly. “No, Glory. I had a twin brother, Leonard. I was the elder, which is how our line works. Our next Oracle will come through your line and our king will be through Haley’s.”

Spencer kisses Glory’s cheek. “See, you are important, Glorious.” He turns to face us. “Glory has felt unimportant recently, especially with you away all this time.”

Glory hangs her head. ~Spencer, that was private. It’s not their fault.~ “I’m sorry. I know you two have important work going on.”

Spencer wraps his arm around her and holds her closer. I absolutely love how well he treats her. He stands up for her and comforts her. I’m pretty sure he has her on a pedestal by the nicknames he’s used just this morning. He was good for her from day one.

Auntie Lindra places her warm hand over Glory’s. “We know how you have been feeling. There’s no need to be ashamed. This is why we asked you here. Haley has missed you also.”

Glory turns her hand over and squeezes Auntie’s hand. “I’m truly grateful to be here in your lovely home and to meet you. It’s quite an honor.”

“An honor to meet a relative. How novel,” Auntie comments, then begins loading her plate. We all follow her lead and Spencer and Glory slowly begin to relax in the presence of the incredible Oracle.

Auntie cocks her brow at me and I hold back a laugh. ~Most don’t know that we have this ability. It would be wise to keep it this way.~

~I would imagine so.~

Spencer, Glory, and I spend the day at the mansion with Auntie. Glory is an angel as always and instantly loves our auntie. Spencer is always so happy and outgoing.

The next day we hit up the Superslide Amusement Park. Spencer wins all kinds of prizes for each of us. Auntie wins some guessing games. ~Auntie? Isn’t that cheating?~

~Only in good fun. I’m not at a casino in Las Vegas. And don’t you dare! No lottery either. The Moon Goddess would punish you. I know from experience.~

She gives me a wink then hands me the cute little stuffed wolf she won. “Almost looks like Nathaniel.”

“I’ll call him Nathaniel, then. Thank you, Auntie, I’ll keep him forever.” She softly smiles then wanders to the food stand for a fried Milky Way.

Spencer and Glory stay a week then return home. Auntie and I attend the summit in Japan. The alphas here are so respectful and treat us like royalty.

I guess, technically we are, among werewolves. Auntie carries in a large canvas bag that looks like it’s made for the beach. Each alpha gives Auntie a gift, which she graciously accepts then places into the bag.

She begins the summit and I follow along without any assistance. We return home and I study for a week. “It’s time, child.”

I look up from my book. “Time for what, Auntie?”

“Go be with your family for the holidays and get ready for the East Coast Summit.” Auntie’s thoughts have been completely blank lately. I don’t know how she does it, but it’s yet another skill I must learn.

“You will eventually. The plane leaves tomorrow morning.”

“Getting rid of me already?” Granted it’s been four months, the idea of leaving her makes me so sad. I love my auntie. She’s so kind and she’s taught me so much.

“Won’t you come with? You can spend the holidays with my family. Uncle Ryan would welcome you.”

“Ryan Weston is most gracious, but I have prior engagements.” She gives me a hug. “Thank you, Haley. I love you too. I’m very happy I’ve had the chance to know you. Go and pack. We’ll have supper when you’re finished.”

She leaves the study so I close my book and head up to my room. My wardrobe was full when I arrived. I didn’t even need to bring anything, but I grab a few things and fill my duffle bag.

I give Auntie one more hug inside of the limo. “Goodbye, Auntie. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Solstice.”

She holds my face in her hands, but her mind is clear. “You will figure it out. You’re such a beautiful woman, Haley. Enjoy your vacation. I love you, child.”

“I love you too.” The driver, Cy, opens the door and I step out. I look back from the door of the plane as the limo drives off.

Uncle Ryan and Realta pick me up from the airport and I run right up to both of them. Uncle Ryan picks me up off my feet and I laugh. I kiss his cheek then he sets me down.

“I have missed you so much!” He tells me.

“I’ve missed you too.” I turn to hug Realta. “And Realta! When are you due?”

Her cheeks color and she looks up to Uncle Ryan whose face is one of complete shock. “July?” She looks up at him and his face splits into the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on his face.

He picks her up and kisses her so deeply I look away.

