Luna's Hidden Heart

Chapter One: Lost and Gain

Aurora:

The falling snow blanketed the pools of red and motionless bodies. The pure white snow blanketed the earth, shimmering under the moonlight. Pristine snowflakes fell silently to the ground under the pale light of the full moon. Overhead, lights whirled in the sky. So many colors, never seen before. The atmosphere was beautiful. The air was ripe with the smell of death-the destruction tarnishing the purity of the white, bearing witness to the carnage that had unfolded. The screams were like music, filling the ears with all those present. Dying breaths joined the symphony of that night: so many last breaths, so much blood, and so many new colors. It was truly magical. This symphony should never end. It was too beautiful to cease.

All great things must come to an end. The magic could not last forever. However, it did cease so long ago. It was just a memory now.

Aurora sighed quietly as she turned on her side. She tried laying perfectly still in her room as the memory of that night swirled in her head. She held the pillow closer to her face, trying her best to make her breath go unheard as they passed through the halls. Her mind fell on that night, as it always did. The symphony was always playing in her thoughts. That night, she became free. Something she never thought possible. It had been five years since that night. She was no longer a frightening child. But now she was not sure what would happen. The only mother she had ever known was dying in the next room, and the girl could do nothing for her. She was the one who saved her life. The one who gave her freedom. But she could not help her. As she drew her last breath, the girl couldn't be near her. Aurora knew she would miss her, and the old woman was her only light in the dark world. The future was dark without her. No one knew about Aurora but her. She was her little secret, which old women protected with all the strength she had. But the old woman's strength was gone and now her life was drawn close to the end. Aurora was no longer sure who would protect her. She wasn't even sure how she would live without her.

She wanted more than anything to be with her. When she drew her last breath, she wanted to be with her. But the old woman didn't want that, so the girl remained there. She was told not to let anyone find her until it was over. The girl knew must listen to her mother, and she must listen to her. Her mother was with her blood family right now. They came to her side today. The old woman waited until the last moment possible because she wanted more time with the girl...

Mother knew she was sick for a long time, and she waited until it was far too late for anyone to save her. The girl could have saved her, but her mother wanted to die. The girl could not be angry with her. She lost her mate years ago, and she missed him dearly. She wanted to be with her mate again. The girl understood the importance. She thought I could not be angry. I would lay here and wait till I heard the cries of her blood family. It would not be long, and soon the girl would stop hearing her mother's breath. They were slower now, and they were so irregular. She was struggling to speak and slipping in and out of sleep. The girl listened and waited for the moment she would be alone in this world. She thought about dying with her, but that wasn't something a Mother would want. She wanted the girl to have a long life. It was the least the girl could do for her mother, living and finding happiness, carrying on for her mother...

"Lucy," Mother called in a weak voice. Lucy was her granddaughter and someone her mother loved dearly.

"Yes, Granny," Lucy answered. Her voice was soft and loving, almost motherly. Lucy was a kind person, according to her mother. She would be the one who would care for the girl after this was all over.

"In the other room is something that I care about more than anything else in the world. I need you to promise me ‌you will protect and care for it with your life," Mother said between breaths.

"I don't understand, Granny," Lucy said quickly. But the girl did. Her mother was talking about her. She wanted Lucy to protect and care for the girl after she was gone. It was the old woman's last wish.

"There is a notebook on the table. It will explain everything. Just promise, please, Lucy, this is my last wish," Mother said. Her words became broken as she struggled with her last words.

"I promise, Granny. I promise," Lucy said before letting out a sob.

"Aurora, her name is Aurora," Mother said, letting out a long, haggard breath. The girl couldn't stand this any longer. She needed to be at her side. Tears rushed down her face as she forced herself to her feet. They had heard the girl. The room next to her became quiet as she moved. Aurora quickly opened the door. She worried for a moment. She hadn't seen another person in years, Aurora thought. She was afraid of what they would think of her. But she needed to be at her side, and she didn't care about anything else. The girl took a deep breath as she stepped into the room. There were so many people, and the only ones she knew were her mother and Lucy. Her heart was racing as she ran to her mother's side.

"Aurora," Mother said as she took the girl's hand. The girl was kneeling next to the bed. Mother was so weak. All the color was gone from her face. The girl could barely make out the sound of her breathing, and everyone knew she would leave soon. The girl could feel her mother's life draining from her body with every second that passed.

"Don't leave," Aurora said, resting her forehand against her hands, tears rushing from her face. The girls' eyes were red from crying. They felt sore already.

"Aurora, calm down, my sweet girl. You will be safe," her mother said, gripping her hand as tightly as she could. Even her mother's grip was weak. She always held the girl close, but she was far too weak to do that now.

