Chapter 270

. Lux?I called him, walking down to the kitchen, then backyard, yes Luna? I rolled my eyes, respect won’t stop me from kicking your ass very soon, I said seriously. I want you to take me to the Rykos home right now, I waited for a response but wasn’t getting one, a few minutes later a shirtless Lux climbed through the bushes surrounding our house, “Think you can take me huh…” I shrugged, “Yes.” “I thought you just wanted to see Walter at dinner?” “I did, now I want to see him earlier than that,” I replied not giving anything away and Lux didn’t ask, just showed me the way. You have to tell me why you were calling Oakley princess, Lux. The truth this time, I stopped walking, you said you knew my mother before she was an Elder? What were you two?  I tried to ask without any accusation in my tone but it was still there. “I knew your grandfather you know, and he had the most unique gift you could say. So that he could serve and be leader of all shifters he was able to turn into the different animals, he wasn’t confined to only shift into a wolf. When he was killed by those he trusted, they were able to steal his power, and now you are a threat to those people. I was your mothers’ guard, I failed her, she would have been queen, but with no followers Luna, when she was sent back, she was returned as an Elder. A way to fix the wrongs, but even then she was unable to succeed, we do not know all her doings, but then we were told of the Chosen One,” he eyed me. “Your mother was gone before we realized that she would be the one giving birth to our new leader. You are the heirs to that title that was robbed from your family Luna, which is why I called Oakley princess, because that is what she is, and I can see this defeated look in her eyes, one that shouldn’t be there at her age. I wasn’t able to protect your mother, or your family, but I will do anything to protect you, Oakley and Ben,” he swore vehemently. I nodded, my mother was a royal? “The kindest – the whole family,” he answered with respect, “Which led to their demise,” he said in a warning type of way, but I understood. “No more lies, Lux,” I gave my own warning. Continuing a few steps, he pushed away brush, stepping through, “This is where the Rykos live, and through that path is where the Hellmanns live,” he pointed out the families. Is everyone aware of my abilities? All of my abilities, I clarified. He shook his head, Bryant, Marlon, Leland and I. Good, I want it kept that way for now, I informed him, knowing I had to pick who would stand by me I wanted to see who people really were, not who they thought I wanted them to be. Walking up the path, Lux knocked on the door, a woman, near my height, with short black hair, brown eyes and small lips answered, “Hello Lux – how – you – Luna,” she said flushing red, not meeting my eyes for very long, and rubbing her hands down her clothes, fixing her appearance, I supposed. “What an honor, please, come in, come in,” she waved us in, stepping aside, “we were all just sitting down for lunch, the Hellmans are here as well,” she continued speaking flustered.  The Luna is here, she alerted a few other people, her family I suppose because soon all the thoughts but one in this house were consumed with my arrival. “It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Rykos,” I said politely. “Is – is something wrong, Lux? I thought you said she invited Walter for dinner?” I bit my lips never one to like being talked about as though I wasn’t standing right there next to her and unable to answer for myself. “No, he is invited but I wanted to speak to him and thought I could-” “Where are my manners,” she interrupted me, I had to blink – stop, she’s just nervous, you’re a big deal Luna Chelsea, Lux said mockingly, “Would you like to join us for lunch?” she said already turning and heading, Lux pulling me along to the kitchen. As soon as we entered, the people turned facing me, and Mrs. Rykos proceeded to introduce everyone, even grabbing three chairs and placing them at her table, so much for asking and waiting to see if I accepted, I thought. Then, when Jaxon Hellman was called my eyes narrowed looking at the young man, thinking of the Jax, Leo was thinking of. The Jax Rian thought of, and even named her son after I believed. I would have to remember to make Gabriel check up on that more, I thought absentmindedly. “Is Walter available,” I didn’t ask, and Mr. Rykos stood leaving the room, returning mere minutes later with a ghost of a man by his side. He looked nothing like his picture in the file dad left me, raccoon eyes, gaunt and pale skin, sickly looking considering he’s been here on an island, in the sun for two years and all. “Luna,” he actually smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes at all, he averted his eyes after a minute until he inhaled and then his head snapped to my face, he sat in the chair dazed, no it’s not her scent, I just want it to be… not real… not real… “Lux said you wanted me at dinner tonight, I’m surprised you’re here,” I nodded, not touching the food Mrs. Rykos dished out. “Actually, I am interested in how you all came to reside on this island, of course I have my fathers notes I am still curious because some things do not add up,” from three feet away I could feel the resentment rolling off of Walter. “They came here willingly,” he sneered, “but I was brought here against my will, they actually sedated me, treated me like cattle.” “You’re upset,” I pointed out obviously, “but surely you’re happy that your family is safe,” I countered.