Chapter 43

Sam POV

It was so nice of Tara to bring me home with her, but I really had to leave. While I was still with a pack member, I was afraid Knox would track me down quicker than if I was on my own.

Although they had been wonderful to me, accepting me straight away and being so caring towards me, I was still aware of the mistrust I had in my heart for people who showed me any form of kindness.

Back home, I only had three people who ever cared. I had promised Elsie and Carl that I would contact them when I was safe, so they could join me. I longed to see them again. But it wasn't the right time to call them over. I needed to know if I was part of the royal family. As incredulous as it had sounded at first, I had to admit it made sense in some ways.

As a child with a father who was loving and supportive one day to being treated like the servant I had become the next. I had always dreamed that I was someone special. Like many adopted kids, they would pretend their real parents, the ones who gave them up, had an amazing excuse for doing it because they were spy's or celebrities. I was the same. After the first year of being kicked out of my room, I relocated in the staff quarters, then lost my place within the family structure.

How I would wish for someone to come and take me away from the pack. Explain to me that I was loved and that they had been looking for me for many years. How I would fall, sobbing with happiness into the embrace of the people who would cherish me forever.

But, like with anything and everything. The passing of time brings a certain clarity. And with it a sort of peace. Everyone has their lot in life. It's unfortunate that mine sucked.

The only silver lining on it all was Elsie and Carl.

I wanted to trust Melody and Crystal, I honestly did. But could I risk it?

No, it would be safer for everyone if I left. I needed to get to the Lycan realm. I needed to know for sure who I was. And this was the only way to do it. After the story Knox told me about his uncle and what he had done, I understood that I would have to do this on my own.

I couldn't use the protection that the NWSMP were willing to give me. I couldn't trust Knox was right when he said we were mates. It was clear that he didn't believe it. I know we were attracted to each other, well, lusted after, really. The connection between us was intense whenever we were around each other. I knew all this, and yet I knew that I would never trust Andras again.

The pig headed, macho cave man attitude was one I could never accept. Jet and Andras had betrayed me. They had rolled the dice with me life, and once again I came out of it, abused and lost.

Thinking about what happened always had a powerful effect on me. It gave me the surge of determination I needed.

I waited for Tara and Melody to leave for the pack lands. I could hear Crystal was still asleep. We had stayed up late, and as a human she needed more sleep. Making sure to move as quiet as possible, I crept down the stairs and opened the door gently.

''Doing a run for it, huh?'' said a sleepy voice behind me. I turned slowly to see a dishevelled looking Crystal standing half way down the narrow staircase. There was no judgement in her eyes. Apart from a little disappointment maybe?

''I'm sorry, you've all been wonderful. Honestly. I just can't stay. I need to keep moving, or I know the Alpha will catch me and take me back. I just can't risk it if I'm to find out who I am. I looked at her pleadingly, ''please try to understand''.

Crystal looked back at me for a moment with pursed lips, like she was figuring out what to do with me. The smile she sent me caught me off guard, but what she said next shocked me.

''I can get you to the Lycan realm, if that is what you really want''.

There was a pause while I looked at her with suspicion, but before I could air my thoughts, she said ''Come, let's grab a coffee and I will explain''. Crystal held out her arm to gesture me towards the small kitchen. My thoughts were shouting all over my mind, I was getting dizzy with the sensation.

Jet tried to say something to me, but I blocked her out. Her voice in my head right now was the last thing I needed. Crystal smiled at me again, and with a sigh on my lips, I led the way into the kitchen.

'' Sit '' she said while she got the makings of coffee together. My lips twisted in a wry smile, which I hastily hide. If she were a member of the pack, she could not speak to me like that. The protocol in place within the packs hierarchy meant the Luna demanded as much respect as the Alpha. This basically meant the lower levelled pack members could talk to us with disrespect. It was surprisingly refreshing after the cloying feeling that had hung around me for several weeks. Or had it been months? I had lost count of the days since I arrived on this shore.