"I love you, Mother," Aurora said, holding her tightly as she felt her grip weak and her breathing drew to an end. The old woman's eyes shut, and her chest stopped rising. Everyone could feel that she was no longer here.

"Mother," Aurora called, looking at her face. Her cheeks had already stunk in.

"Mother," Aurora screamed, throwing herself on her and hugging her lifeless body. I had seen so much death, but this hurt the most. I wanted my mother, and I needed her. She had left me behind. I couldn't believe it.

"Mother, please...mother," Aurora sobbed. She didn't care about anything else. She wanted her mother.

"Aurora, she is gone." she heard Lucy say as she touched her back. The girl couldn't stop herself and fell into Lucy's arms, sobbing. Lucy hugged the girl close as others in the room looked on. No one could believe their eyes. This girl was a monster, a beast. How had she come to the old woman's side? How did they not know about her?

"Mother!" Aurora cried repeatedly in Lucy's arms. She gripped the girl, unmoving, as she sobbed into her chest. Aurora inhaled her scent as she clung to her. Aurora knew Lucy was a werewolf, just like her mother. The girl could smell Lucy's mate and her child on her. Aurora knew she would have a bigger family if she kept Mother's last wish.

"It's okay, Aurora, it will be okay. I will care for you now," Lucy said, stroking her back. The girl couldn't hold back her cries. She wanted her mother, and she needed her back... She couldn't believe she left her. The girl looked around the room. So many people were staring in disbelief. They could smell what she was. She knew what they were as well. Aurora knew they differed from the others; however, they didn't care for her kind. She was dangerous to them. A threat. It must have been so shocking to them. Mother kept her secret well. They did not know of her existence. The girl couldn't help but shake, and she was so afraid. She didn't want them to hurt me. But she could hear Igna in her head, as she tried to protect her. Aurora didn't want Inga's protection. She didn't want her to hurt anyone. The girl knew she would, and she always hurt people...

"Aurora, everything will be okay. Stop looking at them. No one is going to hurt you," Lucy said, holding Aurora tighter. Aurora's body trembled in Lucy's arms as her sobs hardened.

"Promise?" Aurora asked, clinging to her as if her life depended on it. Because for all the girl knows, it did. Aurora didn't know what these other wolves would do to her, and she didn't know if they would hurt her. She didn't know if Lucy would let them. She didn't know Aurora. Her mother asked Lucy to protect her, and Aurora didn't know if she would. Aurora didn't know if she even could.

"I promise her, and I promise you. I wouldn't let anyone hurt you," Lucy said. Her voice was a life raft in the sea of confusion and sadness. She could feel Lucy help her off the ground. Still holding the girl close. Aurora felt as if she couldn't breathe like this. She never liked people touching her, not even her mother. She disliked their scents getting on her skin. But Lucy was different, and she could sense her heart was pure. She thought she would want to keep her promise.

"Can I look at her one more time, please?" Aurora asked, pulling away from Lucy. Lucy nodded her head before Aurora turned to look at her mother. All life was gone from her face, and she was just an empty body with no soul.

"I hope, have a safe passage to the Moon Goddess, Mother. May your soul find your mate again and be unburdened with the worries of life," Aurora stated, holding her hand once again. Aurora knew she would protect her from above. She told her as much. Aurora, in turn, would keep her promise to her and try to live a long life.

"That was beautiful, Aurora," Lucy said, standing directly behind her. Lucy was strangely calm about her grandmother's death. There were some tears in her eyes, but she wasn't sobbing. She wasn't clinging to the arms of her mate. No, she was comforting this strange girl. Aurora didn't understand why. She was nothing to Lucy, but a burden that she didn't ask for.

"Thank you, Lucy. I will go to my room now. I can't look at her like this. My heart is aching," Aurora stated, walking away.

She passed by the others in the room, and their expressions were bleak. They had just lost someone they loved. She loved her too, but she knew they needed space to grieve over her mother. She knew she wasn't helping their loss. Once Aurora reached her room, she laid back down on the bed and let the tears fall. She needed to mourn her. She would miss her so much. Mother was her everything.

Aurora must have fallen asleep because the next thing she remembered was Lucy's voice. Her bright blue eyes fluttered open and looked around the room. She turned to face Lucy, and she was smiling down at her. But Lucy was not alone, and a tall man was with her. Her mate, Greg, is the Beta of his pack. His expression was different from before, and it was soft like Lucy's. Their scent mixed together. Aurora knew they must have been together for a long time.

"Aurora, can we talk?" Lucy asked, sitting on my bed.

"Of course I want to talk," Aurora said, smiling back at Lucy.

