New Blood (completed book 1 of The blood moon saga)

I hear a crunch before I feel the pain as it splits through me like a knife, shooting up my side similar to what I imagine a bolt of lightning would feel like.

I snap my eyes open just in time to watch my fathers dirty black boot connect with my ribs, knocking all the air from my lungs, the crunch of the bones breaking almost makes me heave but the pain distracts me from the bile rising up my throat, the pain starts in my side and spreads throughout my entire body. Everything hurt like hell.

"Get up you lazy tramp"

my father spits through clenched teeth.

I fucking hate him! I dream of stabbing the bastard in his sleep when I'm not dreaming of my future mate, but then I imagine that would be too easy for the fat motherfucker! He deserves much worse than a silent knife in his throat!

I take a breath to calm myself before I explode right back, knowing fine rightly if I react badly it will only make things worse.

So I push myself up off the floor where I slept. Glaring at him, he smirks saying nothing as he turns and leaves the room now that he knows I'm awake.

I limp to the bathroom to inspect the damage, my body felt heavy and sore, I crack my neck trying to kill the creek in it as I roll my shoulders but I flinch as my broken rib feels like a knife in my lungs, breathing through it, I make it to the bathroom sink and turn looking at myself.

My body was a mixture of colours, some bruises were fresher than the others, some no longer hurt and some hurt so bad I wish I had a drip of morphine.

An angry red swollen spot on my side confirmed my suspicion that my rib was indeed broken.

I gasp as I pull the clothes from my body, just moving my arms was unbearable as I start the shower, waiting for the water to heat up.

As I catch sight of my naked body I flinch, covered from head to toe in bruises, scars and then there was my body, so skinny from the lack of food a strong wind could probably knock me over.

My long dark brown hair was everywhere as usual, hitting the top of my booty. it was a mess but honestly my hair was the last of my worries.

My eyes were hazel, with a tiny hint of gold throughout, but what pissed me off was the lack of life in them. There was hardly any life left in my soul and as they say the eyes are the windows to our soul.

I found myself completely unattractive Or maybe that's just what I believed now? After years and years of being told you were nothing but an ugly trollop how else could I feel?

I reach for the towel on the top shelf and winch at the pain, it splits up my side like a knife, I gasp falling forward and catching myself against the shelves. Tears brim in my eyes as I try and fail at shaking off the pain.

I try again, holding my breath as my tiny 5ft 2 body stretches up to grab it.

It was hard to reach on most days because let's face it, I'm a bloody short ass, never mind reaching it in this shape.

I catch the edge pulling it down, I grin triumphantly as I dump it on the table beside the shower and I climb in.

The water was up high, burning my skin as I step under the steady stream of water.

The pain was bad today, I needed the heat to distract myself from the pain but moving atol hurt way more than it's meant to, I definitely needed to stop at the pack hospital on the way to school.

I had 2 days until I shift, after that I won't have this problem. All I will need to do is shift and all my broken bones will break and rearrange so they will set back in the right place when I return to my human form.

I couldn't wait, 2 days and I will no longer be a useless human, 2 days and I can finally fight back, plus my wolf will come and I will finally have some company up in my head, I'll have someone that will have my back no matter what and that right now sounds fucking incredible.

I quickly wash and change, leaving the dump I call a bedroom. That's if you could even class it as that? A few blankets in the corner on a cold hard floor didn't sound like a bedroom to me but usually I locked the door so it offered some sort of protection from the monster down the hall.

My stomach rumbles, empty as usual, I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I had a meal in this house, I only ever ate when I was at work or school and even then it was whatever was cheapest.

I go to the kitchen, pulling out 2 cups and I fill them with coffee, taking a drink of mine before placing it on the countertop and I turn on the oven.

I whip up a quick breakfast for my father, stealing a slice of bacon and leaving it to cook a little extra before I plate his up for him.

He hated crispy bacon and I can honestly say it's probably the thing I hated most about him. When mine is down I quickly swallow it before he catches me, taking one last swig of my coffee. I leave his plate on the counter beside his coffee and I duck out in the hopes of missing him.

Unfortunately for me I wasn't so lucky, meeting him in the hallway as I leave, I hold my breath as I try to step out of his way, he growls grabbing my shirt, lifting his boot and he kicks me against the side table in the living room.

