Maddison P.O.V.
I was 10 when my pack threw me out like yesterday's leftovers. The Alpha - Richard, usually was a strict but fair leader, but when it came to his Luna, he went overboard with all kinds of crazy. She fell ill, and even the magic in our doctors couldn’t help her. They couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her, and eventually she died from it and the pack mourned her deeply - or so I heard. By the time Luna Jennifer died, I was long gone and not looking back. The funny thing? I never got the stench or mark of a rogue. It was like I was a regular wolf, but without the pack.
Sitting in front of my cave, I think back to the time where my life took one hell of a turn, knowing I dodged a bullet by being thrown out. All my life up to that point, my parents and the Alpha and Luna had it all planned out for me. I was going to marry the Alpha’s son Rick and become the Luna of the pack. But I also needed to keep covering for Jessica, the Alpha’s daughter. She was born without magic, and for that she was a shame to her parents, and I always had to cover for her. Doing her exams, doing the normal shit we did in the pack and being there by her side as her “best friend” whenever other pack leaders were there.
Our pack, the Iron Mountain Pack, had, generations back, been blessed by a very powerful coven to receive the magic that still flows in most of our veins today. Not all have the abilities, and some only have the basics. I, however, have it in plenty. It could even be seen on the scans my mother had when she was pregnant with me. I was, as they called it, filled to the brim with magic. Not that it was uncommon for a child to be powerful, but it was unusual the child was so powerful.
I started training from the age of 3, always finding myself in some sort of trial or other learning situation. My teacher Azlela quickly found out I have more magic in me, than we have had in any other pack member for generations. She was the last shifter to be really powerful in more than one area of the field, and then there was me. It created more resentment from others because she would focus so much on me and my education. As a result she told my parents to not start me up in school, but she would teach me everything I need to know. They were proud of me, but also concerned and most of all so fucking scared to upset the Alpha, they did everything he said. So when they discovered for real that Jessica didn’t have any magic powers they started bending over backwards to keep the Alpha happy and he wasn't unless his reputation was upheld. So, I had to spend everyday pretending to be besties with the meanest fucking bitch in the world. She was disgusting inside out, and always putting up this sweet and innocent front that no one but me and a few others could see through.
Jessica resented me more than anyone, especially since I had to be her shadow to cover for her lack of powers. Her mother often comments on how her daughter was prettier than me, or had more grace or other shit like that. Always trying to put her on the pedestal, so she didn’t feel singled out. Instead Luna Jennifer learned her daughter to be cold and distant. She would expect me to fix everything for her - homework, magic stuff and all in between.
The only time I was free from her was when I had my lessons with Azlela, as she had specified to the Alpha and Luna that she needed my undivided attention for at least 8 hours a day. They even moved me into the packhouse so I could be there for their precious non-mage daughter. It. Was. Ridiculous.
Then I turned 10. The Luna fell ill just after my birthday, which probably was an odd quincedent. The Alpha had all the doctors tend to her, trying to figure out what had happened, but she was declining quickly. Then one night the Alpha and Beta burst through my door in a fit of rage. I was hauled out of my bed in the middle of the night, and dragged to the Luna’s bedside. There they demanded of me to cure her, but I had no idea how or why? I was a 10 year old girl. I didn’t know what to do. Azlela arrived a few minutes later, bringing me into her arms for comfort.
“What is the meaning, Alpha?” She asked, but his crazed eyes were solely focused on me.
“She did this to my mate. She did, and now she has to take it back! TAKE IT BACK, MADDISON!” He roared and I cried. I didn’t know how to. I told him so, but he just yanked me out of the arms of my protector and teacher and smacked me across the face. “You take it back or I will banish you!” He threatened, but I still pleaded with him. I didn’t know how. Why would he think that? Behind the Alpha I saw Jessica smirk, and that is when I knew. She had set me up. I stopped crying and told him he could throw me out of the pack all he wanted, but I knew nothing of what had happened to the Luna. He gave me 30 minutes to pack and be gone.
“I, Alpha Richard Halsted, hereby banish the traitor Maddison Nox from the Iron Mountain Pack. If you ever return I will kill you.”
I turned with tears in my eyes, but I knew it was for no good. He had made up his mind and there was nothing I could do. With all the dignity of a 10 year old, I walked out the room and to my own. I packed my bags and ventured downstairs. There was no one about as it was night, but I wanted to say goodbye to my family. I contemplated going to them, but they actually just left me here and never visited or asked how I was doing. I felt rejected from everyone who was supposed to protect me. Well, everyone but Azlela. Outside she quickly joined me with multiple bags and other stuff. She told me to follow her and we went into the night. At the border I looked back at what was once my home, knowing I would never return again. A lump in my throat formed, but I refused to let it develop. They kicked me out, so I would not spill my tears on them.