"Okay, I read the notebook that Granny left. She wrote down everything. We just want to let you know, and we understand ‌it will be difficult to take care of your needs at times. But we want to do that. I will keep my promise. I will care for you to the best of my ability. You have to be patient with us. We won't be perfect, but we will try our best," Lucy said, reaching out for Aurora's arm and lightly stroking it as she spoke. She was willing to keep her promise. She was ready to care for her. Aurora could feel the pain in her chest lighten. This was what she hoped for.

"I will do my best to be good. I wouldn't cause any trouble, and I will treat you like you are my family," Aurora responded with a smile, meaning every word.

"We know you will. You are a good girl, Aurora. Now there are a few things we need to take care of. We have to tell our Alphas and Luna about you. But, it won't be a problem. They will want to meet you, but we have a few days. We will lay Granny to rest tomorrow. After, we will travel back to our pack, and you will come with us. You will go to school and meet so many new friends," Lucy said. Her voice was so calming to the girl. It reminds her of her mother. But Aurora was not too fond of the idea of leaving her only home. Not knowing what it would be like in another pack. She was so afraid. Tears fell from her face once again.

"I don't want to leave," Aurora sobbed. Lucy's expression changed to worry, seeing the tears on her face.

"Shh, it's okay sweet girl, we have a few days. Just rest, okay? Come downstairs when you are ready," Lucy said. Aurora nodded her head and watched as she and Greg left the room. She didn't know why it was like this. They were so kind to her. She could not be a burden to them. She needed to be the best for them and not make things so difficult. There was a reason her mother had to leave a notebook behind, and she knew it would be hard on them. Aurora would be challenged to care for, she knew that. But they seemed willing to try. Maybe she thought that she should try to.

Aurora went back to her room and lay down on her bed. She took her pillow into her hands and held it tightly against her chest. She tried her best to hold back her sobs, but she couldn't prevent her tears from falling.

"Mother is gone. We have to protect ourselves," Inga whispered in her head.

"Leave me alone," Aurora demanded. She didn't need Inga whispering into her right now. She just needed to cry.

"I will be here when you are ready to listen," Inga responded before falling silent.

Chapter Two: Lionne and Arturio

Lionne and Arturio:

Lionne and Arturio trekked to the house at around three in the morning. It was Friday night, and they had spent it trying their best to get drunk. They snuck past the guards. They made it as far as the front door. They both thought they could make it to their room. Their parents already ground them for sneaking out during the school week and getting drunk. They had spent the whole night drinking and partying with their girlfriends and their bros. It was difficult for werewolves to get drunk, no matter how much they drank, but they tried their best. They were exhausted and a little drunk, so they weren't as quiet as they thought they were. Their steps were heavy and their voices loud. Everyone would know they were just coming home and the state in which they were.

Sneaking past the front hall and into the kitchen, the lights flickered on in the living room. Standing in the living room were their parents. Their eyes met with their greatest fear. Their fathers stood with their arms crossed, anger written on their faces, while their mothers looked disappointed. They were supposed to be the sons of the Alphas', the pack's future and this was how they were acting.

"You two are in so much trouble!" Danica, their mother, yelled. They looked toward their mother, seeing their fathers standing behind her. Danica, the Luna of the White Moon pack, was married to their father, the triplet Alphas. The family dynamic wasn't as strange to them as it was to others. Having three fathers was, at times, a blessing and a curse...

"We can't believe you two would do this again this week. We have already grounded you for sneaking out, and here you are, drunk again. Sneaking into the pack house again," Asher, their father, stated, his eyes flashing black. The twins noticed his eyes, but they both knew that their father would never hurt them. Even if they could see that he was fighting the urge. The twins knew at that moment that they had taken things too far. They weren't getting off easy this time.

"We, um, were studying," Arturio said with a grin. Everyone knew this wasn't the truth. They never studied, not since they started drinking.

"Right. Studying. You smell of alcohol, weed, and the sluts you were fucking around with. Do you think I'm stupid? Or that we've lost our sense of smell?" Asher clashed back.

"We all know that isn't the truth. You boys are grounded for the next month. No girls, no partying, no drinking, and we are taking your keys. You will be driven home after school. Then you will train, you will study, and nothing else," Alfonso, their other father, said, approaching them and taking their keys from their hands.

"Come on, Dad, this isn't fair," Lionne stated, pulling away from Alfonso as he went for his keys. Alfonso didn't let this stop him and took the keys, anyway.

"You are lucky; we aren't making you run till the sun rises. If this happens again, that is what will happen," Elliot, their other father, stated, shaking his head in disappointment.

"Come on, act as if you've never gotten drunk and high before. We are just acting like normal teenagers," Arturio argued, looking towards Alfonso, whom he had gotten high with on multiple occasions.

