Chapter 59
Emily.
Coming back from my honeymoon, I felt like a new person. Gone forever was the timid, mild, child I used to be. In her place was a strong, courageous woman. With Eric by my side, I felt invincible.
After having had some practice as Eric's assistant, I stepped into my place as Luna with ease. It was more than I had done before, but I enjoyed the work - caring for people was second nature for me. On top of helping Eric with the business side of running the pack, I was in charge of knowing who needed what inside the pack, which also meant weekly trips to Ravensworth and Enforcer territory.
Everywhere I went, I was met with smiles and praise. Even in my old city of Ravensworth, people saw me in a new light. People who used to avoid me now greeted me like a friend.
Today, I was there to cut the ribbon for the new library. Not only was I here as Luna, but I was here as myself - a previous citizen of Ravensworth who was glad to see my town finally upgrade, especially one of the few places I could call a sanctuary. I even had a surprise for Lily.
As Luna, and quite respected among the entire pack, I no longer required her services as a bodyguard, but I still considered her a close friend. She was curious why I insisted on her coming along, especially without the need for her security, but I didn't budge at all, not wanting to spoil the surprise.
***
Lily.
Emily insisted I come with her to Ravensworth even though she knew I wasn't her bodyguard anymore. But I shrugged and hopped in the car with her.
“Are you going to tell me what this is about?”
“Nooope!” she replied with a smile before putting the car back in gear and driving off.
It was odd to see her as a driver. She definitely wasn't the scared little prize she had been when I met her. And I was so proud of how far she'd come.
We drove in silence for a few minutes, and I twiddled my thumbs, not knowing what to do or say.
“Have you heard anything from Raina?” I finally asked. I know she had betrayed Emily and Eric, but we had become close in our years of training and as bodyguards. I couldn't just drop her so easily.
Emily shook her head sadly. She must feel the loss much like me.
More silence before I heard Emily's quiet voice, “I hope wherever she is she's okay though.”
“Me too,” I replied with a sigh, turning towards the window to look outside, “Me too.”
I watched the horizon speed past as a sad silence settled over the two of us.
***
A giant crowd of people blocked the front of the giant building we pulled up in front of. Those closest to us turned and their bored waiting faces turned into excited ones as they realized whose car it was - Emily's. Maybe she needed security after all. They looked ready to mob her as she stepped out. I got in front of her to shield her from grasping hands, but she placed her hand gently on my shoulder to stop me.
She walked ahead, greeting people like old friends as she made her way to the front of the building. I watched in awe as she was so personable and kind to each person she passed, even stopping for a few of the children and bending down to their level. The people truly loved her and she loved them. She was the perfect person to be Luna, and I smiled, a small puddle of tears coming to my eyes.
As we drew closer to the doors, I noticed a fountain out front. It was beautiful. There were howling wolves at the base and an orb at the top that shimmered like the moon. Water poured gently over the sides of the orb and into the pools below, the splashes creating a plinking melody rather than the splashing roar I would have expected. Alongside the wolves were humans. They too were looking to the moon, their hands embracing each other. 'Together in harmony' the plaque read.
Emily had moved past the fountain though, and I quickly turned to follow. She headed towards a large red ribbon spanning across the front doors. I waited with the crowd, not quite sure I should be next to her, but after picking up the laughably large scissors, she motioned for me to join her with a large smile on her face.
Then she turned and addressed the crowd. They immediately quieted down. “My friends, it's good to be here with you to celebrate the opening of the new library here in Ravensworth.” She held up the giant scissors and cut the ribbon. A resounding cheer rang out as it sliced in half and fell limply to each side. “As many of you know,” she continued, “there have been so many people who have helped and supported me. I brought one of those people with me today. Her love for books surpasses anyone I know, so I thought it only fitting to name it after her for her loyalty, bravery, and immense love for books. Welcome to the Bradbury Library.”
I was breathless as more cheers rose up around me. I turned to stare at Emily, and her beaming face met my confused one.
“Surprised,” she said slightly nervously, a bit of blush filling her cheeks. “I hope you like it.”
“I-I-I,” I stuttered. “I don't know what to say.”
“I'm sorry. Is it too much?” she asked, wringing her hands. “I just wanted to thank you for your loyalty and for protecting me. I knew you were a fan of books, and they were expanding and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity.”
I shook my head, waving my hands in front of me to stop her rambling. “No, it's great. Really. I was just shocked.”
Her smile returned to her face, and she sighed in relief. “Good.”
“Thank you,” I said with a smile.
“You're welcome,” she replied, pulling me into a hug.
***
Eric.
I watched secretly from the crowd as Emily addressed the crowd. She was a natural. My heart swelled within my chest with pride. They cheered for her and I couldn't help but cheer along with them.
When she finished, I meandered through the crowd to the side of the building and leaned against it, waiting for Emily to come by. A few minutes later, she asked Lily to come by on the way to Emily's car.
“That was a wonderful speech,” I said, surprising the two of them.
Emily gasped and hugged me. “What are you doing here? I thought you had something else to do.”
I shrugged sheepishly. “I lied. And you were magnificent.”
I pulled her close and kissed her softly.
As we separated, we turned towards the newly built library and its magnificent fountain. I knew that this was just the beginning of a legacy that would endure for generations to come. I held Emily close. I couldn't wait to spend the rest of my life with her - my mate.