Page 38 of Knot All is Forgiven

"What is it?" Lanie chants. "Show me!" I turn it around and show her the contents. She squeals about how beautiful and expensive it looks and peppers me with questions about its significance.

I can't answer any of her questions. I can barely breathe as I stare at the beautiful crescent moon charm hanging from a thin gold chain. My mouth is dry, and my knees are weak. I sink down and prop myself on my desk as I fall into a memory.

I'm lying in afield thick with grass, despite how it makes my skin itch when it touches my bare flesh. The moon is high in the sky, a sliver of its full glory.

It's not long before I hear them coming, laughing and goofing off as they enter the clearing. I can tell the moment they notice me because their noises stop.

"What's wrong, peaches?" Simon says, sitting down beside me. "Why do you look so sad?"

"I met with another doctor today. He said there's no sign I will present as an Omega anytime soon." I can't look at him. I can't see the disappointment in his eyes. They don't know everything I've gone through to try to present.

"That doesn't mean it won't happen, Jordy," Rafe says from my other side as he lowers himself onto the grass.

I know that it doesn't. But since they presented as Alphas a few months ago, I have spent almost all my time worrying about what will happen if I don't present. What will become of us if I am not an Omega?

Cyrus lifts me from the grass by my shoulders and sits behind me, pulling my upper body into his lap. He doesn't say anything as he strokes his hand down my head, and I stare up at the moon.

"Do you know the story behind the crescent moon?" Simon asks softly.

"I mean, I know the phases of the moon. I do pay attention in science class, unlike Rafe," I tease. The Alpha in question gasps his dissent.

"Do you mean the story of the Omega moon?" Cyrus responds.

I tilt my head back to look up at him. He's so handsome with his curly hair and strong jaw. He gazes at me sweetly and strokes down my cheekbone. "What do you mean, Omega moon?" I say softly.

"Long ago, before we were Alphas and Betas and Omegas as we are now, we were all shifters. We had a wolf form and a human form," Cyrus begins. "The full moon was always a symbol of the Alpha. It was a time when Alphas would shift and run, their strange magic the most powerful at that time every lunar cycle."

"In contrast," Simon steps in, "the crescent moon was called the Omega moon. It was the time when all of the Omegas in the pack were at their strongest. In fact, an Alpha would call his Omega his Luna because of how strong the moon made them. New Omegas would present at a higher rate during that moon than at any other time. It's not something we track anymore, but I would bet that most presentations happen during a crescent moon to this day."

"Why haven't I heard this before?" I ask curiously.

"Probably because it's just a legend," Rafe supplies. "It's got no historical record associated with it. But some people still believe it."

"So what, you're saying maybe this isn't my crescent moon?"

"Maybe it's not, Jordy," Rafe continues. "Maybe yours is yet to come to pass."

I groan, covering my face with my hands. "I wish it would come sooner rather than later," I grumble.

"I know, peaches," Simon says softly. "But I've still got hope."

Cyrus grabs my chin and tilts my head back, looking directly down at me. "I know one day you'll be our Luna, Jordan."

"Me too, Cyrus. I just wish we didn't have to wait."

"Hello, Jordan? Are youin there?"

Lanie's voice pulls me out of my memory. I blink at her, trying to clear the emotions the necklace brought up in me. "Yeah, I'm here. Sorry, I just got overwhelmed by the gift."

"I bet! That shop isexpensive. Your Alpha has good taste. Want me to help you put it on?"

"N-no," I stutter. "I need to head out. I'll see you Monday." I gather my things and shove them and the jewelry box into my bag.

"Already? What about Sunday brunch?" Lanie calls behind me as I head towards the elevator.

I don't even turn back when I respond, "Next week!"

I barely remember the drive home, I'm so out of sorts. My head is swimming with memories, and my heart aches. But on top of all of that, there's fear.

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