56. Stranger Things

**MAEVE**

Let the record show that werewolves are bad at keeping secrets.
Especially if the secret involves a celebration. And boy, they do know how to celebrate. If Halloween and full moon nights were some evidence, I wouldn’t have to know the extent of craziness they could manifest.
Two days before my birthday, Eirlys took me out for a ‘sudden and essential’ shipping trip, urging me to pick up the most glorious outfit for evening wear and not even letting me pay for it.
A day before my birthday, everyone I met in and around the pack house would give me the goofiest, silliest smile and trotted out of the scene, giggling and chuckling.
And then, Xander. He was literally up all night, minus the fact that we indulged in the hottest birthday sex known to humans and werewolves alike and laid in bed, waiting for the sun to come up. But how could I complain, having experienced the best birthday celebration of my life?
The next day, while Xander got himself busied in pack business, Eirlys showed an old library that belonged to the Night Pride pack for generations. And having a strange affinity towards books, I simply could not resist staying away from them.
I walked around the room and slowly inspected the ancient paintings and art. Although I have never considered myself an art enthusiast, I could not help but note the antique detailing and stacks of old books.
Yes, the books were indeed an attraction for me.
I advanced towards a shelf full of hardbound leather covers, running mat fingers delicately over the textured covers until a striking title caught my eyes. ‘The Chronicles of the Divine Moon Goddess.’ Curiously, I took it out from the stacked books and slowly skimmed through the faded brown pages. The writings were fascinating. The details of the mythical goddess were weaved through careful constructs, describing her powers and grace like a crowned jewel. But before I could dive any further, a sound clearing throat infiltrated the silence, and my eyes snapped up.
“Alpha Lucas.”
He wore an easy smile than he’d normally allow and slowly shook his head. “No, no, just Lucas would do. We already have a chosen alpha now.”
Shutting the book, I quickly attempted to rise. “I am sorry, I did not know it was a private room.”
“It’s not, my dear,” Xander’s father said. “We haven’t had much of a chance to converse.”
I was still unsure how to respond as he made his way over to the table and peek into the book laid in front of me. “Ah. The Legend of Moon Goddess,” he recognized from the opened pages. “I see you are interested in mythology. Any particular reason?”
“I was just skimming through.” I shrugged, softly closing the book. “But in all honesty, mythology captivates me. There are no heroes or villains, but only great, powerful men and women. Each has own prerogative and there is no right from the wrong.”
He seemed mildly agreed. “I have had my fair share of human company, but very rarely have I come across someone who prefers something other than the black and white prerogative. We always look for a good villain to make a great hero. But you see things differently.”
“Thank you, but I can hardly agree to it.”
The deep-set of eyes bore into mine, although far less intimidating. “Xander told me,” he said softly.
*His father knew who I was?*
My mouth snapped open and shut while my mind groped for the right words. “I am sorry, but…”
“It’s okay, Maeve,” he tried his best to ease me. “It’s not much of a secret if it concerns the life of my son. I might have been an alpha, but I am also a father.”
In no uncertain terms, I knew that Lucas was not pleased with my involvement with Xander. But I was under the misguided notion that it has something to do with my human status and not the supernatural one.
“You didn’t approve of me, I know. But I was as bound to my heart and soul for Xander as were you.”
“My dear, I would never hold a grudge against you or my son for choosing someone who is not to my liking,” he admitted. “As it is, the life of an alpha is laden with responsibilities and tough choices; so why complicate the matters of heart?”
It took me a second to reflect on his words and accepted the frankness for what it was. “Thank you. It means a lot to me and Xander.”
“But I have something else to ask of you, Maeve.”
Confusion clouded my mind. “Sure, I will try my best.”
Lucas’s face grew concerned with every passing second. “Protect him,” he pleaded. The underlying fear was far too evident in the voice of the man who once fearlessly ruled a pack. “I could feel the walls closing in, the dangers surrounding us. The wolves are forever vulnerable and the mercy of the Goddess. While She is kind enough to grant us happiness, I know it comes with a cost. My son was far too strong-headed to confess his fears, which is why you need to protect him.” His sincerity was alarming.
“I can only do so much, Lucas,” I expressed. “But I am giving you my word that I will protect Xander until my last breath.”
A sad smile slowly spread across his lips. “My dear, you are his breath and life.”
Lucas left as abruptly as he arrived, leaving me in the smoke of daze and reeling afterthought of stranger things. What was he exactly trying to convey? It was difficult to read between the lines, especially when I knew so little about him. I began to wonder if he was indicating a serious apprehension or he simply wanted to warn me of any danger. Either way, I was a little clueless.
Shelving back the book, I slowly walked back to the house, and just as I was about to reach it, another surprising sight caught my eye. A figure stood upon the dim moonlit porch as I slowed my pace.
Is everyone going to surprise me with their presence?
“Sedona. Is everything alright?” I asked, looking at her confused expression. I should have been the lost one. “Why are you sitting here on the porch? And out in the dark?”
“I was waiting for you.” She looked back momentarily and added with hesitation, “I didn’t want to invade into your personal space.”
“It’s alright,” I said, stepping into the porch and reaching out to latch onto the lock on the front door. “Please, come in.”
“No, I have to go. I just wanted to give you this.” She extended her hand, holding a small velvet box. “For your birthday.”
“That’s really sweet of you.” I accepted. “Thank you.”
Unknotting the bow on top, I lifted the lid, and it revealed a beautiful, glowing pendant nestled inside. A spectrum of color reflected around, even under the dim light, and the small stones bracketing the gem in the center twinkled.
“Wow, this is breathtaking,” I almost gasped.
“It’s a black opal stone pendant,” Sedona described.
“You have an exquisite choice, Sedona, I must say. I have never seen jewellery so exotic.”
“It’s my mother’s.”
I was at a loss of words at this point and stared at her wide-eyed. “What?”
“Yes, it belonged to her pendant collection,” she said proudly. “My mother had a penchant for rare gems.”
“Oh, my God.” I quickly shut the lift, thrusting out my hand as respectfully as possible. For someone who grew up without a parent, I knew what every little gift from a mother meant to a daughter. I would never have Sedona part with something that inherently belonged to her mother. “I can’t take it. Please don’t misunderstand me, but it belongs to you. You should be able to keep it. It is your mother’s, after all.”
Sedona let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. “No, no. I inherited all her pendants. This stone reminds me of you. You shine in the dark, Maeve. You are really special.”
“I don’t have words to thank you, Sedona. Truly, this gift has touched my heart.” More than what she has given me, it was her intention that warmed up to me.
“Will you wear it?” she asked expectantly. “I mean, I don’t want to force you, but…”
“I will absolutely wear it,” I assured her. “I know the sentimental value it holds for you, and to give it to someone else is a tough choice. It would be an honour to wear it.”
“Thank you, Maeve.” Her hands reached out to softly squeeze mine, and I didn’t know what in the world possessed her to extend me such warmth. “Thank you for everything that you have done for me. No one has ever extended me such kindness as you have.”
Sedona turned around and walked away, leaving me holding the dark, almost glowing pendant of her mother’s.
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