Prologue
*~* Many, Many Moons Ago *~*
As I settled my two little girls in bed, I kissed each one on the head and thanked the Moon Goddess for blessing me. The elder of the two yawned, “Mama, I’m not tired, tell us one more story.”
The younger one nods as she rubs her eyes. I could never deny my precious baby girls one more story! “Okay, one more story and then you really must go to sleep... which story do you want?”
“Tell us again about the Moon Goddess mama, tell us about her gift.”
This is their favourite story. I used to think it was because it was the longest story, but I’ve come to the conclusion that my girls are hopeless romantics just like me. So, I retell them the story that had been passed down to me by my mother, who got it from her mother, who got it from her mother and so on.
“For a werewolf, the highest entity, our most worshipped idol is the Moon Goddess. She is said to be the protector of women and children, the hand of justice and most importantly for bestowing a fated mate on the loyal and worthy.”
“Tell us about the fated mate, mama.”
“When you are older, you will both be blessed by the Moon Goddess with your own fated mate. You will be bonded together for eternity. You will love each other, protect each other, and have children together.
You will share each other’s triumphs and disappointments, fears and dreams and your deepest, darkest secrets. He will be your world, your everything, and you will be his.
This is the greatest gift the Moon Goddess can bestow on someone. The gift of love, companionship and strength.”
“But what if you don’t like your gift or you want a different one?” I laugh at the innocence of my beautiful baby.
“You will adore your mate and your mate will adore you.” My girls are leaning up, absorbing my every word.
“Even Christopher in my class? He has sweaty hands and smells like potatoes.” Asks the little one earnestly.
“Better than Jack in my class with his snot bubble.” Replies her older sister.
I smile whilst I tell them with authority those boys will find their mates too, a mate who will love them, sweaty hands and snot bubbles and all! Their eyes are like saucers now.
“How do you know this is really, really true?”
They ask the same question every time, and every time I answer the same. “Because the Moon Goddess bestowed on me my greatest gift. She gave me my fated mate; your father, and through that I became a mother to you two, which has been the most blessed role I have ever had.”
I give them a final kiss goodnight and smile internally at their little grins and just as I close the door, I listen as the little one says, “I can’t wait to get my gift”.
However, she would have to be patient. The Moon Goddess is just and has her own plans set for every one of her children. Yes, she bestows the most blessed gifts, but they come in ways and at times you might never imagine.