"That isn't the point, and you can drink and get high all you want under this roof. The key term is under this roof. You were drinking and driving. You could have killed someone or even yourself. We will not have that fucking bullshit happening in this pack," Alfonso stated, his eye flashing back for a moment. The twins knew their father wasn't wrong. They had fucked up by driving home in their current state. They were putting everyone in danger by doing so. Arturio, however, still felt the need to argue about their punishment. He opened his mouth to speak, unsure of his words.

"Oh, come on," Arturio spoke before a growl erupted from their fathers. His mouth quickly closed, as did his brothers. They knew they had crossed the line, and now they would have to suffer the consequences. These consequences were the worst by far. They had done this many times and were lucky not to be punished like this in the past. "This conversation is over. Go to your room right now. I want you to get up early in the morning. Lucy and Greg are coming back, and they are bringing someone new into the pack. You will be there to welcome her. You will be respectful," Danica responded, pointing at the stairs. "Oh, is she hot?" Lionne asked with a grin. Lionne was just like Alfonso was at that age, with a new girl on his arm every week. He had been with every pack slut he could find. He was a man whore.

"Lionne, that isn't a question you should ask, you disrespectful asshat," Elliot said, shaking his head.

"She is an exceptional young lady, and you will keep your dick in your pants, the both of you," Asher said, his tone radiating anger. The boys looked at each other, not understanding what would make a new pack member so exceptional that their father would be this angry over it all. Their parents saw this look and felt the need to explain it a little more.

"She is different. She has a wolf, but she is also a vampire. Her wolf can be dangerous if you piss her off. That is why you must be respectful. She just lost someone close to her, and men easily trigger her. Your mother wants to speak with her to find out her origin because it is unknown. Lucy's grandmother kept her hidden and was only discovered when Lucy's grandmother was on her deathbed... Lucy will take her in and care for her, which means she will be around. So it would be best if you were respectful," Asher said, using his Alpha tone, so they would understand this was a serious conversion.

"You are letting a vampire into the pack?" Arturio questioned, not understanding why they would do that. Vampires were dangerous, and this girl was unknown. Why would they endanger the pack by letting her come here? Arturio ran his fingers through his thick brown hair and exhaled. As the thought of meeting a vampire ran through his head, he heard that they smelled genuinely awful. Though neither of the twins had ever laid eyes on a vampire, they had heard they were nothing but creatures who had an insatiable lust for blood and destruction.

"She has a wolf, and Lucy would never bring her here if she thought it would endanger the pack. Being the beta's mate, she wouldn't do that. I trust her," Danica stated bluntly, knowing what her sons must be thinking. Vampires weren't welcome in the White Moon pack, but this girl was different. Lucy assured her that she wouldn't harm anyone as long as they were respectful. She worried that her sons couldn't do that, but this would be a lesson for them, a lesson in respecting others different from you.

"You said the girl had unknown origins. Is that not a threat?" Arturio questioned. Arturio was like Asher in this way, always asking questions about things he didn't fully understand. It was an excellent trait for an Alpha to have, but this only annoyed Danica. She didn't always like her sons questioning her decisions. She was their Luna, not just their mother, and it was a habit that needed to be broken. Her mates knew better than to question her, but this was another lesson her sons failed to learn.

"We will learn her origin when she arrives. It wasn't something that Lucy wanted to speak about over the phone. She is a close friend. I trust her enough to let her bring the girl," Danica stated, and her sons nodded their heads. They were exhausted and could tell it wasn't an issue to push any further. They were already in trouble, and fighting with their mother would only worsen the situation. The boys turned to the stairs, readying their goodbyes before the door fell open and Dorian stepped in. His drunken expression fell on sight before him. He knew they caught him as well. Dorian could see the disappointment on the faces of the twin's parents. A look he knew all too well. The twins saw Dorian's face drained the moment he knew they had been caught.

"I'm sorry," Dorian muttered as soon as he saw the twins' parents.

"Dorian, go upstairs," their mother ordered. Dorian looked to the floor before pushing past and heading for the stairs. When he was out of view, the twins returned their attention to their parents.

"Why isn't he in trouble?" Lionne asked as if he didn't already know the reason.

"Dorian isn't our child. Even though the reason you both went out tonight, it isn't our responsibility to punish him. You two, on the other hand, are our responsibility and your actions affect the whole pack. You are lucky we are still letting him stay here after all the shit the three of you have gotten into. If he wasn't your friend, he would be out the door already," Danica explained coldly.

"He is our future Beta, mom. We are just trying to get along," Lionne whined. He knew that it wasn't a good argument. But it was the only one he had. He didn't want Dorian to get kicked out and have to return to an empty house. It wasn't like he had any family to go back to.

"You can get along without the drinking and fucking driving, Lionne," his mother snapped back, her eyes darkening like his father's.