My tiny frame bounces off it, tears sting my eyes as I fall against my already broken rib, all the oxygen is knocked out of my lungs as I try to resist crying out in pain.

He laughs as the squeak leaves my lips, my chin wobbling as I desperately hold back the scream that was just begging for release.

I refuse to give in and cry, he already got 3 hits in this morning and I wouldn't allow another. I hold my breath, clambering back onto my feet, ignoring the sting as I drop all attitude, ignoring his face.

"breakfast is on the table"

I say, limping from the room, going the long way so I didn't have to cross his path again. As I reach the front door I sigh in relief, slamming the door closed with as much force as possible.

"have some fucking manners you tramp"

I heard him roar inside. I chuckled shaking my head

"I hope I break your house you dick"

I whisper back, he couldn't touch me outside that door, when we are out in public we are the perfect picture book family, my dad was beta so appearances were always important, that's why he never hit my face.

I limp to the pack hospital and smile when I arrive just in time for my favourite doctor as he climbs out of his car.

his face scrunches up in anger, running to my side and shaking his head

"lilly what the fuck did he do now?"

I snort at his anger, if anyone should be angry it's me.

"ribs"

I whisper back, he nods, scooping me up bridal style, I was so thankful for dr McCaw or doc as I called him. He was always so kind and understanding and one of the very few people who knew the truth about my life.

He placed me on a bed and pulled up my shirt

"for fuck sake this has to stop lilly, he's going to kill you"

I looked down at my trembling hands,my body was hungry, weak and trying to heal but that's a little hard when you're starving all the time.

"Ino but 2 days is all I need and i'll be able to shift and then that will help"

I say positively, he sighed shaking his head

"lilly it won't stop him doing this though. He's going to continue to do it, you need to get out of his house"

I know he's right but it's difficult, plus if I was right and my dreams were true all I need was 5 more days and then I'll find my mate.

I don't have much faith in anything but when I'm sent a vision it usually comes true, I just had to have patience

I smile up at the doctor

"it's ok I will get out soon ok?"

He groans shaking his head, I swear he was always more annoyed than I was. I smirk at him and continue

"But for now I have my last final today, you need to wrap me up so I can finish it for good"

he looks at me in disbelief

"I don't know how you have so much strength but I'm in awe of it, sit up and i'll wrap you up"

I grin at him. As he works I distract myself asking about his family and wife, he happily talks away while he wraps my ribs up tight, giving me instant ease.

As he finishes I stand up and sigh in delight, as usual the pain was only half as bad.

"you really are a miracle worker"

I grin, pulling him in for a hug

"thank you for always helping me"

I finish, he gently pats my back then pulls away

"It's my job lilly, and no problem, you know where I am If it gets any worse but you really should find somewhere to recover. If you break any more ribs you will be in too much pain to function. Try and find somewhere to stay for a few day"

He scolds me, I smile at him again and wave as I say goodbye.

Hopefully Emma will let me hold up at her place for a day or so when I'm not working.

Emma was the only friend I had, she's pack and she runs a cafe downtown. She's been amazing to me since I started there, I tell her everything now. Dad will go crazy if I stay away but it might be worth it this time, normally I can deal with the pain but today hurts worse than normal.

I clear my mind as I enter the school, finishing my last day and I leave, I was invisible at school just the way I liked it so I had no heartfelt goodbyes to deal with so it was easy to walk away and not even look back

I limp towards the cafe, as I open the door and slip inside, Emma's face falls, she grinds her teeth rushing over and taking my arm.

"Oh lilly what now?"

Her face scrunched up in worry, I wag her off, not wanting her to worry too much.

"It's just my ribs"

I whisper, smiling at her. I was always honest with Emma because she could see straight through my shit so there was no point in lying to her.

She growls, shaking her head

"Fuck I'm going to kill that bastard one of these days"

I chuckle, Emma was the most loving kind person I know, for some reason the thought of her killing anyone was simply just hilarious.

She gasps,zeroing her eyes in at me

"You don't think I could do it can you!"

She snaps, she flexes her arm

"Seriously look at these muscles, I could take the bastard!"

I laugh at her

"I'll take your word for it"

she walks me to the office, helping me to the sofa. I really didn't need to be fussed over but for some reason when Emma did it, it made me feel better. It's how I imagine a big sister would treat me.

I looked around. This place was way more comfortable then my room, it was warm, comfortable and cosy.

