Honestly, she was nothing like Tristan described her. He said she was kind, caring, and sweet. She was none of those things. I still couldn’t believe she was Jason’s. That was just wrong. That had to be why Tristan came home. He would’ve left but they couldn’t have arrived in Black Mountain yet. I was so confused.
I grabbed Chelsea’s next. A necklace toppled onto my lap. I picked it up and clutched them it my hand. She’d sent me my parents’ wedding rings on a chain. The fact that someone was showing they knew I lost people too sent warmth through me. Of course, it was Chelsea, she was the Luna.
Melanie,
I know things must be confusing to you. I did a few things to get your parents rings. I think you can tell, if anyone finds out I sent them to you it would not be taken well. You should wear them every day to honor that since I’m going against my mate doing so.
It might be hard for you to understand this is all for the best, but it is. The pack has been ripped at the seams and your hands were there to cause it. Listen and stay out of trouble down there. We do not need reports of you acting up. Keep your head down.
Luna Chelsea
That was not what I’d been expecting to read. I put the necklace on anyway, grasping for any chance at feeling closer tomy parents. I grabbed Grandma Esther’s letter. It had to be the one filled with understanding.
Melanie,
Losing a pup is something I’d never wish on anyone. I need some time and space. Please respect that.
Grandma Esther
It cut deeper than I wished seeing how short it was. No one was concerned about me and my pain. No one cared that I saw those horrible things happen. Not ONE person called me Ladybug or wished me well. Not one. Who were these people?! I grabbed the letter from my Grandma Haskins.
Aunt Stephanie snorted, “Whatever she said will be vicious.” I muttered, “You don’t know her.” She’s not vicious. Aunt Stephanie mocked, “I know her better than you. You’ll see.” Whatever. I still didn’t really buy her story fully.
I just didn’t understand her angle here. It made no sense. She didn’t know me. Sure, her pack wouldn’t like Yellow Hills but I wasn’t from there. Plus, her mate got what he deserved for attacking Luna Lexi Daniels intending to hurt Luna Reagan Daniels.
Melanie,
You AWFUL, SELFISH, UNGRATEFUL BRAT! How dare you get my daughter, son in law, and grandson killed! Stay inside your borders. What is so hard about that? You knew how Sam suffered, and you selfishly didn’t care!
They asked us if we’d take you and I scoffed. I don’t have time for selfish brats.
You and Stephanie deserve each other. Sam was the good pup, and you took her from me. I hope you starve to death and live a horrible life while you do.
Helena Haskins (You do not have the right to call me Grandma.)
Sobs wracked my body. Aunt Stephanie mocked, “Told you. Get inside.” She shoved me out of the car. I went to the door. A big guy grabbed me, “Hey, you can’t just come in here.” Another shoved him flirting, “Hey, pretty lady. What’s got you down?”
I wiped my tears, “I’m here to fight.” One snorted, “In a sack? Are they for real right now?” Someone showed up saying, “She’s Black Path’s new fighter.” I muttered, “I don’t belong to their pack so I can’t be their fighter and…”
He cut me off, “Don’t talk back to me. I run this Undergrounds fighting area. You’ve got the last fight of the night. Hopefully, someone has….” He trailed off looking at me disdainfully, “clothes for you to wear.”
The guy at the door said, “I’ll help her find something.” He introduced himself, “I’m Crush. You get a sense for people who enjoy this and are like us.” I asked, “Like us?” He replied, “Not asked to be here but required.” I clutched my necklace as he led me to the locker room.
He called, “Lydia, we need some clothes.” She gasped, “Who put a pup in a sack?” She jolted, “I’m sorry that was insensitive. Are you homeless?” She told Crush, “This really isn’t the place for her. You know that.” He said, “She’s Black Path’s new fighter.” It clicked for me.
I asked, “What happened to their old one?” They winced. Lydia warned, “We don’t ask questions here.” I couldn’t help it, I laughed. I shrugged, “Well, everyone’s going to hate me more than they do… I can’t seem to stop asking questions. It goes with being a Beta blood and all.”
The leader stalked back up, “You won’t ask any.” I replied, “I absolutely, without literally any doubt, will.” He went to hit me, and anger welled inside me. I blocked it and hit him square in the nose. He squealed like a stuck pig while Crush tried to cover his laugh.
He screamed, “You hit me.” I retorted, “You run an Underground illegal fighting ring, I’m positive me hitting you is the least of your problems… and by positive, I mean…” He cut me off, “You don’t talk about this Ring to anyone. Got me?”
I answered, “Not really. I don’t understand the half of what’s been going on since I woke up in this town. Which is honestly hard for me… because I understand a lot and…” Lydia gasped, “They didn’t explain the rules to you?”
I asked, “Why does everyone seem to have rules that aren’t actually rules? They also ignore the Werewolf and Supernatural Council rules. You are breaking ten. No underage fighting is allowed for any Supernatural’s. For Werewolves that is until they are sixteen. I’m fourteen.”
Lydia covered her face with her hands gasping. The guy running the place snapped, “I don’t pay you to gasp. Get her dressed. She’s fighting Alpha Alan.” I jolted, “Mueller?” My dad’s reports had an Alpha Alan Mueller in them. He’d been trying to prove the guy was bad news with Peter. He was clearly right.
He answered, “Yes.” Crush asked, “Her first fight is against an Alpha? She’s an unshifted pup. The audience won’t like that.” He replied, “They like what I sell them. Get her ready.” He stormed out. I told Crush, “It’s ok. People don’t tend to like someone who breaks their nose.”
