Chapter 43: Chapter 43

Chapter 17

“Mooommyyyyy!!” I heard screeching in the silent night as I sprung forward with a sudden jerk.

Confused and on high alert I looked around frantically while still glued to the seating position I was yanked out of sleep with. My heart pounded in my chest threatening to push its way out of its cage.

“Bam! Bam! Bam!” it thumped. I tried to control my breathing, but it too was erratic and frantic. I couldn’t think as my mind swam with urgency . Terror. Frantic discombobulation that something was wrong.

“Moommyyyy!” rang in my ears. My head snapped right. Eyes darting through the night air looking…. Searching for the source of the call but not finding it.

“Johna…” I started to say reaching out to wake him but felt nothingness while my sight was stationary on the stillness of the night… urgently scanning as far as my werewolf eyes could take me to find the source of my discomfort.

Finding nothing.

Nothing outside… no one next to me.

My eyes slowly cascading down where he should be only finding an empty bed, never to have been slept in. ‘What’s happening?’ my mind couldn’t process the emptiness, the void in the stillness of this night. An eeriness crept in the shadows at every corner. Filling the atmosphere with loominess and dread. I couldn’t help but sense a feeling of despair as it tried to choke the life from me.

Closing my eyes tightly hoping they will reopen with new surroundings. Praying this was not real and a trick of the mind. Gently shaking my head in disbelief, they shot open.

“What is happening?” I thought to myself as I looked around again just as confused as I did the first time I opened my eyes. My surroundings had changed.

Trees. Lots of trees… nature everywhere. ‘I’m in the forest?’ Taking in a deep calming breath as I tilt my head back, closing my eyes to feel the warmth of the sun on my face. ‘How did I get in the forest?’ slowly peeling my eyes apart studying the now calm scenery around me.

My hair free flowing in the gentle breeze that blew by to say hello. Glancing down, my night clothes now a form fitting, flowing sleeveless gown of delicate pearls embroidered on a white chiffon lace dress. Reaching to the ground, the dress swayed gently over my bare feet slightly extended on a bed of grass behind me.

Heart beating soft and gently as my breathing matched its whimsical rhythm. A small smile slowly etched itself on my face as if this was the most natural place to be. Taking a few steps, I sauntered over to a small clearing where I could hear a bubbling brook run through.

“Johnathon?” I called out gently not wanting to disturb the peacefulness of this seemingly enchanted place, but got no answer in return. I was seemingly alone.

A gentle breeze blew across my path as I stood enchanted by the gentle movement of the river flowing freely in front of me. The soft rustling of the trees above created a peacefulness run through the clearing.

It was as if the river and the trees were talking to each other. A beautiful lullaby that held me captive in their sweet song. Closing my eyes once more as I inhaled deeply the scent of fresh pine and rain. I smiled contently.

Opening my eyes, the scene before me was gone. The serene river and gentle sway of the trees… gone. Just like that. In a blink of an eye.

I found myself in total darkness. Surrounded by its thick encasement, suffocating the very air left in my lungs. Legs failing me, I fell to the ground… I think it was the ground. Kneeling as I clutched my chest begging for even just one breath. Eyes closed pleading for just a little relief of this vacuum pulling me into nothingness. Opening them in hopes of something. Anything.

‘Is that a light?’ I thought to myself. ‘No… can’t be. Light’s don’t move like that. What is that?!’

I watched cautiously as it moved closer. The pattern of its descent, erratic in motion unknowing where it would actually land or stop.

Reaching out to touch it, I jerked my hand back suddenly as the light started to take on a new shape. A bewilderment became apparent as it took the form of… a… a person. No! A beautiful enchanted looking woman, person. My breath is still trying to recover itself being in this darkness.

“Hello my child.” The woman spoke to me in the most melodic voice I have ever heard. Her countenance was that of pure light and radiance. Her hair flowed behind her white as snow. She looked and radiated royalty, importance and power.

“H..hello?” I tried to speak back. I was in awe of this woman. Not being able to look directly at her I kept my eyes lowered as I stayed kneeled before her. She was obviously someone whose aura needed, no required… NO! Demanded and deserved respect.

She smiled softly and I swear I heard a small chuckle leave her in amusement of my reaction. I slowly lifted my eyes to sneak a peek at her when she smiled a little wider. Her eyes twinkled with love and gentleness. I gently smiled back.

Turning my head I noticed we were back in the forest near the brooke. My lungs could take in air easily as she started to speak to me again.