"Dorian needs to find his way. If he can't, he wouldn't be your Beta simple as that," Elliot added as he reached for his wife. The twins watched as Elliot wrapped his arms around their mother, and she inhaled his scent, her eyes soon returning to normal.

"Go to bed, you two," Asher ordered, pointing to the stairs. The twins knew it was better just to call it a night. They were only going to make things worse if they kept fighting with their parents. The twins said good night to their parents and started their drunken trek upstairs. Arturio stumbled into his room, stripping his clothes from his body and heading for the shower. He needed to think. This vampire couldn't be good for the pack, but he could do nothing about it. Lucy was the mate of the beta and his mother's best friend, and he thought this was clouding his mother's judgment. Friends were also his weakness, so he understood that at least.

While Arturio showered, Lionne found himself unable to sleep. He hated sneaking out with his brother and Dorian, and he knew what he was doing was wrong. But they would always pressure him to go with them. Lionne would enjoy himself. Drinking, smoking, and hooking up with random girls were enjoyable. However, he would regret doing it after the night was over. Something about it didn't feel right. His mind would always fall on his mate and what she would think about what he was doing. Lionne and Arturio were yet to find their mate and were waiting for the day their eyes would meet for the first time. Lionne wondered what she would smell like, what her voice would sound like, how her skin would feel against his. He became hard thinking about his mate. He reached down and took his member in his hand, stroking his dick while thinking about thrusting into his mate for the first time. Lionne pictured her plump breasts and her hard nipples. He imagined her soft lips around his dick, sucking him. Stroking himself harder, he thought about her tight pussy, and how it would taste when he licked it. Finally, Lionne thought about fucking her as she screamed his name. Lionne lost himself, and he closed his eyes as his seed erupted from his tip, spilling on his hand. He quickly left his bed and washed himself off in the sink.

In the shower, his twin was doing the same, thinking of the mate they would have one day and all the tremendous pleasure they would take from her. He has spent his whole life seeing the joy of his parents. He wanted the same. All the girls he had been with wouldn't be a match for his mate. She would be his goddess, his everything. They had been waiting for her for a year now-a whole year without their mate. They shifted last year on their seventeen birthdays, but their mate seemed to be nowhere in the pack. They spent an entire year with their hearts yearning for their mate. It had been one year too many.

Chapter Three: Last Wishes

Aurora:

These last few days have been the most difficult in her life in a long time. She felt so alone, even with a house full of people. Few of them would speak to her. Lucy and Greg were always with her when she left the room. Some of them commented on her appearance, calling her a monster openly. Lucy would shut them down, telling them to leave if they couldn't respect her in her own home. Some left, but most stayed behind. Finally, the day came to lay her mother to rest. They all attended her mother's funeral, with everyone staring at them. Lucy and Greg were at Aurora's side the whole time, protecting her from the stare of the pack members. Hannah, Lucy's cousin, started trouble during the funeral.

"That freak shouldn't be here," Hannah yelled, pushing her away toward them.

"Hannah, stop now!" Lucy screamed, protecting Aurora as she cried behind her.

"I will fucking kill you!" Hannah screamed, lunging at Aurora, only to be held back by her Alpha.

"Be quiet. I wouldn't let you and you wouldn't dare," Greg growled, placing himself in front of his mate and Aurora, his claws extending as he became ready to fight off Hannah. Aurora sobbed, clinging to Lucy's shoulder, staring at the woman, and she came even closer.

"That girl is a fucking freak. I wouldn't let her get away with stealing everything from us," Hannah yelled, as she pushed closer. Greg didn't give a single inch and stood his ground.

"Get out of my way, you sorry excuse for a werewolf," Hannah demanded. Greg remained unmoving, his eyes darkening as he prepared himself to protect his family. Aurora looked around and saw everyone looking in their direction, waiting for the fight to begin.

"Stop being disrespectful to Granny, you fucking bitch!" Lucy yelled, her body shaking with rage.

"You are a disrespectful, mangy dog. Lucy, you think just because you're the mate of a beta that you can come here and order me around?" Hannah yelled back, spit flying from her mouth. She looked almost rabid, feral even.

"Stop acting like a bitch, Hannah. She is right where she should be. Don't kick you out of your grandmother's funeral," The Alpha ordered, pulling her away from Lucy and Aurora. Hannah screamed, but couldn't break away from her Alpha's grip.

"Hannah, we all know what you've been through with your first mate, but Aurora had nothing to do with that. Just because she doesn't mean that you can treat her this way," Lucy snapped.

"Shut up. This isn't about that. That bloodsucker stole from me," Hannah yelled back while fighting against the Alpha's hold. The Alpha pulled her away, forcing her into her mate's arm on the opposite side of the pyre.

