19. MIA

Chapter 19

MIA

I stare at my reflection in disbelief, wiping a hand over my face.

Even with all my memories intact, I struggle to wrap my head around everything I've learned.

It's not because I haven't seen myself in action. Felt the power of telekinesis coursing through my bones as I fought my way through Blackclaw.

But rather, because it's been hidden from me all my life. I'd spent seventeen years in Overton with no memory of my life prior to getting there. And there isn't much I know about Mystic Moon, or my real parents.

When I leave the bathroom, I hear a knock on the bedroom door.

“Come in,” I call out, expecting Anastasia to bring breakfast.

She's been as great as she always has been. Tending to my every whim over the past week.

That's why I'm surprised when it's Theo who comes inside carrying the tray with breakfast.

“Good morning, my love,” he greets cheerfully, kicking the door gently behind him. He comes over to the bed, leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead.

“Good morning, Theo,” I greet back, relishing in the warmth of his lips and the comfort they provide. My heart feels embraced in his presence, and I bask in the blissfulness of being near him.

“I have something to tell you,” he says as he slides the breakfast tray on the nightstand and takes a seat on the edge of the bed. I shuffle into his side, laying my head on his shoulder.

“What is it?”

Theo reaches into his sweatpants pocket and produces a folded paper. “We found some information about the Mystic Moon Pack.”

“Really?” My eyes widen as I take the paper and unfold it.

“The village was a town called Prairie, a few hundred miles from here. And the entire pack had been wiped out.”

“How did you find all of this out?” I ask as I read the information on the page.

“My father…” Theo reveals. “When the village was torn, it was Nightwalker who went there and cleaned up the mess Blackclaw made.” He sighs heavily. “The wolves were given proper burials. No one survived.”

“No one except me…” A cold shiver runs down my spine, but Theo hugs me when he notices.

“I was thinking we'd visit Prairie today,” he offers gently.

I look up into Theo's emerald eyes and nod. “I'd like that.”

He smiles and plants a kiss on my cheek. “Let's have breakfast, and then we can leave.”

I nod eagerly as I pull the tray onto my lap. We have our meal together and leave in his Jeep as soon as we're done. Theo informs me that his parents will be back tonight, but this anxious feeling in my gut isn't because of that.

It's a feeling that grows as we head toward Prairie. And when we pass a sign that indicates we've entered the town, I feel a lump in my throat.

“Are you okay?” Theo asks as he reaches for my hand. All I can offer him is a nervous smile as he folds my hand on his lap.

Ahead of us, the village comes into view. Not like what I remember from the dreams I'd been having.

It's just an empty shell of what's left of the foundations of the cabins. Gloomy and gray, the ghost of what was once a quaint and peaceful village is all that remains.

My exhale staggered as I take it all in. Theo brings the Jeep to a halt, cutting off the engine and turning to me.

“Do you wanna climb out?”

In response, I click off the safety belt hitch. My movements become mechanical as I step out on the dry sand that was once the most luscious lawn.

Theo is at my side in a heartbeat, taking my hand in his. He leads me through the village, stepping over stray wood and rocks that cover the path.

It's a strange thing – trying to make sense of what each of the structures once bore. Some housing the werewolves, others forming what would have been a market.

If I dig deep enough, my memories span the days when I'd walk through that market with Mama and Papa.

Vendors would greet them with the utmost respect, bowing their heads as we walked by. I'd get free ice cream and fresh fruits, courtesy of the members of the pack.

Life was simpler, beautiful in that simplicity. It wasn't distorted by greed or the need to be superior. Even Papa, who was the Alpha of Mystic Moon, walked amongst the pack like he was an ordinary man.

That's why Mama loved him so much. Glancing at Theo, I realize that it's more than just fate that made me fall in love with him.

It's that intense humanity and selflessness that he exudes. Despite being the Alpha of the Nightwalker Pack, he's never been egotistical or greedy.

Giving his hand a gentle squeeze, I draw his attention to me.

“This is–” he begins, but my knowing smile stops him as he's about to tell me where we are.

“I know,” I glance back at the shell of the cabin. Without windows or doors, it's just an ashen carcass. But it's one I recognize as I step onto the platform that was once the porch.

Theo holds my hand as he follows me through the frame of the door. Inside, the wooden floors are black with soot from the fire. As if they've stained the floorboards like varnish.

Theo gently releases my hand, going around to inspect what's left of the place. His curiosity warms my heart as I do the same, heading to the bedroom.

As memories of my mother hiding me under the floorboards come rushing back, I find myself sinking in front of that cavity. The frightened feeling I felt back then returns as an ache in my chest.