~I’m so sorry. You should’ve told me not to say anything. And it’s more like mid-June.~

~I wanted you to confirm my suspicions. Thank you.~

We return to the pack and Blaine is larger than I remember. He envelops me in a big hug. He’s on the cusp of thirteen, so his voice cracks a little as he speaks.

“I’ve started training. I can’t wait to go against you.”

I laugh and then turn to hug Louisa and Edgar.

After stowing my bag in my room and changing into my training clothes, I hurry back downstairs to get a long run in. After nearly five months, I’m not as fast and my endurance is lacking. My thirty-minute run leaves me winded and in desperate need of a drink.

I catch my breath and then lift a few weights. I’m exhausted and sweaty when I return, so after a long shower, I’m ready to join my family for dinner.

Thanksgiving Day arrives and I assist Louisa and Realta in preparing the massive dinner. We’re expecting Beta Kenneth and his family, as well as Doctor Juarez and his family. I never really took the time to learn anything about the pack doctor, but Glory certainly has.

Marlena and her husband Samuel will also be joining us, which makes Spencer incredibly happy. It’s a large group, but I’ve always believed that big groups for holidays are the best. This holiday is no exception.

Spencer and Blaine include Dr. Juarez’s sons in their wrestling. The ladies chat about Realta’s pregnancy while the guys discuss battles they’ve had. Samuel is the strong, silent type and has little to say, but his mind is very sharp and he notices everything.

My family is astonished when I tell them about my travels and the languages I’ve learned. Samuel begins a conversation with me in Italian and we converse easily.

“When Marlena retires, we’re taking a long vacation, though she doesn’t know that. I’m planning to surprise her,” he tells me.

I picture it and she loves every minute of it, but wants to get back to see her granddaughters.

I can’t wait for Glory to start having pups. Her first heat didn’t take, but you don’t have to have a heat to get pregnant. It’ll happen eventually.

December flies by and the Solstice approaches. Glory and I run into a pregnant Natalie and Kenna at the mall. We join them and chat about old times and new.

Natalie loves that Realta is expecting, but she hates that her son will be born before Realta and Ryan’s daughter. In perspective, Natalie’s son is going to have an aunt that’s younger than him. Kenna just laughs and talks about how cute they’ll be playing together.

She’s not wrong. Those two will be the best of friends.

On Solstice morning, after our traditional breakfast, we open gifts and then go for a family run. The afternoon is spent in the snow, sledding and making snowmen. We end the day with hot apple cider and board games.

Spencer is terrible at board games. He and Glory wear matching pajamas all day long, a tradition from the Ramirez pack. I’m so content to be with my family.

I just wish Auntie Lindra could’ve come. It’s ten days until the summit and I’ll get to see her there.

I wake up screaming and Uncle Ryan is right there, just like always. This time I sob into his shoulder, knowing I can’t change a thing that I just saw.

“What happened, Haley?”

I shake my head. “Auntie Lindra. She’s gone.”

Uncle Ryan pulls back to look at my face and my body goes slack. Realta pulls him away from me.

I levitate off the bed and my forehead mark glows white. I’m tilted into a standing position, but my feet never touch the floor. My eyes are closed and the Moon Goddess enters my mind, just as clear and as beautiful as I remember from my childhood.

Her long hair slightly blows where there is no breeze and her dazzling eyes light up her soft features. I see and feel her slowly fill my mind and body with her very own soul, like a precious crystal vase filling with golden honey.

“My vessel has returned to me and her long parted mate. Haley Summers, you have kept yourself pure and are worthy to accept my gift. You are my Oracle. You have my power within you to lead my children with honesty, compassion, integrity, and love. Do you accept my gift?”

“I accept your gift, Moon Goddess,” I respond monotonously.

The weighty thickness of the Goddess begins to leave me, but I’m left still feeling a silky cocoon of pure love wrapped around my own soul. A soft, warm breath escapes my chest and I open my eyes. My room is lit up with the blue hue of moonlight.

The Moon Goddess stands before me with a soft smile on her face. My feet touch the ground and my body is now back in my control. I bow my head to the Goddess.

She lifts my chin and opens her mouth to speak, but it’s Auntie Lindra’s voice that I hear. “I love you, Haley. Thank you for setting me free to return to my Nathaniel. You may miss me, but do not feel sorrow for me. I am happy in the realm of the Goddess.”

The voice leaves and I wipe the tears from my face. The Goddess kisses my forehead, then the light begins to fade and I’m left standing alone in my room.