Crystal handed me a mug of steaming liquid, which I was surprised to find out was tea. I thanked her and took a sip. It was wonderful. Just like Elsie used to make. I closed my eyes for a few seconds to allow myself time to reminisce. I opened them to see Crystal grinning at me. Feeling a little discombobulated, I smiled back and waited for her to speak. When she didn't, as she was just openly staring at me now, I started to get the feeling that I was missing out on the punchline here.

Was I the punchline? Had she reported me to the pack? To Knox?

I started sweating at that thought, and my fight or flight reflex kicked in. Before I could get out of the seat and make a run for the door, Crystal said something that stopped me in my tracks.

''You're like her, you know. Your Mom. You have the same coloured eyes and the same shaped lips. She blushed as she said this to me, but carried on nonetheless.

Nodding her head slightly, she continued ''yup, I know your Mom, or at least I knew your Mom. We were very close once. Were kids together. My grandmother was one of the three mages used to protect them and send the whole kingdom to the pocket realm they still live in'.

I could only stare open, mouthed at her, why wasn't this mentioned last night? Had I known this bit of information, I would probably still be asleep. Safe in the knowledge that Crystal could get me to where I needed to be. Then it hit me, ''melody doesn't know, does she? That you are connected with the Lycans. Does she?''.

Shaking her head, sadly Crystal explained ''no, and I would prefer her not to find out'' She looked at me pointedly when she said this, so I made the gesture of locking my lips and throwing away the key. Crystal huffed out a chuckle at my actions and said thanks, but became stoic again.

''I can grant you access to the pocket dimension if that is the path you wish to take. It would mean I would travel with you so I could find the right spot and do the spell. If I come with you, I will want something in return that only you can give'.

I was curious now as to what I could give her that no one else could. All sorts of things started to pop into my head, from money to grandeur and everything in between.

''What can I give you, I have nothing. I don't even know for sure that I am a member of the royal family. I have no money and possessions to speak of. I'm afraid I have very little to offer you in return for your service. I wish I could pay you or get you what you want, I honestly do!''.

with an almost pleading look on my face and tears in my eyes at my complete acceptance that I was alone in this world now, more than ever before.

Crystal smiled tenderly at me and touched her hand to mine. I could feel a sort of tingle run through the back of my hand. Magic?

''You're not just a spiritual person, are you?'' I eyed her with suspicion.

'' You're a Mage or witch whatever you are called over here. And you have magic in you. Like proper witches magic!''.

Looking at me now was not the chilled person I had met last night. Looking at me now was a person going into fight or flight mode. Crystal was starting to panic, as I had obviously guessed right. And as far as she knew. I am Luna of the NWSMP.

'' please Luna, you mustn't tell, please'' she was hold both my hands in hers now and had an almost frantic expression on her face. ''I don't know what Melody would do if she found out what I am. I mask my scent, that was why you can't smell me either. Ironically, I have to do it every full moon. Melody has risen through the ranks in the pack over the years, she has worked hard and deserves her position. I can't deny her that. But I also can't leave her. I love her. If I got found out, the Alpha would kick melody out of the pack without a second thought. Please Luna".

That was a lot of information to get all at once. I sorted it through my head as quickly as possible, as it seemed Crystal was waiting with baited breath to see what I was going to say or do.

'' Crystal'' I said, grabbing her hands now ''I won't say anything. Nothing at all. Please listen to me'' I urged her, gripping her hands tightly within mine. ''If you will be willing to help me find the pocket realm, I assure you, you will have my silence on the matter''.

Nodding at me, but still trembling a little, she gave me a tentative smile ''thank you Luna'', and she brought my hands to her forehead and said a quick blessing ''If I may be so bold as to ask, would you please do something for me in return?'

I remembered her asking at the start of this conversation, so I immediately said yes.

''I want a law passed that any female within the pack be allowed to officially form a mate bond, and have it acknowledged by the high council and by pack alpha's and Luna's. I dont ask for myself and Melody. I ask for Tara and the Alpha's twin sister Lumos!''.