The Oracles warning

Chapter 20

Alphas are somewhat different from wolves in that they are not as possessive as their partners. Imagine the restlessness that pushes you to join every race our group has or discover pointless hookups. Multiply that by ten now. That's Blaine's sentiment.

"Really? You're making things up."

"You believe that Blaine's lack of sex is the reason he is buried in Pussycat? If given the opportunity, I venture your sister would flex her legs."

All I can do is raise an eyebrow at him.

"You don't trust me anymore? I give updates to Blaine, and he looks forward to them. Watch, it's currently I am over there, but he will read my text if I text him something about you." He then takes out his phone and sends Blaine a text. In a few seconds, it appears that he has read the message, as we both keep our eyes fixed on the phone. He saw the message, but he's too much of a jackass to reply.

"Strange."

"Okay, enough chatting. You must get ready so that I may deliver you to the elder's home, where you are free to engage in any kind of behavior you choose with that insane elderly woman."

"That lady might know the answers to some of the questions I have," I reply, giving him a blank expression.

"All right, but don't claim that I didn't warn you."

Greg exits the room, and I quickly rush to get dressed. What should one wear to a meeting with a centuries-old werewolf or oracle? I decided to wear everything black. Not very formal nor overly informal.

I assess how I seem when I glance in the mirror. My hair has grown longer, and I no longer straighten it as often as I used to; instead, I usually let it curl. I have also begun to wear makeup more frequently. How come no one told me that a smokey eye could make you seem completely different?

I run down this magnificent place's steps and run into someone.

The man remarks, "Someone's in a hurry to see me." It's Damien, I notice when I look up. His eyes were full of desire as he looked at me. His hands seize the bends of my arms, drawing me nearer to him so I can experience the pressure of his erection against me.

I had an affair with Damien last night, and he is really attractive. His brown complexion sparkles in the sun, and his eyes are a rich black color. I chew my lip and consider my choices. Should I be late? Would Greg mind? How many times has he been pursuing a female and been late for our plans? A honk reverberates through the castle entrance, as though he can read my mind. I step back from Damien, wink at him, and close the door.

I went over to Greg's car and got inside. He gives me a grimace as if he were offended by my going to meet this woman. He gets behind the wheel while I glance out the window. I want to tell him why I'm going; I do, but how can I convey to him something that even I find difficult to understand? Although I know we are close, he would report it back to Blaine if I told him, and that is not acceptable.

It's not a very long drive. I'm gazing at a hut in a matter of minutes. Cottage? Although it doesn't appear to be well-maintained, this woman is my only hope. I glance across at Greg, who appears repulsed by what he sees.

"I'll mind-link you when I'm done."

"You must be crazy if you think I'm going to leave you here alone."

"What's the worst that can happen?"

"They say that she has so many visions of the future that she can't tell what's real anymore!"

"I'll be fine, but if it makes you feel any better, you can wait in the car." He considers arguing with me but changes his mind. I exit and make my way over to the hut. With my weight, the shaky steps leading to the entrance squeak. Renovating this home is sorely needed.

The door flies open, and I'm only a step away from it. I can see inside, but no one is behind it. After a few more steps, I find myself inside Jessica de Golden's dilapidated house.

I was astounded to see such a lovely property when I first went in.

It appears that someone is watching HDTV.

It's far larger than I had imagined, and it's wonderful. There are crystals everywhere, and there are plants too.

"I've been expecting you." I almost let out a cry of fear as my hand went to my chest. When I turn around, Jessica de Golden herself is standing right in front of me. She is the eldest back home, Clara's sister. Jessica is a hermit, but Clara is more of a people person. In the past three years, I can't recall the last occasion I saw her at a gathering.

Jessica and Clara belonged to the Golden family, who controlled Florence as a wealthy banking family. When they realized they had transformed into otherworldly beings, they fled. Although the sisters were humans at birth, the goddess had different ideas for them. They awoke one morning with the capacity to look into the future. They were to live the lives of honorary werewolves with psychic powers from that moment on.

The two eldest surviving members of the Luna Ruby Pack are Jessica and Clara. From what I can tell, they were born during the Italian Renaissance.

"Tell me what brings you here, dear."

"This is going to sound crazy, but there's this statue that looks exactly like me!" I yell. She gives me a nonchalant look.

"Do you have an artistic boyfriend? Perhaps he made it to honor you."

"What? Not at all! One of the statues that encircles the castle is this one. The statue is that of a former Luna."

"Well, it's common to notice parallels. She could be a relative of yours."

This bears no resemblance. She resembles me exactly."

"Why don't you give me your hands, and I'll tell you what I see?"

I extended my hands and held them out, palms up. She puts a crystal in each one, then closes her eyes and takes a crystal into her hand. Jessica inhales deeply and utters a few mumbling words in Italian.

"Lucia Lorenzo. She is the youngest of three children and the daughter of Beta. Your friend expelled you from your pack. Here, you've built a comfortable life for yourself. Although you are happy to have met some acquaintances here, you still miss your family. The day your partner marks another is something you dread."

She keeps spitting out facts that I already know. I know that I will end up just like her, and tears spring up in my eyes.

"Mateless."

But the reason is that he wants someone else, not because the goddess didn't provide me with a mate.

"Questions are always bothering your head. You're bewildered after seeing the statue, and you seek clarification."

She cuts off abruptly. I have no idea what the fuck I'm meant to do in this scenario, and her eyes start to glow white. Is this typical? Should I ask for assistance?

"You have to head west."

She clutches her throat, gasping, and inhales deeply. She looks at me with a glance that pierces my soul, her eyes wide.

"You must go west."

"I am aware. Jessica, you've already mentioned that."

"No, you're not getting it! They desire that you move west." Her eyes flit about the space in a scared way. She whispers in my ear as she leans in.

"She wants you to go west."

"West might mean anything at all! Should I just pick up a compass and head out?"

"Dear, I have no idea. I receive knowledge from the spirits, but you must interpret it."

I lean back against the wall and sigh. My questions are simply growing as a result of this visit. What might moving west entail? Do I travel to another nation, or is the West just a metaphor for something else?

Westward! Why hadn't I considered this earlier?

"I'm grateful, Jessica! I now know what to do." I informed her. I leaped to my feet and headed toward Greg's car.

"Take caution! Something sinister feels like it's coming." I follow Jessica down her rickety stairs, and she yells at me. I grinned and gave her a nod. Greg was asleep in the car when I got there.

Thank you very much for keeping me safe.

To get him to unlock the automobile, I tap on the window. With a start, he looks around to see if there is anything that could be a threat. He exhales in relief as his gaze comes to rest on me.

Greetings? Let the door open! It's chilly outside."

I settle into the leather seat while Greg unlocks the door. I feel a wave of confidence wash over me, and I turn to face Greg.

"Take me to the west wing."