Three Days Ago
It was Lucas’s birthday and his uncle decided to arrange a house party for him to celebrate it with his friends.
“Happy birthday kid.”
“Thanks uncle Pete.”
“Good thing Margaret and Natalia haven’t come home, yet.”
His mother and sister decided to spend the summer break at Penton City for their vacation. They were supposed to arrive today for his birthday but their flight got delayed and they won’t be back until the next morning so Peter decided to go through with the party. For sure, Margaret wouldn’t have agreed to this.
Lucas looked forward to this day his whole life. Since he was young, he always wanted to take part in leading the pack and now that he came-of-age he can. He’ll be given responsibilities, succeed their family business, undergo training and be a prominent figure of the pack. But what he was excited for the most was that today is the day he can search for his mate.
It’s very rare to have an 18th birthday on the night of a Blue Moon. If it wasn’t his birthday tonight he’d be at the block party in the heart of the town. It’s a tradition in Fortbeck to host them during blue moon nights though it’s more of an excuse to “moonbathe” since there are humans in town. Peter told him about the superstition that occasions like these, the lucky werewolf is guaranteed to find their mates immediately. After all, the blue moon always gave werewolves a strong connection to their senses. Something about its essence giving them a boost of their instincts. And he believes it, he’s hopeful that it’s true. He mentally prepared himself for this night. Lucas believes that whoever his mate would be, he’d love them unconditionally.
—
The night had arrived long ago. Lucas lost track of time with his friends at the party and was beginning to get a little too drunk. Andre, Lucas’s best friend had to sit him down by the couch. He doesn’t get this bad usually but since it’s his long awaited birthday maybe he got a little too excited. There were a few humans from their school invited over so it was important to avoid any accidents. Eventually he calmed down and turned to look at Andre.
“Did you know I’m going to meet my mate today?”
“Yeah, sure.”
Andre knew about the superstition and he’s happy for his friend —if that were true. It’s already 10pm and the day is almost over. Nothing has happened yet. Maybe it’s not true and he just has to be at the right place at the right time just like every other werewolf. He can see that he’s thrilled to meet his mate and he could only hope for the best that it doesn’t crush him tomorrow.
“I’m gonna get you some water.”
When Andre was sure that he settled down, he went to the kitchen. Lucas was feeling odd the whole time, he just stared dazedly into the middle of the room desperately yearning for something. The feeling was there ever since morning came and he had mistaken it for hunger. Slowly the noise dulled down and he could hear his heartbeat. It felt like he was getting nauseous so he decided to step out of the house to take a deep breath. The room was crowded and by the time Andre got back, he wasn’t there anymore.
As soon as Lucas stepped out of his house and looked up at the moon, something inside him rose to the surface. His sense of smell heightened and it catches a familiar scent. He couldn’t recognize it at the moment but it was something that quenched his yearning. Without a second thought he starts sprinting for the block party’s direction, where the scent led.
Is this it? Am I actually meeting them tonight? Who knew that his mate lived in the same town all along. The thought that he could actually meet them so soon, it’s unbelievable. He couldn’t hold himself back and slowly shifted into his wolf form. His instincts clawing to take over.
When he saw their figure from the distance, he picks up speed and charges. Before he could slow down, he ended up tackling the person off their bike. His mate didn’t find it a warm welcome and tries to run away. Not wanting them to escape, Lucas chased after the person. And with no human decency at all, he grabs them by the throat and pins them to a tree. His mate looked even more scared. Everything was almost a blur at that point.
It took awhile until his mate finally reached out and petted him. The sense of fear had disappeared.
“Lucas.”
He knows my name. He was ecstatic to learn that his mate knew him. Finally, I’ve found you. Wondering who the person really is, Lucas looks at him. Trying to focus through all these overwhelming emotions, he realized he looked familiar too. A certain face that seems to bring back another type of feeling.
Noah?
“You’re…my mate.”
Hearing his voice again confirmed everything and it came as a shock to him. Upon the realization, he couldn’t help but push the boy away. The surprise and horror sobering him. Noah was his mate. Of all people, it had to be him. The one who killed his father.
—
As soon as Natalia arrived back home, she storms into her mother’s office where she is accompanied with her uncle. It looked like they were discussing something serious but she didn’t care and disturbed them.
“Mom.”
“Yes?—“
“Noah’s gone.”
“Oh he’s probably at work right now hun.” Margaret tried to dismiss her. “And, as you can see, I am too.”
“Mrs Ferguson said he and Ryan ran away.”
Margaret finally turned to her, surprised. After thinking it over, Margaret dismisses the situation.
“Amanda probably has notified the authorities already. They’ll be back soon I’m sure.”
Seeing how little her mother cared about the situation hurt her. It’s almost like she’s no different from Amanda. But times like these made her stubborn persistence give her strength and Natalia has no choice but to take action herself.
“I’m going to look for them.”
“What? No you’re not. There were Rogues in our town and more have been spotted outside the border. It’s dangerous.”
“But—”
“You’re not going anywhere, alright?”
Her mother said it firmly, she knew how stubborn Natalia can get. Natalia has a special attachment for Noah so she isn’t going to let it go so easily. The look on her daughter’s face clearly showed she was going to go behind her back regardless but Margaret can’t let her do that.
“I know how worried you get for the boy so I’ll get someone to find him.”
“You will?”
“Yes, Natalia.” It takes a lot to ease Natalia’s doubt so she had to confirm. She knows what might happen if the girl finds a need to.
“…fine.” As much as Natalia wanted to do it herself, the fact that her mother offered to help was satisfying enough.
When she finally left the room, Margaret sighed. The whole time Peter just stood from the side quietly. He knows how much these two power struggle. Admittedly he finds these situations enjoyable to watch ever since Natalia went through a rebellious phase. Every time they fought, it always left his older sister tired from trying to control the argument. This time Noah is involved and they both know her daughter really cares about him.
“Who’s going to do it?”
“I’ll get Cassian to just gather reports from the foster care.”
Cassian is someone who has been working for the Raedwulfs for a long time now. He used to be the right hand man of the previous alpha, Thomas Raedwulf, Margaret’s late husband. They were close friends and after he died, he stayed to help with the matters of the head family. He’s a trusted member of the pack and the only one she can count on that Natalia also trusts.
Meanwhile Natalia enters their living room and lays down on the couch groaning into the pillows. On the other end is Lucas with his laptop on the table, he looks at her curiously. Sensing that she’s sulking.
“What’s up with you this time?”
“It’s Noah and Ryan.” She rolls back and looks up at him, “They ran away. They didn’t even tell me.”
“Huh. Good riddance.” He smirked.
This ticks off Natalia. He has always unreasonably held a grudge on Noah for something he didn’t do but she has remained hopeful that they can be friends again. Lucas just has to stop being stubborn. But more than ten years have passed.
“He was your friend you know. At least be a little worried.” She mumbled.
“Why should I? If he gets into trouble that’s his problem. Even if he dies, I don’t think I’ll even care.” He said it so sure of himself.
-
Part 1/2
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