We walked most of the night, and in the small hours of the morning we came across a hillside with different caves. Azlela led me to one of them, and we went inside. She put down her burdens, turning to look at me.
“We’re going to make this the best home for you, little magus.” She said, looking around. I put my bags down beside hers, exploring the cave myself. It was fairly big, with a large entrance, which Azlela sealed off magically, so rain and wind would not be a problem. It would still allow for air to enter the cave, but it would not be too cold in the winter. She then combined her and my blood, a prick in the finger, and made the seal reject anyone who wanted to enter with the purpose of hurting me or anyone else in there. The cave would also only be visible to me and Azlela as long as we hadn’t told its location to anyone. They would see it as empty, and not be able to enter.
Further inside there were two smaller rooms. One became the bedroom, where Azlela helped me enchant bigger stones to radiate heat whenever I touched me with a certain pattern. Another pattern would turn them off again.
The other room became the kitchen area. In the middle we made a fireplace, and a seating area around it. Off to the right side we made a table for preparing food, while a little nook became an enchanted and sealed cooler. It would help me keep food and drinks fresh for longer.
Azlela stayed with me for three weeks, promising to come back in a little while. She went to the human town almost everyday and came back with what I needed to make the cave my home. It was daunting to stay there alone, but my ability to communicate with animals of all shapes and forms made it easier. I always had company, and they knew my home was a neutral zone. Especially the cougar Paige and her offspring stayed with me all the time. Paige became my best friend fast, and when she died just before my 18th birthday, her eldest daughter Piper stayed with me instead. Life moved on, and Azlela came to visit me 3-4 days a week all through my teens. She taught me to control my emotions, and harness my powers which included communication with animals, telekinesis, knowing when someone lies to me, levitation, healing, weather manipulation and drawing a wolf spirit out even when they are in human form. Azlela kept praising me for how much my power kept evolving, telling me it would be a gift for my future mate.
On my 18th birthday I shifted into Ember, who was as funny as she was fierce. She was auburn, as my hair, with all white paws and a dark gray tail end. And from that day, Azlela told me I was ready to be on my own. She would still visit, but only in the capacity of a friend.
Maddison P.O.V. I can’t believe I already turned 19. The years have gone by so fast on one hand, and on the other it still feels like yesterday when I wandered through the rough terrain in the pitch black of the night. I’ve been dreading meeting my mate ever since I shifted on the night of my 18th birthday, but so far I’ve been lucky and not met anyone. I hope it stays that way because I will not make good mate material. Not with my past, and with my personality. The morning is foggy, but I know as soon as the sun comes up it’ll burn the fog away with its warm rays. I walk down to the little lake, just down from my cave, to wash myself. I’ve made a small morning fire, and put the kettle over to make a cup of tea. I put the stones there as well for my dough, so I can have some freshly baked bread with honey and cheese. It’s my favorite in these semi cold fall mornings. The day is warm enough, but at night I need to have one of my heating stones active to keep warm. Even with all my
Liam P.O.V. “Happy birthday to you… Make a wish, ladybug.” I hug my little sister tight, kissing her head. She smiles happily at me, looking down at the box in my hand. “What is that?” She asks, getting all giddy, I laugh at her antics, handing her the box. She opens it, squealing in delight. I gave her the book series she really wanted, and I promised to take her to the book cafe in town later today. I have never been there myself, as I am not as much into books as Clara, but today is all about her and I will do absolutely anything to make her happy. “This is just what I wanted.” She says sitting down with her books looking them over. “I thought I heard you speak about those.” I tease. She has been talking about nothing else for months. The series only came out a couple of days ago, and we all asked her to not buy them because of her birthday. “Okay, this is from me and dad, honey.” Mom says, handing Clara an envelope. She puts the book she’s looking at down, taking the envel
Maddison P.O.V. I get out from the back room, coming face to face with my mate. I don’t even know what to do or say right now? Everything feels amazing when he is this near me, but at the same time I know he is here with another woman and that makes me want to gag. “Can I help you?” I ask, trying really hard to stay polite, although all I really want is to smack the shit out of him for dragging his girlfriend with him to my work. Granted he didn’t know I worked here, and he didn’t know we would be mates. ‘Maybe he’ll dump her for us.’ Ember pipes up, and I have to sigh internally. ‘I really doubt that, Ember. Did you see the look in his eyes when he looked at her? No, better we don’t have a mate. We’ll survive. Or I can plead with the goddess to let you go to someone else who can give you what you want and deserve?’ She growls. ‘We’re perfect for each other, and I am not going anyway, girl.’ I smile, raising an eyebrow at my mate. “Well?” I ask, this time a little more impat
