Amelia’s Secrets

Amelia

I watch the girl opposite me dig into the cake and biscuits and smile fondly at her.

With secrets that only my mate Isaac knew, life as a she-wolf who was not like others wasn't always the easiest, but despite being different, he never saw me otherwise. My half-sister and I came to this pack together. Marilla was the daughter of my father and his fated mate, while I was his daughter from a woman he had initially chosen.

Although he made sure to be there for her as a friend and he continued to be there for me, my mother died shortly after our father left her. But it is hard to resist the mate bond. I understood this, but my mother did not.

And well, because of the rumours surrounding my mother's lineage always being questioned, when we were mated to two brothers, well… we kept the fact that we were sisters quiet. I was happy to, after all the plan was to tell my nephew Jackson and my son Jonah that Marilla and I were sisters when they were older. But life remained good and certain circumstances made everyone hesitate, delaying the truth for what I admit was far too long.

When Elias, Jackson's father, was killed, Marilla also passed away a few short months later, leaving Jackson to step up as Alpha. That was when our relationship began to sour. Perhaps he became aware of my knack for certain things…

Even when I was the one who agreed that it was better for my son to go and participate in the duel, pretending to be his cousin because I knew Jackson had things to do. They looked similar enough...

I knew that night I might never see my son again, but I followed what my instincts told me, that Jonah needed to go. I tried to reassure myself that it would be ok, but it wasn't. It turned out to be a trap, and what I had done was protect my nephew, the Alpha, by sacrificing my son. That night, I not only lost my son, but also my mate.

My heart tightens with guilt and sadness, and I put those thoughts back in the chest of memories that sits in the corner of my mind. The pain and regret that I wasn't able to protect them will always remain.

"Oh, this cake is so good," Scarlett says, making me chuckle lightly.

I knew from the moment that the young woman with the two young girls, covered in bruises and injuries that had not healed, entered pack territory that she – Scarlett, had been sent for something much more important. Something far bigger.

I had a dream long ago, one that told me that a special she-wolf would come to our pack on a full moon. One who needed to be kept hidden until she was ready for what destiny had in store for her, until the time was right for her to step into the moonlight and follow her path.

I wouldn't call it a dream, but I dare not call it a vision either. But what I do know is the voice that spoke to me was ethereal, magical, and powerful. A voice that was from beyond this world – like a song in the breeze, yet so deep and melodious it made me shiver from the sheer power and serenity it held.

I admit it was hard to believe and crazy even, but although I may never say it, I have my own assumption of just who that voice may have belonged to.

That dream lingered on my mind for years, but it never occurred or came to be and soon I stopped thinking about it. Years passed and when I had almost forgotten it, Scarlett, Jessica and Indigo showed up.

When I heard the commotion that night not far from my home, I had to go see what was going on. And that's when I laid my eyes on the little girl with the fire of determination in her eyes.

At that moment, the dream rushed back to me, flooding my mind like I had been hit with a tidal wave. So vivid and fresh, as if it was only yesterday that I had dreamt it.

I immediately knew Scarlett was the one the voice in my vision spoke of, and because of that I supported Jessica thoroughly. Making sure the entire pack knew I approved of her for my nephew and supported her entrance into his life.

It was common for surviving mates to die or go insane at the loss of their mates, especially alphas. But somehow Jackson had not gone feral, a miracle in itself. And most everyone put it down to Jessica.

He thrived with her by his side, and we all needed him alive and well. Although some didn't like that he took another Luna, one he couldn't even mark, they saw the change in him and that was something they couldn't deny.

I sometimes wondered if it had anything to do with the young, fiery child. From the moment she had entered the pack when the warriors had cornered them, with Jessica carrying her six-year-old and pleading for refuge – fear and desperation in her deep blue eyes – Scarlett had been sharp, brave, and observant. Despite the marks all over her body, her eyes remained defiant and her will remained strong, not showing even an ounce of fear of the wolves that surrounded them.

And when Scarlett shifted, I was not surprised. I was expecting something – no, I knew something would be special about her and when it was, I felt so proud.

