CHAPTER HUNDRED SIX

Enya pov

I can't believe Aros has been pretending to like me all this time. It took a little more pressure for him to crack the shell and throw everything he thinks over me when I least expected it. But then again, did I have to be so naive to think anyone would enjoy the company of someone who slaughtered his species for years? Aros is right; I'm not doing enough around here- I should be grateful they're treating me so well and give back twice as much effort.

My first stop is the bedroom. I can't walk through the pack with puffy eyes and tears streaming down my cheeks. If I want to be with Vince, I have to maintain a certain image because I believe Luna has to appear perfect in every situation. I open the bedroom door and go straight to the bathroom. I wash my face and make sure my hair looks decent; then, I walk to the closet and find some new clothes. I slept in Vince's clothes because it helped a little with the heat, but I can't look like a bum when I meet the pack members. I grab a pair of jeans and a tank top. It's pretty hot inside. Once I'm dressed, I head to the Omegas' floor and ask if there's anything I can do for them.

At first, the women try to get rid of me, but once they understand I'm not going to back down, some of them look like I'm taking a massive weight off their shoulders. "We shouldn't let you do anything. Luna is supposed to stand by the Alpha's side and help him lead the pack, not do the dirty work. But if you want to help, we need someone to do some gardening. We're pretty much short-staffed until the Alpha gets more workers, and we're behind schedule. Could you take care of that, or should I head there myself?" An older woman is the one explaining everything to me. Judging by the bags under her eyes and her somewhat odd posture, I'd say she's too old to be doing anything to do with lifting heavy things and such.

I pretend to think for a moment but immediately take the job. I want to help; I want to do something for them- from now on, I won't be the leech of this pack. "I would love to help. Besides, I've spent my whole life on training grounds, so physical labour doesn't scare me. Show me the way." I wink at the woman, and her face instantly lights up.

She grabs my hand and heads for the back entrance of the house. The whole time we walk through the packhouse and endless hallways, she tells me stories about her children and grandchildren. It's nice to learn more about everyone, especially on such a personal level. However, as soon as we exit the packhouse and she turns around, the woman manages to stun me. "What about you? What about your parents? Do you have any siblings? I'd ask about children, but you look far too young to have any- I know we live a different lifestyle than humans." As the woman speaks, a warm smile curls her lips. I wonder how it'd feel to have a mother or grandmother like her. She seems so kind and loving. I secretly envy the people who got to spend their lives next to her.

"You probably know my father is in the cells, so he's around. He's one of the founders of the Alliance, so no one will let him go. Unfortunately, it's taken me years to understand that I've been on the wrong side all this time, but I'll do my best to prove to everyone that I know my place now. My mother died when I was an infant, so I can't tell any stories about her. I wish I could, but the only thing I know is that she was a gorgeous woman. I don't know where her grave is or anything about her past. It was always just my father and me, so no siblings either. And the children topic- you're right, I don't have any. Alpha is my first boyfriend, but don't tell anyone; I don't want people laughing at me." I try to smile to hide the pain that runs too deep to forget. No child should grow up without a mother by their side, but life has its own ways for everyone.

The old lady shakes her head, and I mentally prepare myself for a shitstorm. Yet, it never comes; instead, I receive a warm hug. "Child, we know who your father is, and we understand. The Alpha held a pack meeting and told us enough details about your past. We know that being a part of the Alliance wasn't a decision you made, so we learned how to forgive you a long time ago. I'm sorry for your loss; however, I'm sure you still love your mother, even though you never met her. Also, the boyfriend topic will remain our little secret, and I'm sure there will be children in time. Our Alpha has always dreamed of becoming a father." She lets go of me and looks straight into my eyes. The smile on her face fades. "Can I be honest with you, child?"

"Always," I grin. Deep down, I'm freaking out.

"I'm happy that you are our Luna. She-wolves often get too high in their heads and end up like a load of crap rather than a leader. On the other hand, you are a humble and quiet young woman, yet you have enough fire in you to tame that big bully of an Alpha. On that note, let's get some work done before we have to go inside to cook something for the pack members," she winks and points to the rows of flowers. Her confession leaves me speechless, so I nod like an idiot and follow her lead.

"Could you tell me what I have to do? I've never done gardening before," I say, scratching the back of my neck as my gaze scans the various flowers in front of me.

"Don't worry about the flowers; I'll take care of that part, but I need your help to get the peat moss. You can take the wheelbarrow and bring the peat here piece by piece. We'll mix it with sand to create the perfect nutrient mix for these babies." She must know what she's talking about because I have no damn idea. The only thing I understand is that I'm supposed to grab the wheelbarrow and bring her something. Luckily, she notices my confusion and points her finger at a big pile of something. Oh, that must be the peat moss she mentioned. As silly as it sounds, it's sad to be hit right in the face by reality. I've learned so many things over the years, but none of it helps me live a normal life. I have little to no experience doing anything regular people do, not even gardening. Sometimes I feel like a kid who has to learn everything from scratch. But that won't stop me- I'll jump right at the challenge and do it to my best ability.

I follow the lady's instructions as we have a nice chat. So far, I've found out that her name is Sandra, and she's one of the few pureblood Omegas left in this pack. Sandra has five children, and God knows how many grandchildren. As time goes on, I find myself covered in sweat and dirt, but all she does is laugh at me. I take off the tank top, and the exact moment I use it to wipe the sweat from my face, a loud growl startles me. I turn to the source of the sudden noise, and my eyes meet Vince's. When did he leave the cells? Wasn't he supposed to stay until we're sure that the heat thing won't happen again? And for fuck's sake, why does he have to look so fine when he's angry?

I stand frozen in place as he walks toward me. "Oh, I'm in trouble," Sandra mumbles under her breath, but I'll make sure she's not, even if that's the last thing I do. When Vince reaches me, I'm ready to hear a word or two about what I did wrong, but instead, he grabs me by the back of the neck and pulls me to him. Our lips meet; he kisses me with such hunger and passion- my knees buckle. When Vince breaks the kiss, he rests his forehead against mine and sighs. "I missed you, Hell Flame," he whispers.

I grin and wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him into another quick kiss. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss him. It's not just about the heat and every little problem I had had to deal with while he's been gone- it's about Vincent and him alone. I'm getting addicted to him and everything he does. This man can take my breath away with one look in my direction, not to mention all the feelings I get every time he touches me. If the heat doesn't hit in soon, I believe I'll probably be ready for the next step sooner than he thinks. "I missed you more," I whisper into the kiss, and my heart skips a beat as he smiles against my lips. Vincent is a one of a kind man- despite his flaws and bad choices, he's perfect just the way he is, and I'm sure that's why the Moon Goddess paired us.

What was supposed to be a brief kiss turns into a passionate and longing kiss, and when our lips part, we both pant for breath. Sandra has left while I didn't notice. The only people around us are a couple of girls working in the garden, swooning over the make-out session we should have had behind a closed door. I part my lips, but Vince beats me to it. "You look so fucking hot now," he growls out. My cheeks turn bright red, but he's far from done. "Your body is covered in sweat, and while you might hate it, I love the look of it. Every ray of sunshine makes you glow, and the dirt on your skin begs me to take you to the shower. Of course, I'd join. However," Vincent groans and I immediately raise an eyebrow. Why is there a "however" when I actually like where he's going with the ideas? "However, I think it's time you talk to your father and find out the truth he's been hiding from you all these years. I'll be next to you during the conversation if you need me. Let's go, love." Vince takes my hand in his and gently pulls me with him as I look around like I'm lost. What is he talking about? What truth is there to talk about?