The Cursed Luna

Chapter Three

Standing outside the front doors, Aaron was giving Justin last minute instructions whilst Charity battled a wriggling two year old into the car seat in the back of Aaron's jeep.

'Dude, chill out' Justin finally interrupted 'You are going to be gone for like three days, you have a phone, I can handle the pack until you get back' he said rolling his eyes.

Cutting in before Aaron could retort, Charity yelled over 'Umm a little help here daddy? your princess does not want to get in her car seat'

Giving Justin a last glower, Aaron walked over to the back seat where he tickled his daughters sides making her scrunch up and giggle whilst he deftly clicked the seat belt around her.  Pouting, she turned her big eyes to her daddy 'My no wanna go car' she mumbled, her eyes starting to fill up.

'Aww sweetie, but we are going on an adventure' cajoled Aaron, kissing her all over her face until she laughed, 'and we are going to see someone extra extra special' he wheedled as Isabella lit up and started bouncing in her chair

'Who?' she yelled, kicking her legs

'Nuh uh' replied Aaron, waggling his finger 'its a surprise, you be a good girl in the car and we will be there super fast' he promised before shutting the door and opening the passenger door for his wife to slide in.

With a final wave, they set off down the driveway, heading out onto the highway toward Red Moon territory, Isabella soon fell asleep in the back whilst Aaron and Charity listened to the radio playing softly through the speakers.

A few hours later they were pulling up outside the Red Moon packhouse, before she could even reach for the door it was yanked open and Charity was engulfed in a hug by her best friend who was squealing excitedly before opening the back door and grabbing Isabella from her seat to give her a squeeze.

James sauntered down the steps of the pack house holding a dark haired two year old boy who was the image of him apart from Chloe's upturned nose.  When the toddler spotted Isabella in his mothers arms he started to scream, wriggling in his fathers grip to be put down.  'Beya!' he shouted excitedly as the little girl started to squirm excitedly shouting 'Wiley!'  As they were both placed on their feet, the two toddlers ran together colliding in a tight hug laughing before Riley grabbed her hand and led her into the pack house without a backwards glance.

'Nice to see you too Riley' called Charity after them laughing

'You have got no chance of his attention now his Bella is here' giggled Chloe as she linked her arm through Charity's leading her into the packhouse.

Aaron shook James' hand before clapping him on the back and they followed their mates into the pack house and up to the office.

Placing both the children in a large play pen, the size of a small bedroom that had been set up in the corner of the office and making sure that they had enough toys to keep them occupied for the time being, the adults then settled themselves onto the cream settees that encircled the fireplace.  Chloe reached under the small coffee table and pulled out an old children's book, the pages were yellowed at the edges and the colours on the front illustration had faded over the years.  Silently she handed the book to Charity who delicately accepted it.

'The curse of the she wolf' she read aloud, before looking up at Chloe in surprise.  'Where did this come from?' she asked

'I don't know' replied Chloe, 'but if you look on the first page it has the word Oakridge' she said.

Opening the book carefully, Aaron and Charity put their heads closer together, scanning the first page until their eyes alighted on a faint hand written inscription that on closer inspection came into focus as 'Oakridge' just as Chloe had told them.

Inspecting the front cover they noticed the picture depicted a lone blond haired woman stood in a field of long grass reaching out as if trying to grasp something, the silhouette of a white wolf behind her.

Placing her hand on the cover, Charity looked round at the others, suddenly nervous to read what was written inside.  Aaron gently lay his hand on hers, lightly squeezing her fingers, 'It's just a story at the minute my love, there is nothing to be scared of'

Nodding silently, Charity took a deep breath and opened the book again, carefully lifting the first few pages until she reached the start of the story.

'Once upon a full moon . .' she began, as the others sat back in their chairs to listen.