The Fated Malachite Luna

Chapter #8 - Connections

Camille’s POV

I did NOT just hear him say that. He did not just say I’m a werewolf.

I stare blankly out the window of the dining room, looking out at the beautiful territory of their pack.

As soon as he said ‘yes’ and I could tell he was serious, I got up from the table and slowly walked over to the window. I think I’m in shock. I honestly don’t know how to process this. I should be freaking out right now. I should be either screaming or laughing or something but all I can do is stare off into oblivion. Hunter remains sitting at the table leaning on the cedar with his chin resting in his hands. He watches me intently and I try not to look at his reflection through the window.

My dad took off when I was really young, so I never met him. Was he a werewolf? Does that make me half werewolf? I know for a fact my mom isn’t. I’ve never seen her ‘turn’ or use any sort of supernatural abilities before. And she would’ve told me anyways… Right?

I think I’ve been standing here for five minutes. Hunter suddenly speaks, breaking my thought process.

“Are you okay?”

I’m not sure what he’s expecting me to say. Am I okay? What if I am? But what if I’m not…

“I don’t know…” I answer honestly.

“Is there anything I can do?”

“I don’t know…” I shake my head and look down at my feet.

It becomes silent once again, as neither of us know what to say. I have so many questions. I had so many questions still before he broke that news to me and now there are more added to my long list. I whip around suddenly and catch Hunter by surprise.

“Can I borrow your phone?”

“My phone?” He asks. “Yes of course, but-“

“I need to call my mom.” I say sharply and march over to him.

“Okay… Umm, I had ordered Jonathon to contact your mother to let her know that you’re safe, but-“ He holds out his phone to me and I snatch it right away.

“No, no! She’ll freak out if she finds out a bunch of strange men took me from my home!” I protest and start to dial her number.

“Okay, okay. I’ll tell him right now to not go ahead with it.”

I watch his eyes cloud over for a brief moment and it scares me so I take a couple steps back from him. Once his eyes go back to their normal blue he observes my reaction and apologizes again.

“Sorry, that was a mind-link. Wolves can telepathically speak to each other basically.”

All I can do is shake my head from side to side. I feel like my head is going to explode from information overload.

“Hello?” My mom answers on the third ring.

“Mom! You have a lot of explaining to do!” I start.

“Cami, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“No, I mean, I don’t know. Are you or dad a werewolf??” I ask bluntly.

I watch Hunter slowly sit down in a chair beside me. My mom is silent on the other end for a few seconds.

“Cami, I think I should come over. I need to see you in person.”

“You need to answer my question first!” I raise my voice.

“I think-“

“No! Answer my question! Are you or dad a werewolf??”

“Both.”

“What?”

“We’re both wolves.” She says without a hint of hesitation.

“No you’re not. You would’ve told me… or I would’ve found out some other way… Right?”

“Cami… I’m sorry. I wanted so badly to tell you. I didn’t want to keep it from you but I had to. I didn’t have a choice. Your father and I decided-“

“My father? He’s a deadbeat mom!”

“No he’s not!” Her voice becomes harsh momentarily. “I’m sorry. Please don’t call him that. He didn’t want to leave you. He did it to protect you. We kept it from you to keep you safe.”

I can’t help the tears that well up in my eyes. I spent my entire life thinking one thing, only to find out I was completely lied to and everything I’d ever known was a hoax.

My mom is silent for a while until she speaks again.

“I’m coming over.”

“Wait, I’m not at home.”

“What? Where are you?”

“Umm it’s a long story.”

“Text me your whereabouts, please. I love you.”

“K…” my voice is shaky.

I hang up and place the phone on the table. I feel like I might faint all the sudden. Hunter looks up and sees my state. Before I can react, he suddenly stands up and gently pulls me into an embrace. His strong arms wrap around my back and his head rests atop mine. I nuzzle into his chest and cry. At any other time I would’ve thought crying into a strangers chest is a big red flag… but for some reason I feel so safe. His scent fills my nostrils and it’s as if I’m suddenly filled with oxytocin. He smells like a mix of fresh leather and cinnamon. I’ve never smelt anything more amazing in my life. I feel like I can let my guard down and be myself. I feel like I’m home.

