The Chronicles of Moon
Chapter 68

Worry

“You go ahead. I need to go to my office and make some calls.” Colin kisses the top of Moon’s head, and she looks wide-eyed at him.

“If anyone needs some rest, it’s you, sir.” She says with a determined tone. She was not about to let him go and work himself to death before the actual fight even starts.

“I need to take care of things before I can even try to relax.” He strokes her cheek, looking at her affectionately.

“Then let me help.” She crosses her arms, determined to not fall for his charm.

“I would feel better if you would go and take a hot bath and get ready for tonight. I don’t know what the next few days will bring but knowing that right now you are safe is enough for me.”

Moon holds her ground, and he sighs, seeing she isn’t budging, standing in the hall by his office.

“Fine, give me an hour if I’m not right there with you; you can come to drag me away. I will gladly follow you, then just give me an hour.” Colin begs, pleading with every ounce of sweetness he can manage.

“Fine, one hour, and that’s it.” She huffs, defeated by his handsome face and pleading eyes. It’s impossible for her to tell him no when he looks at her that way, and he must know that. He kisses her soft and sweet, only making her crave more. She hums when he pulls away from her lips, missing the contact.

“One hour.” She orders, raising a brow and trying to sound as strong as she was moments ago.

“I promise. Oh, may I look at these?” Colin gestures to the box tucked under his arm. She considers it a moment.

“I guess you can, but no one else.” She slowly replies.

“Of course, only me. See you soon.”

Colin walks into the office, and Moon misses him already as she heads to their apartment. Soon as she is there, she checks the clock and huffs. What will she do for a whole hour? Thoughts of tonight start running through her head. What if something does happen tonight? They wouldn’t act that quickly, would they? She exhales hard and rubs her temple. She is getting a headache thinking about tonight. Announcing the Luna Ceremony should be exciting, not terrifying.

I never thought I would have to worry about any of this. I never expected to be a Luna, let alone a white wolf hunted by a goddess. Moon sits hard on the bed, the weight of everything crashing down on her.

We will get through this. Kiara tries to sound reassuring.

Can you remember anything yet? Moon interrogates, knowing full well what the answer is, because she still can’t remember anything either. I think I need to just take a hot bath and calm down. I’m worked up over everything and worrying about Colin. I need to act as normal as possible tonight. The pack knows about the ambush, and I hope they don’t think having all this Luna stuff now is too odd.

I don’t think so. They will probably just think Colin is doing this to protect you in a way. Kiara responds thoughtfully. If I were him, I would want to claim what is mine and ensure everyone knew it.

Moon almost laughs; well, so far, I don’t need protecting, thanks to you.

True, I am awesome. Kiara puffs up a bit at her own brilliants. She does think highly of herself.

Moon goes to the bathroom and runs the water for the tub as she brushes out her hair. A hot bath is just what she needs right now. The last twenty-four hours have been a lot to deal with.

Let’s just get through tonight. One thing at a time, and we can do this right, Kiara?

Of course, we can. Do you know what bad asses we are? Kiara howls with laughter, making Moon smile as well as she sinks into the hot water. Every muscle relaxes in the soothing warmth.

Nothing is going to go wrong tonight. We can do this, She tells herself.

***

“What are you even doing here right now?” Chris questions Colin standing at the office door scowling.

“I just needed to take care of a few things,” Colin mumbles distractedly.

“No, you need to go and rest, spend time with Moon, and try to look happy, remember?” he crosses his arms, walking into the office. “I can handle things.”

“I just want to... “

“I know what you want to do. The same thing you always do. Plan for every worst-case scenario. You think if you can have a plan for everything, then nothing will happen, and you won’t lose again. I really do have this handled for the moment. Take the time to relax just a little before shit gets real. We don’t need you dying of exhaustion before the fight starts.”

“I want to keep her safe. I have no idea how to do that or what we will be facing exactly. We got stuck in a feud among gods using us as their pawns. We must replace a way to win something that was never our fight.”

“You’re right. It wasn’t our fight, but we are in it now. As far as your needing to protect her. I think she has saved your ass twice now. I’m not sure she is the one that needs protection here.” Chris stops himself from laughing, but the smile on his face irritates Colin nonetheless. “Look, I will follow Bella around and keep an eye on her. I’ll even spread the news of tonight’s announcement. Zach has some of the best people sticking close to the packhouse. He told them we were just preparing in case Caleb tries anything, which is true enough. I will announce that everyone who can make it is invited to the packhouse. I have everything handled now. Just go get some rest before dinner tonight. You look like you need it more than anyone. Did you sleep at all last night?”

Colin shakes his head no. “I couldn’t.”

“It shows. Now go.” Chris orders firmly. It is clear he is not going to drop the subject or give Colin any peace.

“Okay, okay, you win.” He runs his hands through his hair. “I need a shower anyway. Just please watch Bella. She was a target before, and probably still is.”

“All ready on it; Johnny is with her.”

Colin excepts the defeat slumping a bit as he is exhausted. “Tomorrow, invites need to be sent for the Luna Ceremony. We need as many Alphas here as possible.”

“Will you stop? I know that.” Chris pats Colin’s shoulder. “We got it covered. I will have the invites out first thing tomorrow. You don’t need to worry.”

“Right.” All he has been able to do is worry. He spent the whole night worrying about the coming days and whether they would draw the traitors out or be caught unaware again.

He gathers the box of books taking them back to the apartment. He can at least read through some of these. He only hopes they might be helpful in some way.

It’s quiet, and he sets the box down, heading to his room to replace Moon. When he finally replaces her soaking in the tub, his breath hitches. He hasn’t gotten over the fact that she is his. He gets to spend the rest of his life with her.

She doesn’t notice him as he walks into the bathroom, slipping off his shoes and taking off his shirt. When he closes the door, she turns her head smiling at him.

“What are you doing? Has it been an hour?” She questions.

“No, it hasn’t been an hour, and I’m joining you in that tub.” He smirks.

“Oh, are you?” She teases him, making him smile more.

“Yes. I was ordered to relax, remember?” there is a darker tone to his low voice, and relaxing is clearly not what he has in mind now.

He slips off his pants, joining her in the hot water, pulling her close to him, kissing her long and deep, making them both breathless. Her hands run over his chest to his shoulder. It’s mostly healed now, leaving a raised pink scar. She traces it with her fingers, lost in thought.

“I’m fine, thanks to you.” He whispers close to her.

“You were shot because of me.” She sighs, feeling responsible.

“You saved me more than you know, and Caleb has wanted to shoot me for years. He would have done it eventually.” Colin kisses her lips again. Trying to distract her from any more thoughts about her being responsible for anything that has happened.

Moon still can’t seem to help but think that if it hadn’t been for her and what she is, the people she loves would have been much safer. She still brings destruction with her everywhere she goes.

Is Selena sure Moon isn’t going to be the destruction of everything and not their savior? Moon is really beginning to wonder.