Chapter 17

LUNA POV

I am in Hector's car now. I got the chance to sleep for more than two hours since we arrived in that hotel this morning. Hector woke me up to join him for lunch. We ate some kinds of seafood and the taste was amazing.

Looking from the outside, I am enjoying the beauty of this place. Hector told me that we were in Astoria. The seaside town of Astoria borders both the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River in far northwest Oregon. I can see the antique streets with several visitor magnets, like restaurants and boutiques. We also passed by the Captain George Flavel House Museum and the Oregon Film Museum. I've never been to this place before. Hector stopped the car. As I went out of the car, I was amazed at the beauty of this place. From where I am standing, I can see other houses and small buildings in this town. I also saw a perfect view of the ocean. It was blue and sparkled like crystals.

"This place is beautiful Hector. What's this place called?" I asked him as my eyes roamed across the vast grassland and to the ocean.

"We are at the Fort Stevens State Park. This is the best place to visit here in Astoria. This is also a perfect place to relax. “He told me.

This is the first time I will have the chance to enjoy myself in a beautiful place again. Since my parents died, we never had the chance to travel again. My brother just saved the money for my school and other emergencies.

"This is my mom's favorite place," said Hector. I was stunned by his words.

He was talking about his mother. And he was telling it to me now.

"Ahm, so you and your mother would love to visit this place together?" I felt my voice tremble. I've never imagined talking personal stuff with him. I am not expecting him to share his private life, anyway.

"Yes, we used to visit this place when I was a kid and when my mom was still alive." I felt a stabbing pain in my chest knowing that his mom died. I know he missed his mother so much, I can see it in his eyes.

"Your mother is such a beautiful woman with a good heart. Matilda told stories about her." I continued.

"Yes, she is. She always protects me and keeps me safe all the time. He sacrificed her life just to save me. And I missed her so much." He revealed.

I saw his expression soften.  I met him as someone cruel and selfish, of course including being a womanizer. He is a strong and brave werewolf. I never thought he is hiding a soft spot within him. His love and care for his mother make him soft and vulnerable. It is true, that every person has their weakness. And I am looking at his weakness now, his mother. Maybe the loss of his mother changed his life and made him what he is now.

"Do you like it here, Luna?" he asked.

"Yes, I like it here. The place is beautiful. The last time I went to beautiful places was when I was a kid. When my parents are still alive." I felt my eyes start to form tears.

"I'm sorry for your parent's loss Luna," his voice was comforting.

"Maybe there is a reason why everything happens. We might not like it in the first place, but we should accept and face it." I told him as I raised my head to the sky.

"Luna, I think we need to go back now to the hotel. Maybe this is enough for now. Remember, we are not here for vacation. We are here to hide." he said.

So we ride his car going back to the hotel again. In the hotel room, I felt uneasy again thinking I will sleep with him in a room and this is a small room with one bed. He said we need to stay in one room because my life is in danger. So I think I just need to adjust to the situation.

Inside the room, I felt boring. Hector went out for a while and told me not to go out without his permission. I watched TV and took a shower. I found some magazines to read and watched TV again.

"This is boring. I hope Hector will arrive soon." I told myself.

Just as I mentioned his name in my mind, he came into the room with lots of food.

He didn't dare to look at me and just approached the table to prepare the food. After that, he went inside the bathroom, maybe to take a shower. I went closer to the food on the table. These are all fast foods. I can see burgers, fries, and some fried chicken. I think I am loving the smell of the food. My mouth starts to water, I think I'm hungry.

As I tried to scan the food, his phone suddenly rang and surprised to see that it was Jasmine his fiance calling. Alright, I am feeling jealous this time.

I tried to go back to bed. I don't want him to see me looking at his phone. He went out of the shower and he looks so fresh this time. He looked at his phone and didn't even dare to answer Jasmine's call. He sat at the table and invited me to eat. I watched his emotionless expression. I wonder what he was thinking now. I am expecting him to answer his fiance's call. Well, maybe they have a problem or something. His phone rang again, I saw it was Jasmine calling again. He just turned his focus to his food as if he don't care who is calling him.

"Can you please stop looking at me Luna," I almost jump when I heard his voice.

 I never thought he sense that I was looking at him. I think I need to say something.

"I am just curious Hector. It was your fiancé calling. I think you need to answer that." I tried to calm myself while talking to him.

"I don't have time for her bullshit. I am busy." his voice was firm.

"Hector, she is still your fiance. You need to give some of your time to her." Sorry but I really can't stop my mouth.

"She is just my fiance Luna. My mission is more important than her," he replied.

I remember I was his mission. So I am more important than her fiance.

I felt a slight pain in my chest, knowing that the reason why we are here and he is here is because of his stupid mission.

"Oh, I remember, your mission is to keep me safe. I need to face your father alive for a reason I do not know." I said while drinking a glass of water. I think my stomach is full now, and I don't have the appetite to eat anymore.

"If not for your mission, maybe you just left me and let the werewolves feast on my meat in that forest. If not for your mission, maybe I am dead by now and you are free to do other things here in Oregon. If not for your mission, you will not also care for me, you will not even dare to protect me," my voice almost yelled. I saw his expression change.

"Shut up, you don't know what you are talking about," his angry voice makes me shiver, but I don't care.

This time we both stand and he towered over me. I am much closer this time to him. And his eyes were still attractive even though he was angry now. And I am angry too.

"I don't care if you don't want to listen to my rant. I am just telling the truth!" I shouted.

"I am here to protect you and keep you safe Luna, you need to remember that," he said.

"Oh, yes, yes, It's because you are told to do so by your father," I replied.

"Stop it, Luna, this makes no sense," he told me.

"I don't care. I just want this to be over and to stay away from all of you, including you," as I pointed my finger at his chest.

I was about to turn away when he grabbed my arm. His hold was tight and it is hurting me. I saw his jaw clenched. I think I pissed him off.

I swallowed hard and prepared myself for what might come next.

He dragged me closer to him as he cupped my face and kissed me.