The clearing grew quiet again, as everyone turned their attention back to the reason they were there. The Alpha spoke some words, but Aurora wasn't listening. Her heart was racing, her ear ringing with Hannah's words. Lucy held her close as Greg stood by them, watching Hannah from a distance, waiting to come back over. Hannah's mate wasn't giving her the chance, holding her in place.

"Edith will never be forgotten. She was like a mother to everyone in the pack. Her door was always open to those in need. She was a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother. We will miss her. The whole pack will miss you. Thank you, Edith, for your service to the pack," Alpha Kellen said, bowing his head for a moment of silence.

The Alpha was finishing speaking, and Aurora turned to watch him. They all watched as the Alpha lit the funeral pyre; the flames burning her mother's body to ash and sending her soul to the next world. After Aurora thought, nothing remained now but our memories. She held on to those as long as possible, never forgetting the woman that her mother was.

After the funeral, Aurora spent a long time lying in her room, thinking about Lucy and her words. They wanted to leave her home, and so soon after, her mother departed this world. This was the only home that she ever knew. She didn't remember her home with her parents. If she even had one. They sold Aurora before she could even remember what they looked like. Living in that nightmare couldn't even compare. It was a never-ending nightmare where children suffered abuse, beatings, and starvation.

This was all she knew, and it was her everything. She had spent all these years living within its walls with her mother.

This is where she had made only happy memories. No sadness had existed here until her mother passed on. Aurora didn't know if she could leave all of that behind.

Aurora worried she would lose the memories of her mother if even dared to leave their home. She was the best mother Aurora could ever hope for. Aurora wishes to keep her memory close. She couldn't leave this house. It was all she had remaining of her mother. This house and the happy memories they made together.

However, her mother's last wish soon became stuck in her head.

She wished Aurora would live a rich, peaceful life. Mother thought the best way for that to happen was for Lucy and Aurora to be together. Aurora felt the need to honor that wish. The need to accept Lucy and the life she will give. Lucy wanted her to join them downstairs. Aurora thought she really should join them. Her mother would want her to. Now that her mother was gone, she felt the need to push herself. She needs to form a bond with Lucy. Aurora needed to form a relationship with her, as she did with her mother. Lucy would never take her place, but Aurora knew she had room for Lucy in her heart. She just needed the strength to make it happen.

Aurora hadn't needed strength in such a long time. Since she left the facility, Aurora has had her mother. She was strong enough for both of them. She was the first person Aurora showed weakness. In the facility, showing weakness would mean her death. So she always hid her weakness as if it was something that needed to be protected. She didn't need to be strong around her mother. But that was over now. Aurora needed to be strong again. Lucy could protect her weakness, but she couldn't let her. Lucy wasn't her mother. Their relationship couldn't be the same. And Aurora knew she couldn't be weak forever. She needed to find a balance between strength and weakness, a different balance than she had before. Pulling herself from the bed would be the first step. And then speaking to Lucy, getting to know her would be the next.

Aurora stood shaking as she found her footing and went to the dresser. She had been wearing a nightgown when her mother passed. It didn't cover her scars in the way she would like. She knew Lucy had seen them, but Aurora didn't wish others to see them. They were truly terrifying. Everyone could easily assume how she got each of them. The pain that she must have suffered. They told the entire story of her time at the facility. They were a reminder of the past, but she didn't need scars for that. Aurora will never forget that time.

The memories would play in her mind on repeat. That was what the notebook was for. Her mother had listed all her triggers, with instructions on avoiding them. Also, the notebook came with instructions on caring for her, when she had a panic attack or night terrors, or if her wolf snapped. Instructions on Aurora's diet, as well as anything else that Lucy would need to know. Aurora knew she was challenging to take care of, that was for sure. She needed to avoid all triggers, drink blood daily, and avoid all stress. Her mother found this out herself through trial and error. Things weren't perfect in the beginning, but she never gave up. She kept trying to understand and take care of Aurora, no matter how challenging it was. They settled after a while, finding their happiness. She wondered if it would be the same with Lucy. She hopes she won't be a burden to her.

Aurora wore a long sleeve purple shirt with a black tank top underneath. For pants, she went with a long pair of black leggings. Most importantly, she wore her favorite leather collar to cover the deep bite mark on her neck. She hated that scar most of all. It was a reminder of the worst day of her life. She couldn't look at it. Aurora couldn't let anyone look at it. Then she fixed her long white hair bun at the top of her head before applying her usual eyeliner, red lipstick, and black eyeshadow. Aurora's eyes were piercing baby blue, and the black eyeliner only highlighted them. With pale skin, intelligent blue eyes, soft, round hips, and a full chest. Aurora knew she was quite beautiful. She sighed, thinking about what other people would think of her. Werewolves hated vampires, vampires loathed werewolves, and they both hated witches. Aurora was a hybrid. She just knew they would think she was a freak. The last thing Aurora did was apply a scent neutralizer. She would always hide her scent from her mother, knowing how truly awful it was for her. She would do the same for Lucy and Greg. Aurora would wear it more in the future. She didn't need to burden anyone with her awful scent.

