\[Serenity’s POV\]
We arrive in New Moon by mid-afternoon, and by the time I climb out of Uncle William’s car, I am buzzing with adrenaline. I felt almost like a criminal going against what my father told me. But there was something that was bothering me and making me uneasy. And that something was the woman climbing out of the car after me.
Frowning, I watch as Uncle William quickly moves to help her as she stumbles slightly.
“Who is she really?” I murmur, watching her lean into Uncle William, who doesn’t seem bothered at all.
“You look like you want to kill.” Maverick whispers, causing a shiver to rush through me from his breath tickling my ear. “Might want to straighten that face.”
Turning, I prepare to respond, but stop as I realize just how close he truly is and how our noses almost brush.
“Personal space.” I mutter, though I actually wish that he was even closer. “Especially in front of the warden.”
“Don’t mind me.” Uncle William chuckles, causing me to blush. “But try to avoid such actions in front of Rosco because he isn’t as easygoing as me.”
Opening my mouth, I prepare to say that whatever he thought was happening wasn’t happening, but don’t get the chance as Uncle Jose comes rushing toward us.
“Welcome!” He announces, grabbing me and hugging me. “I’m so happy to see you! My goodness, you’ve grown so much since the last time I saw you. What happened to my sweet little Serenity?”
“People grow up.” I sigh, hating the way he was talking to me like I was still a child. “Me included.”
“Right, right,” he sighs, disappointment coloring his words. “I know, but I wish that you could have stayed a child forever.”
I don’t bother responding to that; instead, I look to Uncle William and give him a look that screams help me. If left to his own devices, he would certainly sit here gushing over me, and we didn’t come here for this purpose, especially when time wasn’t on our side.
“Jose,” Uncle William calls, understanding my plea. “You’re smothering the girl.”
“I am not,” Uncle Jose pouts, wrapping an arm around my neck. “Anyway, what brings all of you here? I know that you said that it couldn’t be discussed over the phone, but we are no longer on the phone.”
“First,” Uncle William responds, tugging the Aunt Elise look alike closer to his side. “Can we go inside? Ellie is quite weak.”
“Ellie,” Uncle Jose repeats, eyeing the woman for the first time. “My, she looks like...”
“Inside,” Uncle William repeats, his voice darkening. “Please.”
For a moment, Uncle Jose doesn’t speak as he looks from Uncle William to Ellie and then back. And when he finally gives a nod, he begins to move, leading me along beside him.
As we move, I can feel Maverick’s gaze burning into me, and I can almost feel his displeasure over my uncle monopolizing me radiating inside me. I have to admit, that I actually like it that he cares that much about me. And I honestly couldn’t wait until we were alone again.
‘Naughty,’ Mahogany giggles, causing me to realize what I’m thinking. ‘For such a green horn you sure are aggressive, aren’t you?’
‘Aggressive,’ I repeat, embarrassment rushing through me. ‘There’s no such thing.’
I wasn’t being aggressive for simply wanting to be alone with the man who recently admitted his feelings to me, was I? I didn't know the rights and wrongs of relationships since this was all new to me, but I did know that I wanted to be with him more, feel him more, and even...
Gasping, my eyes widen as I realize that maybe I actually am being too aggressive. Would that make Maverick dislike me? Would he think that I was a horrible woman for thinking such things? Dammit. I didn’t like this at all.
‘I wouldn’t mind at all.’
Maverick’s voice radiates through me, causing a wave of mixed emotions to flare before they settle on expectancy.
‘But before that, we need to learn more about your mother’s side of the family and the first alpha of Emerald Moon.’
‘Right,’ I sigh. ‘Business and saving the world first.’
Sighing, I turn my focus to the world in front of me once more as Uncle Jose leads me into New Moon’s packhouse, where a few servants are waiting for instruction.
“Please go and gather our guests luggage and bring it in.” Uncle Jose announces.
“What?” Uncle William gasps. “No need. We’ve already made reservations in…”
“Nonsense,” Uncle Jose counters. “How could I possibly make you stay somewhere that isn’t being protected by my people?”
“That,” Uncle William tries, but stops as Uncle Jose gives him a look that screams, Don’t argue. “Alright, we’ll do it your way.”
“Great.” Uncle Jose grins. “Then please follow me to my office so that you can fill me in on what has happened since the last time I’ve seen all of you.”
No one argues as we head upstairs to Uncle Jose’s office, which is decorated fancifully with expensive-looking furnishings. It is only when we step inside that he finally releases me, allowing me to move to Maverick’s side so I can take a seat with him. As I do, Uncle Jose’s gaze comes to rest on us, and a knowing look flashes across his features.
“I see,” he chuckles, taking a seat at his desk. “My dear niece truly isn’t a little girl anymore and has even found the one meant for her. Ah, to be young and in love again.”
“They’re still students.” Uncle William counters, helping Ellie take a seat before taking one himself. “Don’t you dare encourage anything further.”
“What are you insinuating?” Uncle Jose asks, feigning disbelief. “I’ve only said...”
“You’re a damn man whore.” Uncle William huffs.
To my surprise, Uncle Jose doesn’t get offended by his words at all; instead, he lets out a loud laugh that fills the room around us.
“Fair enough,” he sighs, leaning back in his seat. “Anyway, to what do I owe the pleasure of this sudden meeting? What have you lot gotten yourselves into this time?”
“I should preface this by saying it was partially the lovebirds fault.” Uncle William begins, shooting Maverick and I a look. “Had they not kept secrets, we may have been able to properly plan to avoid this.”
“Oh?” Smirking, Uncle Jose leans forward, his face filling with interest. “What have they done?”
“The usual,” Uncle William sighs. “Possibly caused the end of the world as we know it unless we can find the bastard who wants to destroy it.”
“And that’s why you’ve come to me?” Uncle Jose asks. “To seek my assistance in finding this big baddie?”
“That’s correct.” Uncle William confirms. “We need to locate him before he can use Serenity’s blood to start turning wolves into humans.”
“Her blood,” Uncle Jose gasps, shooting his gaze at me. “Are you saying...”
“I guess this mark was a sign of this.” I respond, lifting my arm so that my serpent birthmark can be seen. “The prophecy that surrounded me since birth is finally coming true.”
“That won’t do,” Uncle Jose murmurs, eyeing my mark. “We must stop this prophecy from coming true. I haven’t found my one true love yet.”
“Is that really the only thing you’re concerned about?” Uncle William asks in disgust.
“Not at all,” Uncle Jose easily responds. “I’m also quite curious about this woman sitting beside you. Tell me, why does she resemble my great-great-grandmother?”