It's like I'm reliving the past that I'd forgotten for so long. The past is hidden from me thanks to a necklace cast from sterling silver.

Theo's footsteps grow distant as he seemingly leaves the cabin. I get to my feet, fingers absentmindedly running over the mattress consumed by the fire as I head to the window.

To the left of the cabin, an empty piece of land forms a graveyard. I can tell from the mounds of dirt piled in the form of a gravesite in rows of tens. A dreary shiver runs down my spine.

Still, my feet set in motion off their own accord toward the graveyard. Theo knelt between two graves, a hand resting on the top of each of the mounds. Each has a makeshift tombstone carved nondescript on the stone.

They bear the names of my parents.

Mateo Alvarez and Maria Alvarez.

“Mister and Misses Alvarez…” he speaks low. He doesn't seem to hear me coming up from behind, and continues staring down at the two graves.

“... I am sorry for what happened here,” he continues. He picks up some dirt from one grave and inspects it on his palm. “But a miracle did occur that day. Your daughter, Mia, was saved.”

I can hear the smile in his voice, and it lifts my lips into a smile of my own.

“And fate brought us together,” Theo goes on. “My name is Theo Marrock, Alpha of the Nightwalker Pack of Overton, and I am your daughter's fated mate.”

When Theo rises to his feet, I expect him to turn and catch me eavesdropping. Instead, his back becomes ramrod straight as he takes a deep breath, fists curling deliberately on his sides.

“I know that I will not receive a direct answer, but I would still like to make my intentions known here, in your presence.” He glances from one grave to the next, then says, “I wish to marry your daughter in an official ceremony in my pack. I hope you deem me worthy from where you're watching over her.”

Theo's declaration sets my heart alight. From where I'm standing a few feet away, I call out to him.

“Theo!”

He turns around slowly, discreetly wiping at the tear that rolls down his cheek.

“I found–”

“It's a yes!” I exclaim as my eyes tear up.

His eyes widen as realization dawns on him. “You–you heard me?”

I nod as my feet set into motion, running into his arms. He grabs me and lifts me off the floor, holding me tightly.

“Wait…” he chuckles as he sets my feet down again. He sinks down to one knee, then stares up into my eyes. He takes my hand and lifts it to his mouth where he presses a kiss on my knuckles, never taking his eyes off mine.

“Will you marry me, Mia Alvarez?”

“Yes, Theo Marrock,” I beam gleefully. “Yes!”

I'm riding cloud nine as we leave Prairie behind us. Simultaneously leaving the past behind me, and only taking with me the pleasant memories.

Along with the powers gifted to me by the Moon Goddess, I have a leather-bound journal on my lap. Theo discovered it in what used to be the living room in the cabin.

And the urge to open it has me tapping my fingers on the cover while we ride back to Overton.

“Why don't you open it?” Theo chuckles as he glances at me.

I shake my head. “I'll do it tonight. Right now, my tummy is in knots.”

“Nervous about telling Ana?”

I giggle nervously. “You know how she is. And up until a week ago, she had no idea we were fated mates.”

“Oh, she knew,” Theo titters. “Trust me, she always knew.”

“What will your parents say?” I ask as I stare at my trembling fingers linked over the journal.

“They're arriving tonight. That's when I plan on telling them.” He reaches for my hand and laces his fingers through mine. “They're gonna love you, Mia. I've already told them about you.”

I gulp anxiously as I stare out ahead of us. We arrive back in Overton just in time to catch the sunset.

Walking hand in hand toward the house, Anastasia comes rushing out.

“You're back!” she claps excitedly before coming forward and grabbing my arm. She pulls me from Theo, oblivious to her brother calling her name.

“I made corn soup and I need you to taste it for me,” she throws over her shoulder. “It's Mother's famous recipe, and I hope I didn't spoil it.”

“Ana!” I say firmly, finally grabbing her attention.

She stops abruptly in her tracks.

“What is it?” she asks, clearly annoyed.

“We're getting married!” Theo calls from behind me.

Anastasia frowns at her brother, then turns to me. She repeats the cycle of looking between Theo and I with her mouth agape, in search of confirmation.

“Are you serious?” she whispers only loud enough for my ears.

I nod as a smile grows on my face. Anastasia mirrors that smile as she excitedly jumps and flings her arms around my neck.

“Congratulations, Mia!” she bounces as she holds me. She stands at arm's length and gazes at me with loving warmth in her eyes. When she claps her hands cheerfully, she says, “I have a wedding to plan now!”