“Timber my child. It has been so long. Just look at you… you are stunning.” she spoke, filling my ears with sweet musical tones.

“You do not remember me do you?” tilting my head to the side in confusion of why I would or should remember her. Letting out another tickling chuckle she said, “I am Queen Isralia. Your mo…”

“My mother!” realization hit me at the sound of her name and I interrupted her by finishing her sentence. My eyes widened at the possibility this is true. Could it really be her?

‘Timber… it’s really her! It’s our mother!’ my wolf Karin repeated in excitement.

Queen Isralia reached down and I placed my hands in hers as she lifted me from the kneeling position I was frozen in. Still in awe and shock, I just stared at her with wide eyes trying to mentally understand how this was possible. Tears welling up in my eyes at the sight.

“There’s so much to say Timber, but I have little time.” she started as her smile dwindled and an expression of seriousness krept in.

“It’s because of Shamira isn’t it?” she nodded once in agreeance as proper as one in a royal family would. “She’s coming for my family and I?” I questioned even though I knew the answer before she gave it.

“Yes Timber she is.” confirming my verbal observation. “Shamira is very dangerous. She is your twin sister, but be vigilant. She will stop at nothing to get what she wants.” sad eyes twinkled as she spoke. I could feel the sadness in her heart for the words she knew to be true about her child.

Taking my hand she urged me to walk with her as we spoke. It was like coming home being in her presence. Not that Johnathon didn’t give me that… it was just… different with her. Like a missing puzzle piece being put back in place.

“Shamira is too much like her Aunt. Your aunt. My sister… the one who did not hesitate to destroy her entire family for a title and throne.” such pain and sadness took over her aura as she spoke of her sister and what she had done. With a solemn look she wiggled her head in sadness.

“You have been given the gift of the Royals to harness all of the powers of the elements. Use them wisely. Train and practice with them. Fine tune their energies and make them part of you. You will need it.” Urgency came through her warning and advice. I just nodded with understanding.

“You have a strong and trustworthy mate who is meant to do amazing things for our kingdom with you by his side. Trust him. Lean on him. Help him as he helps you.” awareness was overtaking me in waves as she spoke, making me feel a new sense of courage and strength.

We stopped walking by a huge old sycamore tree. She paused momentarily touching the tree with her hand and smiled looking up at its big beautiful branches and the leaves that provide its shade. Taking in a deep breath she sighed before turning her gaze back to me lovingly. Her eyes vibrant with assurance and pride as she spoke her warnings.

“Protect Myles and Marcus from your sister. She will stop at nothing to kill them… and you. Be aware at all times and ready for a battle that can end all battles. If you, your mate and your pack stay faithful and steadfast victory can, and shall, be yours! Be vigilant… but also cautious. She is as cunning as she is dangerous.” taking my hands in hers, she gently caressed the backs of them with the pads of her thumbs.

“I understand. Thank you for your warning and encouragement.” my words came out as a whisper although I hoped for a strong and confident voice.

“Is it possible?” stopping unsure of my next words to her.

“Is what possible Timber my dear?” trying to decipher my question for her.

“Well, is it possible to hear my mate’s wolf thinking using all the elements?” a small smile made itself known at the question. Her facial expression told me my answer before she even spoke her next words.

“Timber. You have been given the gift to use all of the elemental gifts at once my child. Once you become one with them and allow your mind to fully embrace them as it should… then yes Timber. You will be able to hear Alpha Johnathon’s wolf’s thoughts.” as she spoke her hands never let go of mine as her head tilted slightly in a softness and understanding.

Her eyes twinkled as she leaned in, grabbing me by the arms pulling me into a tight hug. Closing my eyes I breathed in her magnificent rain and fresh pine scent as it filled my senses. I felt my heart grow full and warm.

“You have grown into a strong, beautiful and courageous Luna Timber. Just like this tree. I will always be watching over you.” she whispered into my ear as I felt her slowly pull away.

A little light appeared before me where she once stood and left the same way it came, in a flicker.

Taking in a deep slow breath closing my eyes to relish in her memory hoping it was more than a dream.

As I exhaled my eyes opened once more to find a very sleeping Johnathon laying next to me. Taking a soothing breath, I could still smell my mother’s scent in my nostrils as they flared to embrace it longer. Laying back down I wrapped my arms around my strong amazing mate. Smiling to myself I closed my eyes once more in hopes to find the land of dreams.