Hunter’s POV

Seeing her so upset and distraught made all sense of logic go out the window. Before I realize what I’m doing I’ve stood up and embraced her. I feel her nuzzle into my chest and sob harder. Her scent fills my nostrils and Ezra threatens to take over. Her body is so tiny, I feel like if I squeeze too hard she’ll break. My arms wrap around her back and her little hands cling to the front of my shirt. I could stay like this all day.

We stand like this for a couple minutes until she slowly pulls away and wipes her eyes. She looks down at her feet as if she’s ashamed to look up at me. I want to comfort her so again, without thinking, I reach down and place one of my hands along the side of her face and tilt her chin up. I have a strong urge to kiss her but I quickly shake that thought from my mind.

“You don’t have to pretend to be okay with me.”

My words bring more tears to her eyes but I gently wipe them away.

“I’m sorry…” she apologizes and looks down again.

“You don’t have to be sorry. I can’t imagine what’s going through your head.”

“I just… I can’t believe this is happening to me, that’s all.”

“You know… being a werewolf has it’s perks.” I smirk.

“Oh yeah?” She sarcastically asks me.

“Really though, it’s not as bad as you think!” I try to cheer her up and make light of the situation.

“I guess you’ll have to show me the ropes then, hey?” She giggles.

“I guess I do.” I chuckle as well.

I’m glad I was able to make her feel better. We’re still standing merely inches away from each other and she’s smiling up at me when my mom suddenly walks in.

“Oh… am I interrupting?”

My moms words make Cami jump back away from me out of embarrassment.

“No!” She exclaims.

“Well… I was going to introduce you to some ladies.” She says as Megan and Jessica walk into the living room from a nearby hallway.

They both resemble their brothers, as Jessica has black hair and brown eyes and Megan has brunette hair and blue eyes.

“Hi!” Squeals Megan as she saunters up to Cami.

It takes Cami by surprise and her eyes go wide. I chuckle a little bit at her reaction.

“I’m Megan! But you can call me Meg!” She gives Cami a tight hug.

“Hi… Meg.” She chokes. “I’m Cami.”

“Oh I know all about you!” Meg squeals.

“You do?”

I shoot Megan a glare and her smile disappears.

“Oh Umm… yeah, you know… because the guys rescued you last night!” She makes up a story on the spot.

“Right.” Cami nods.

I think she bought it. I don’t want her to find out she’s supposed to be my Luna just yet. I think she’s had enough new revelations for today.

Jessica walks up and waves.

“I’m Jessica, but Jess is fine.” She flashes Cami a friendly smile.

“Nice to meet you.” Cami smiles back.

“So! Have you seen any of the territory yet?! I can give you a tour!” Squeals Megan.

“Umm no I haven’t… but sure!” Cami grins back.

Oh good. So far they seem like they’re going to get along. My mom shoots me a look and winks, then all four of the girls walk off. Cami turns back around as Megan drags her off and flashes me a small smile. I can’t help but smile back when I see that happy expression of hers.

They all disappear out the glass doors that lead to the back deck. I watch them go down the stairs and then I head back up to my office.

I anxiously wait to hear anything back from Brock and the other warriors. I pray they don’t find anything else suspicious but at the same time I feel like I’m at a dead end with evidence. If they don’t find anything then great! But then can I relax and assume that she’s safe? Probably not. If they find something then I can at least start pursuing the people that are after her. But right now I have nowhere to even start.

I plop down in my desk chair with my head in my hands. I take a deep breath in and pop open my laptop to work on some Argenti matters to distract myself.

Camille’s POV

After Megan and Jessica drag me off to the backyard, Larissa parts ways with us to help set up stuff for the banquet that’s happening tonight.

Their backyard at the pack house looks like it belongs behind a castle. Beautifully trimmed hedges line the entire property. There’s an in-ground pool surrounded by a pavement deck with lawn chairs lined up like at a hotel. There are staff members everywhere setting up a temporary stage at one side with what looks like twinkling lights overtop. There are little round tables being set up everywhere with fold out chairs. The centrepieces are silver geometric, decorative objects with fairy lights that sit atop black tablecloths. It all looks so beautiful already, I can’t imagine how much prettier it’ll look when the sun goes down and the backyard is lit with the tiny lightbulbs dispersed everywhere.

I admire everything as I’m dragged through the backyard.

“Where are we going?” I ask as we approach a gravel path.

“We’re going to show you around the territory! There’s so much more to see than you think.” Megan explains.

“Okay…” I nod as she pulls me along by the hand.