She looked into the mirror one last time before stepping from her room and heading downstairs. It was late in the evening. Aurora noted the darkness outside as she looked through the window. She felt restless, though part of her was exhausted. Her eyes hurt, swollen from the many tears she had cried over the last few days. Everyone was sitting in the living room, talking with a man she knew to be her mother's lawyer. They didn't see her just yet. So she went to the fridge and took a blood bag from the bottom. Using a metal straw, she drank. Aurora hadn't had blood today, and she could feel her appetite growing. Her vampire side needed blood, while her werewolf side needed actual food. She didn't feel like eating a meal at the moment, but she required the blood. Without blood, her body couldn't function. She was hoping to drink two bags of blood before they noticed her in the kitchen. But halfway through the second, Lucy turned to see her drinking in the kitchen.

"Aurora, sweetheart, come join us," Lucy said, waving to her. Aurora sighed before walking over to them and sitting down on the floor. She looked at the people surrounding her. Her stomach felt tight, almost aching. She was so afraid they would hurt her and that no one would protect her. Aurora pushed the thought from her mind. She looked again, this time without fear in her eyes. They were her mother's family. She noticed them having her features. While she knew the others were their mates by their scent.

Aurora could remember some of them from family pictures, even if she couldn't remember their names. Even these last couple of days, she couldn't remember them. Aurora was far too deep in her grief to give them much thought. Except for Hannah, who was Lucy's cousin, and her mother's granddaughter. She remembers her because Mother would always complain that she would never call or visit. This was true with most of her grandchildren; however, Hannah lived in the same pack and lived near our home. But they would never visit. Her mother never understood why, but it only made it easier to keep Aurora a secret. Hannah caused trouble today. She was the most open about her hate. She threatened to kill her today. Aurora would never forget that.

The other people she knew were Romeo, the Alpha of the local pack, his mate Luna Lilly, and their oldest son, Alpha Kellen. Aurora hadn't met them before, only seen them from afar while she was hiding. Her mother told her not to fear them because they were good people, like her granddaughter.

"Aurora, we need to talk," Lucy said, looking toward her, as did everyone else. Most glared, some looked sad, and others looked worried. She could feel something was wrong with how Lucy spoke, and concern overcame her mind, hearing her tone.

"Did I do something wrong?" Aurora asked, hiding the blood bag in her hands. She didn't know if the drinking was bothering them. But she knew werewolves hated the sight of vampires drinking blood normally.

"No, Aurora, we were going over Granny's last will, and we need to talk about it," Lucy said in a reassuring tone. The concern lighted, even though she didn't understand what this had to do with her. Granny's last will was their business. Aurora didn't want to fight with anyone about it. Her mother made all her own decisions, and Aurora knew nothing about it. It wasn't even Aurora's place. Aurora knew that her mother wished for Lucy to take care of her. And that was Aurora's only concern. The money or her belongings were hers to leave to whomever she wished.

"That really isn't my business. Mother did what she wanted," Aurora said quickly, wanting this conversation to be over. She had seen plenty of movies where family members fight about money after someone passes away. Aurora didn't want to be a part of anything like that. It wasn't her place to challenge her mother's choices.

"She isn't your Mother," Hannah screamed, slapping her fist into her chair. Everyone snapped to look towards the women. Her fat cheeks flushed, eyes completely dry. Aurora wondered if Hannah had even cried for her mother. It seemed her eyes were tearless.

"Hannah!" Lucy yelled, shaking her head at Hannah's comment.

"Well, she isn't just some freak she found and hid from everyone. I read the notebook, and we all did. You are a fucking weird monster, and you stole our inheritance," Hannah screamed, her face becoming redder and her claws extending. Aurora wasn't a monster, and she couldn't believe she would call her that. Hannah didn't even know her. And what the fuck was that supposed to mean? Aurora stole nothing. Her mother made her own decisions!

"Hannah, shut the fuck up!" Lucy yelled, rushing toward Aurora and pulling her into her arms. Aurora hadn't known, but soon she felt tears fall from her cheeks. Aurora had cried so much in the last few days, her eyes felt sore as tears fell again.

"Oh, rush to the fucking monster's side. You are an idiot. She is faking those tears. She used and manipulated our grandmother, and you're comforting her. You know she did this. Granny would never leave us with anything," Hannah said; her words were vicious and untrue. Aurora would never do such a thing. All she did was love her mother as she loved her. Aurora hadn't manipulated her to do anything, ever. She tried to leave many times, but her mother wouldn't let her go. Aurora's mother chose her.

