Rejected Mate and Following Fate

I lie still, watching her, frozen, breath raspy to match my elevated heart rate, but my fears begin to calm and fade as she slides down her hood with a slow even movement, and illuminates the room with a magical blue glow of both her hands. Like a mesmerizing smoky orb around each, that follows and traces with every movement. Hypnotic in nature.

Sierra Santo is a very beautiful woman, with almost milky skin, despite looking exotic. Her dark hair frames a delicate bone structure, and her eyes, although electrifying blue right now, are almond shaped under straight thick dark brows, so perfectly symmetrical. She has pouty lips, and an ever-present youthful charm that completely warms her to you. A face that says, 'I can be trusted' to match the surrounding atmosphere of serene she always carries

I sit up, gasping in wonderment at the light show, and reaching out to touch what I can see as she moves in and sits on the side of my bed with grace. She allows my hand to wander into hers, seeking out and investigating, before firmly surrounding my small hand in her own fingers and encompassing me within the warmth. I expected the blue air to be cold, but it's almost like being submerged in a hot bubble bath, and I giggle at the tickle of it.

"Don't be afraid, Alora… it's magic. Special, gentle, and yet so very beautiful, and kind, when used the right way. Would you like to do some magic with me while I tell you a story?" Her eyes are still that dazzling brightest azure, and I look from her hands to her eyes in awe at the vibrance of this mystical light she's able to produce. My curiosity killing the last of my fears, and I nod with the enthusiasm of a child who wants to discover more. Naïve courage, because of my innocence

Of course, I shouldn't be afraid, this is the Luna Santo and I do know her. She comes to the library to read us stories and plays with us sometimes. well she did, before all the grownups left to fight a battle. Just like my own mommy and daddy have. and my big brother Jasper. and my grandparents. and most of the rest of the Whyte pack. I stay with Mommy's friend while they're gone, Aisha Munro, one of our pack. who is big and round because she says she's having puppies. Sierra has a son around my age, but I don't like boys. and I don't like playing with Santos. They're always so pushy and aggressive when we do. and I prefer my friends from the Whyte pack. We're softer, we play less rough and tough games than fighting and hunting. They're just stupid.

it touches between us is shaded in cold hues, which add even more

tell you. Remember how we used to read at the library, when you all laid on the floor, and closed your eyes so you could get lost in the pictures your mind creates? We can do that now if you like, so you can listen and empty your mind from any distractions. I need you to focus on my words and not my

bounce, and shuffle, while still holding her hand and wriggle myself down like a squirming caterpillar into my sheets once more, pushing my head back against my cushion, sinking in. I don't care why she's come in through my window and not the door. Or why she came in the night, I want to be a good girl and listen to her magical adventure story. The one in which a wolf

used to read me stories in bed, and maybe because she can't be here right now, Sierra came to do it instead. She's a Queen so she can come home when she chooses, but my mommy is a warrior, and she has to stay away and protect us from the bad men who came to the mountain to hurt

slides back a little and lays my wrist on her knee which splays open my palm to disengage hers, so she can touch my hand without holding it properly, and with gentle strokes begins to circle in the center in a rhythmic motion. The sensation sends both shivers, and goosebumps, across my skin but it brings back the sleepiness and has the same effect as rocking

nothing can hold it down forever. Open your mouth, Alora, I have a sweet tasting berry that will help you sleep when I'm done telling my tale." Her voice is hushed, as though she's telling me secrets, and I obediently open my mouth as she pops a small, round, semi soft object, in my mouth, and I automatically begin to chew. The juicy little thing explodes with the first squish between my teeth, like a delicious fruit

a whole bowl

and listen. Close your eyes. No, one is more than enough, for you see, one little berry has the power to make tonight fade away further than a forgotten dream, where no one will know where to look to find it. It's a very special berry, only found in crevices of magical places, in whimsical woods, and with my help it has a little added spice." Sierra picks up a strand of my hair and twirls it with her free hand, never breaking contact of the first and I settle back down into my dark blankness as I shut my

on the wind outside my window. There are no other noises around us, not even the ones of the house creaking, or the Munro's coughing in their sleep, which is a little odd, but maybe I usually sleep

not willing to interrupt her anymore, so eager for this story to begin even if I don't grasp what she means. I love tales about witches, and magic, and brave hero's, and hope this is going to be a good one. I can already tell as