I glance over at Jessica who seems amused.

“This is Megan for ya… very enthusiastic.” She chuckles.

“I see that.” I return the laugh.

“Most people like my enthusiasm.” Megan sticks her tongue out at Jessica.

“What ‘’most people’ are you referring to?”

“Oh screw off.” Megan rolls her eyes at Jessica.

We continue to walk along the gravel path until it widens into a paved avenue of sorts. The buildings that line the road are all black brick with raw cedar pillars and corbels. The doors and windows are framed by black trim and every structure has more industrial sconces next to the doors. Every building on the territory has the same style; industrial mixed with modern and rustic. It all looks so symmetrical and cohesive.

We approach a boutique that has formal dresses displayed in the windows.

“Is this a dress shop?” I ask.

“Yep. They also have shoes, accessories and mens-wear in here too! Come!” Megan pulls me by the hand all three of us enter the store.

“Good morning, Meg and Jess!”

The shop clerk address them both and adjusts the glasses on his face.

“Hi, Paul!” Says Megan. “This is Cami!” She pushes me forward a bit.

“Hi.” I say shyly.

“Oh my god you’re gorgeous!” He says in a flamboyant tone.

“Oh… thank you.” I reply.

“I would just LOVE to pick out a dress for you!” He points up and down at my body.

“That’s why we’re here!” Claps Megan.

Jessica stands to the side grinning with her arms crossed over her chest.

“So, she needs a dress for the banquet tonight I’m assuming?” Asks Paul as he disappears into some racks.

“Yes! And shoes and accessories!” Megan adds. “Something that’s sexy but classy! Slutty by elegant… You know?”

“I gotchu babe!” Paul returns with a handful of eight to ten sparkly dresses.

“Woah… is that all necessary? I mean, Larissa already stocked a closet for me basically so I’m sure I can find something in there…”

“No, no! You need something special for tonight! Plus Hunter is covering this so we may as well shop till we drop.” She exclaims happily.

“In that case I should grab a new dress.” Jessica jokes.

“Right!” Megan squeaks.

“I can’t possibly ask Hunter to buy me a dress!” I say putting my arms up.

“Who do you think paid to stock your closet?” Jessica asks, eyebrow raised.

“Hunter did that?!” I gasp.

“Duh, it’s his house.” Megan laughs.

“That’s insane! Must’ve cost him a fortune!” I loudly acknowledge.

“Meh I’m sure it didn’t even make a dent in his account.” Jessica shrugs.

“What?!” I ask, not sure whether or not to take her words seriously.

“Anyways! Let’s find you an outfit!” Megan squeals and follows Paul to some change rooms in the back.

“I can’t possibly ask Hunter to buy me more stuff!” I protest, standing my ground.

“He’s going to buy you stuff whether you ask or not, so you may as well get to try them on first.” Explains Jessica.

I huff and cross my arms.

“I guess that makes sense…”

“Good! Let’s go!” Megan once again grabs my hand and drags me behind her.

I guess I should be used to it by now.

After trying on eight dresses, we finally find the one. It’s a sparkly mint green, similar to my eye colour. It hugs my curves and becomes looser just below my hips and flows to my mid calf. There’s a slit up one side with spaghetti straps and a scoop neckline. I feel really pretty in it, even though I’m not a dressy person.

“Dayuum!” Megan says as I exit the change room.

“Ya wow! You look hot as hell!” Jessica remarks.

“Girl! It’s perfect!” Paul claps his hands together.

“I guess we found the one.” I smile at my reflection in the mirror.

“You’re damn right!” Megan squeals again. “Now for the accessories!”

“Oh geez!” Jessica rolls her eyes at Megan’s enthusiasm once again. “I need some champagne for this.”

“I gotchu boo!” Paul disappears into another room and comes back a couple minutes later with a tray of mimosas.

“You’re prepared for everything, aren’t you?” Jessica asks as she happily takes a mimosa from the tray.

“What are gay best friends for?” Paul winks.

“Apparently for mimosas.” I joke.

“I’m glad you’re able to let loose around us finally!” Megan grins at me.

“Me too.” I smile back.

I guess I may as well let my guard down and enjoy my time here, however fleeting it may be.

“Now! Accessories!” Megan grabs a mimosa for herself as well and flops back down into her chair.

Jessica chuckles and Paul disappears once again. Here we go.