When I saw her silver-grey wolf that shone like the moon, leaving many in awe and fear, I had been thrilled. I was satisfied and relieved that I did not make the wrong assumption, unlike the pack who started treating her with fear or contempt, not understanding why her wolf was so big. They were more worried about the size of her wolf than her pure silver fur, which none of us have ever seen the likes of before.

I have tried to be there for her. I know how it feels to be different… Comforting Scarlett when she tries to pretend all is well without pushing her away. We have a good bond, a very strong one and I will always be there for her, but I am concerned for her. Since her shift, I do feel she's changed; she's become more reserved and I feel she is hiding something from me.

However, she never tells me anything much lately. But I am a resilient old fool too, and I will continue to push for information on what she is trying to hide from me.

"The tea is lovely," Scarlett compliments, bringing me back to the present.

Taking a biscuit, I nod over my cup of tea. "It is indeed… it's all in the way you brew it," I say, taking a sip of my tea. "I heard there was a bit of a spat last night between you and the Williamson boy. I don't really know him so well. What kind of person is he?"

She scoffs. "He's an ass who pretends to be something he is not." Her hands tighten on the cup and she places it down with a loud clank.

"Now, now, the china has done nothing to you!" I scold, but her choice of words for him did not go unnoticed. "Men are all oafs! What is he pretending to be?"

She opens her mouth as I select a biscuit, but her moment's pause makes me observe her keenly as she hesitates, tilting her head. "You are a sly one, Grandma." She chuckles. "It's really nothing much."

So she won't share… that concerns me. I do hope Jessica or Jackson pick up on it, or if not them, then Elijah. The boy has a lot of potential.

"What are you thinking?" Scarlett asks suspiciously.

"Nothing at all, my dear. Nothing at all…"

My eyes twinkle with wisdom and secrecy as I take another sip of tea.

Scarlett

We'll be leaving soon, but somehow I still found time to pop down to the rocky area where I followed Indigo to last night. I'm still baffled about what she was doing down here. I scan the area, making sure it's deserted before I jump down into the closure, landing on my feet with a light thud.

I walk over to the stone, scanning the ground. It's clear it's a place visited often enough. I crouch down, observing the ground. Mainly it's the same size footprint… Indigo's by the looks of the size and those sneakers, but there are others.

Is Indigo in some weird cult or something? I wouldn't put it past her. I run my fingers across the stone. There's nothing on it. She gave it chocolate for Goddess's sake! Ok, maybe not to the rock, but something around here.

I shake my head, feeling so confused as I look around the rock, but find nothing. There's got to be something here. I push the branches aside seeing a small backpack pushed right into the bush behind the rock. I'm about to reach for it when I hear footsteps and quickly pull away.

"Scarlett?"

I close my eyes when I hear Indigo's shocked voice from behind me.

Oh fuck.

"Indy…" I stand up slowly to see her standing there looking stunned.

"What are you doing here?" she asks accusingly.

"I was just walking-"

"Don't lie to me! Did you follow me last night? Were you spying on me?" She shakes her head.

"No, not exactly. I just-"

"Stop butting into my life! For fuck's sake, Scar, just go do whatever the hell you want somewhere else! Just back off, stalker!" She storms over to me pushing me away with her full strength.

"Indigo… I just-"

"JUST GO! GO!" I flinch as she screams in my face, the sound hammering in my head and I step back.

"I'm leaving, but this behaviour is insane, Indy," I say quietly.

"Is it? So you can lash out at anyone who butts into your life but if I do the same it's not ok?! Oh get lost!" she shouts.

I shake my head. "Whatever, I'm done," I say, wringing my hands. "Do whatever you like." I turn, ready to storm off when she speaks.

"Go! I hope you have an unpleasant trip! Better yet! Don't come back. Go jump in a ditch or something!" she shouts, making me pause. I turn back to her, feeling disappointed and maybe a little hurt.

You have no idea that the possibility of that happening is pretty high…

"Thanks for that," I reply sarcastically, not letting her see how I feel.

Shaking my head, I wonder why I even bother. Mama and Indy both can be pretty unfair.

"Scar-"

"Goodbye, Indigo." With that, I walk away, refusing to hear another word.

I really must be unlikeable if my own family treats me this way. Maybe this trip will do me some good too. Maybe I need a break away from them all.