Maddison P.O.V. As the days go by, I keep calling in sick. I’m too afraid to run into my mate again. I haven’t felt any pain or other sort of heartbreak, so I know he has not been with anyone else. It’s a small consolation, but I still just can't get myself to go back there. My suspicions are validated when on the fourth day Mrs. Peterson tells me the boy I had a run in with had been by everyday to ask about me. She had told him I was sick and he seemed genuinely concerned for me. I sigh in the phonebooth I’m calling from. I never had a cell phone, as I don’t have any electricity in my cave. Magic a plenty, but no electricity. “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Peterson, but I think I’ll have to quit my job. I don’t know when I’m better and I don’t want to disappoint you more than I already am.”“You could never disappoint me, Maddie. What about your pay?” I think for a minute and tell her I’ll just have for the days I’ve been in. She can also take it for the days I’ve been sick and they had to
Liam P.O.V. It’s been four days. Four days since I found my mate and lost her again. Four days where I have called the book cafe and gotten the same answer “Maddie is still out sick. Sorry.” They don’t have her address and they told me she doesn't have a phone. What kind of person does not have a phone? I pace my office, Clara sitting in a guest chair checking her fingernails. “This is your own fault entirely, bro.” She says, not helping my desperate mood at all. Mrs. Peterson said she would call if something changed, so I practically jump on the phone when it rings. “Hello?”“Mr. Blackmoon. This is Mrs. Peterson from the book cafe. I’m sorry to inform you, but Maddie quit her job today. She is sadly not coming back, sir.” What the actual fuck! “Did she give a reason?” “She is still sick, and she is not sure when she’ll be better. She doesn't want to leave us hanging one man short anymore. Bless her heart.” I close my eyes, my heart feeling heavy. She is gone. Why would she just
Maddison P.O.V. I can’t believe I accidentally stumbled upon Alpha Liam’s pack border. This is bad, very very bad. I still see the wolf's eyes in the distance as I take out my things for sitting outside. The afternoon sun is warm and cozy this time of year, so I decided to do some knitting. It has always been calming and useful for me to do work with my hands. I bring my water bottle, as well as some fruits to snack on. Outside Jumper and Flower, the two squirrels from before sit and wait for me. ‘We heard you were back. Did you get the nuts?’ “I did get them, thank you so much.” I reply as I sit down beside them. They both comfortably sit in my lap, looking at the fruit in my bowl. I invite them to take what they want, and they both grab some before joining me in my lap again. I lean back at my cave side, turning my head against the sun. I hear someone walking towards me, but the tingle inside tells me who it is, and I do not open my eyes. The person sits down beside me, a
Liam P.O.V. Getting back home I am drenched from the sudden burst of rain. My mind is running a mile a minute, and Ash is both fuming by his mate degrading herself like that, and excited to have been with his mate again. But he is also really frustrated with her for not wanting to be with us. She keeps saying she is not Luna material, but we can feel the power within her. She is so strong. Why doesn’t she believe in herself? I walk into the packhouse in nothing but shorts, dripping from my hair. Some of the Omegas giggle when they see me, but they hurry on their way when I give them a semi scowl. Back in my bedroom I go to the bathroom to dry up and change into clothes. The conversation with Maddie playing over and over again. “I don’t want a mate. It’s nothing on you, Alpha. I just.. I’m not mate material, and this is for the best. You need a suitable Luna for your pack, and I am not it.” What on earth did she mean by this? It’s nothing on me. What does that even mean?! ‘Mom, do y
Maddison P.O.V. I woke up the next morning feeling somewhat relieved and sad. I don’t know if I did the right thing yesterday or not, but I know he would be so much better off without me. My heart feels heavy though, which I have never felt before. Not even when I was accused of something I didn’t as a child and not when I was thrown out of the pack. I get out of bed, washing my face in the water bowl I have in my bedroom. After getting clothes on, I go out into my kitchen area and get some cold cheese and bread for breakfast. I keep repeating the conversation I had with Liam, and the more I do that, the more I regret my strong resolve. Ember is not helping at all either. She keeps sending yummy pictures of our mate into my mind, and how he just seemed curious and not at all judging when asking about my powers. After a while pacing in my cave I give up, pick up my basket and decide to pick some fruit for jam. I always make jams and freeze berries so I have them over winter. It’s