Chapter 18

Audrey Howey

“Marked?” I asked.

"You see, they undergo this thing they call mating. They need to do that to confirm that they already belong to someone, to a wolf. But this process cannot be done against your will. Marking includes deeper meanings including sexual pleasure under the moon. If the mates received that kind of connection they cannot be separated.” Grandma explained. "Mating also strengthens your Bond to each other, that is your connection. As for Troy, he's an Alpha, and since you're his mate, you will soon be called a Luna." She smiled.

"Well you're still going to be called a lady, unless you got married and bear pups." she wiggled her eyebrow playfully, and my mouth opened. I couldn't believe what she was saying. Pups!?

"But Grandma I'm not ready for pups, or marriage! I have to go to college. I WANT to go to college! I haven't reached any of my dreams yet." I exclaimed with a frightened look. This summer vacation is life changing.

"No one will force you, dear. This could happen whenever you’re ready. And yes, you should finish your studies first." she smiled and touched my cheeks. I shuddered at the thought once more.

Of course I'm not ready! My dreams haven't come true yet. But then, Troy announced me to his pack already. He announced that I was his mate, and that I would soon be his Luna. I'm new to these things. I never believed them before; I never thought I'd meet any in real life. And his pack--

"Wait, what's a pack for? I mean, why do packs exist?" I asked.

"Well, a wolf family is considered a pack. To make your pack stronger and bigger, you can recruit or collaborate with other packs." She told me with a serious face. "Troy's father was a strong Alpha, and he did what he could to seek the best l warriors. So when he died, all of his possessions were passed on to Troy. Even with the throne for the Alpha, he trained hard and conquered other packs, and to gain the reputation he has now. He has never failed his pack since the day he became Alpha." Grandma said with a reminiscing smile on her face.

"How did you know about these things, Grandma?" I asked. She seemed to be very knowledgeable about these things that I forgot to know why.

"My mate, your grandfather, was a good friend of Troy's father. I actually met him in the woods, while the two of them were hunting." Grandma's face turned red and I couldn't help but laugh. Maybe their love story was a good one. She didn’t love another man when her mate died.

"Troy never showed any interest towards any she-wolf within our pack. He was always alone, and he only performed his responsibilities as an Alpha and nothing more than that. Of course I know his reasons. It’s you." She said sadly, but later on she giggled. "And when your father brought you here and after you met Troy again. He changed incredibly. He was always excited when they're about to go hunting." Grandma smiled.

"Hunting?" I asked anxiously. Please don't say humans. I know wolves need to hunt for food because of their nature, but I can't imagine Troy chasing and eating humans. Wait... Is there a chance that he'll attack me if he goes out of control?

"Yes my dear, but not humans. They hunt for animals." She said and I laughed. I sighed. I thought there was a chance that Troy would attack me. I shook my head repeatedly, trying to forget the images that appeared in my mind. He’s always looking at me as if he wants to devour me.

Grandma Candice yawned. "I'm afraid that's all I know about werewolves, my dear. If you have more questions, I cannot answer them all." She glanced at me. I smiled at her. That’s alright. I can just know the other stuff from Troy. If he’s not busy I can ask him.

"Do you want to know things about your mother instead?"

When I heard that I went silent.

I was raised by my Aunt and my father only came along often. I totally have no clue where my mother is, if she's alive or not. Part of me wants to know about her, but the rest tells me to just leave her alone. I sighed and chose the former. I’ve been dogging this topic all the time. Deep inside my heart I always wish to know what kind of person she is. Maybe it's really time to know about her.

"Yes." I hesitantly replied.

"Your mother, Adelfa, was a very bright and cheerful child, so smart and beautiful. I could only guess that's why your father fell in love with her." She laughed adoringly. "But one night, she was bitten by a werewolf, she changed. She became a werewolf, too."

"When your father found out, he never left her side. He tried to understand your mother as best as he could. Due to his perseverance, their relationship worked and they got married. Soon, she got pregnant. And that baby was you Audrey." She smiled tenderly and I smiled back.

"But then her Alpha founded out. He ordered one of his men, and he went to your home to kill you and your mother. Your father ran away with you. To save you, but he had to leave Adelfa behind. Years later, he kept on blaming himself for what happened. So he left us. He was too afraid of making wrong decisions again, and that he might lose you as well. He chooses to drown himself to work to support you financially. Until now, he carries the blame to himself." She wiped her tears. "I hope you understand, Audrey. Your mother is not with you because she loves you, and your father left for your sake." she hugged me tight, and I hugged back with tears welling up in my eyes.

"I understand, Grandma. I know he's been working hard for me." I can’t blame everything on my father. Even though he seems like he has forgotten about me he’s still my father. More than anyone else I must not forget that his sacrifices were once all for me. He’s not here with me but his love is carved deep within me like a scar.

She nodded. "That's right."

Time passed by quickly. I didn't realize it was almost five in the afternoon. I let go of my Grandma's tight hug. I'm so happy right now. I know that my father really cared about me and he didn't really want me out of his life.

I still can't believe it, though. My mother is a werewolf? So what does that make me? A wolf? I shook the thoughts away. No! I'm human. I'm certain about it. I know my father's genes are strong. I never grew fangs or fur, or anything strange in my life? I'm human!

I glanced at Grandma. "Let go prepare dinner, Grandma."

She nodded. We stood up and went to the kitchen to cook dinner.