"Hannah, stop it. You don't even know what you are talking about," Greg stated, coming to his feet and placing himself in front of the girls protectively. Aurora breathed a sigh of relief as Greg stood between her and that angry woman.

"I will not. That bitch shouldn't even be here," Hannah yelled, standing and approaching Greg, coming close to his face. Aurora's heart raced, seeing them about to fight over something Hannah was blaming her for, that she had no control over.

"Knock it off, all of you," Alpha Romeo screamed, pushing Hannah back from Greg and making her take her seat. Aurora could hear them growling at each other till Hannah let out a whimper and bore her neck to Alpha Romeo, submitting to him.

"We know Aurora has no control over your Granny's choices. She was a stubborn woman, and no one could ever change her mind. She chose to leave everything to Aurora, and you need to respect that," Alpha Romeo said, letting out a deep sigh.

"Are you okay?" Lucy whispered into Aurora's ear. She nodded her head, not wanting her to worry. Aurora was going to be okay. She just couldn't believe her mother would do that, and she left everything to her. Aurora didn't ask for that, and she would never ask that. She had another family, and they deserved something, too. Aurora wasn't even her biological child, and she had only known her mother for a few years. Lucy, Hannah, and her children had known Mother their whole lives.

***

They spent the next few hours going over granny's last Will. She left everything she owned just to Aurora: all of her assets, and even all of her belongings. Other than the money she left for Lucy, even that was to cover the expenses of raising Aurora. Even beyond the grave, Mother wanted to give Aurora the best future possible. Nobody could believe it. She told no one that she was doing this. If Aurora had known, she would have told her not to do it. Her mother made this decision herself in the Alpha's words, and no one could have changed her mind. She was stubborn, after all. Shortly after this, Hannah left with her mate, realizing that she wasn't getting anything. She cursed her grandmother, saying she was an old fool for doing this. But there was nothing anyone could do. Aurora just hoped that Lucy didn't feel the same. Aurora would give anything she asked, and she didn't need all her mother had left her. The money alone was more than she would ever need. Aurora had wished for a simple life and didn't need so much to make herself happy.

While eating dinner, Aurora tried her luck and spoke with Lucy about everything. She hoped Lucy would understand she didn't need everything, and she was willing to share it with her and her family.

"Lucy," Aurora called while they were sitting at the table. Only she and Greg remained in the house at this point. Everyone had returned home. Aurora felt better knowing it was just them. She felt she could speak more openly without the others around.

"I wanted to talk to you about everything. I didn't know that Mother was planning on doing that. It wasn't fair to you. I want to make it right. Anything you want, just ask. I don't need everything," Aurora said boldly, while her legs shook under the table. Her heart was aching with fear of the unknown.

"Aurora, I want nothing. I had a lot more time with Granny than you did. That was enough. She left everything for you so that you could have a good life. I would never take that from you," Lucy said, her voice calm and sweet. Her voice calmed Aurora's aching chest a little. It became easier for her to breathe.

"I know. I just don't want there to be any bitterness. Everyone should be happy. I know I was a shock... and," Aurora was trying to say before Lucy placed her hand on hers.

"You are her last gift, Aurora. She loved you so much and gave you to me. That is all we need. I couldn't ask for more because now I have another daughter to love," Lucy said with a smile, tightening her hold on Aurora's hand. Tears fell from Aurora's face, hearing Lucy call her that. Aurora wasn't expecting her to accept her in that way. She had only known her for a day, and she wanted Aurora to be her daughter. She wasn't sure how to react, knowing that Lucy felt this way. Her chest ached even more.

"I don't know what to say," Aurora said, looking away from Lucy and sharing a look with Greg. She had hardly heard from him. Aurora wanted to know where they stood. She wouldn't be just living with Lucy. She would live with Greg and their daughter.

"I'm with Lucy on this. I always wanted more pups, and I have a feeling about you. You are a sweet girl, Aurora, and my wolf is calling to me to protect and care for you like you are my own," Greg said, seeing her look at him. Aurora's heart jumped for joy at his words. She had never had a father that she could remember. Aurora didn't even trust men, not really, but there was something about Greg that was different.

Her wolf said, "They will protect and care for us."

"I don't have the words," Aurora said, glancing away from them, her legs still shaking under the table. She didn't understand why they would want her. They were better off leaving her behind. If only she could be sure they would not eventually feel that she was a burden to them, despite all the good intentions they professed, she must not be a burden to them or anyone, she thought.

"We understand, Aurora. It's okay," Lucy said, clenching Aurora's hand while Greg took hold of the other one. Aurora looked towards them and saw their smiles. They all knew this would be a challenge, but they were willing. Aurora would go with them, she thought. She should do her best to make this work.