I smiled at the walls full of pictures of Emma and her parents, the love on all their faces was strange to me, I don't think I ever posed for a photo with my father.

I envied them and the love they all shared. Emma is 3 years older than me, she hasn't found her mate yet so she spent her time working in her parents cafe, She baked the most amazing treats I'd ever tasted, people came from all over just to get her perfect cookies and cakes.

I close my eyes as she leaves the room. They were heavy with all the pain medication making me a little dopey as I relax getting comfortable.

I wake up a few hours later feeling a lot better, getting up I throw on an apron and head out the front

"what do you think your doing"

Emma shouts from the opposite side of the counter, I smile at her.

She was small like me but a whole lot prettier, although don't let that fool you, she was an animal and could quickly take you down with a flick of her wrist.

Her hair was blonde and long, it hit the bottom of her back just like mine, she had some mascara on her bright blue eyes, making them wider, standing out on her face. They were definitely the most noticeable thing about her.

Her skin was so clear, completely poreless, she didn't need any makeup because she was so beautiful just as she was. She had a beautiful curvy body and she wore the biggest smile on her face all the time, giving the allusion that she was a warm and kind person.

"I'm going to work"

She snorts at me, shaking her head and pointing to the door

"Ehh no your not, your going upstairs to my flat to rest and watch tv and when I finish here in 20 I am going to order us pizza"

I shake my head

"I can't Emma I need the money"

If I ever wanted out of my fathers house I needed every Penny I could get, I had been saving for years and every little bit helps

"Iv already called in your cover. Your still getting paid so suck it up and do what your told"

I giggle as she scold me like I'm a bad child, fuck it, maybe a day off won't kill me. I hold up my hands in surrender

"gez ok calm down I swear you need to be an alpha you're definitely scary enough"

she laughs at me, handing me the keys to her house. I take them gladly heading upstairs, I immediately plant my booty of the sofa, kicking off my shoes and turning Netflix on.

We had a fun girly night, watching chick flicks and eating pizza, by the time we crawl into bed my eyes close almost immediately. Sleeping in a bed was a rare treat so I take full advantage, stretching out and relaxing, my body moulding into the mattress as my mind shuts off.

---

His beautiful face appears as I open my eyes, my heartrate accelerates at just the sight of him.

"Baby are you ok what did your father do?"

His forehead creasing, with worry on his face. I reach out touching his soft skin, his face relaxing under my touch.

"let's not talk about him! Can we just be with each other?"

He smile, running his hands down my cheeks

"Of Course"

He whispers, laying down beside me, resting his arm over my waist as I take in every detail.

I'm not sure how long we lay there but suddenly I heard a faint noise and everything around me starts to fall away, disappearing.

I reach out to grab hold of him, my fingers falling through his Frame as his body is replaced with darkness.

the sound around me gets louder then it hits me as I recognise the sound. Emma's voice pulling me back to reality.

-----

I snap my eyes open, immediately closing them as my eyes burn, smoke flooding my vision as I try to wipe it from my face, my surroundings coming back to me as Emma screams

"GET UP! GET UP LILLY! WAKE THE FUCK UP! FIRE! WE NEED TO GET OUT NOW LILLLLLLLLLY"

My body springs into action before my head has a second to focus, ignoring the pain as it splits up my side.

"Crap sorry!"

I squeak

"Finally ahh"

She snaps relieved, taking my hand she pulls us towards the door, but as she opens it, a thick cloud of smoke hits us.

I cough and wheeze trying to see through it but I couldn't so I turn and grab a large towel and I throw it in the sink, soaking it Quickly.

"We walk together and you need to try not to breath."

I tell Emma

"if you need to breath do it through the towel"

she nods as I take her hand, leading her down the stairs, my lungs burn as the smoke blinds me, I reach for the towel, taking a breath through it as we run towards the door.

I yank Emma out through the door and I close it behind us. adrenaline pumps through me as I pull her with me, my heart was racing as the heat of the fire came up through the floorboard, my body sweating as I tremble in fear.

We reach the next door so I take another breath, after this door there was another almost immediately after. The flames were creeping up the walls, from the cafe next door, it felt like we were in an oven.

I was so terrified, I could feel the heat behind the door. I could feel the fire burn behind it as I look towards it nervously.

"When I open the door we run ok?"

I ask her through the towel, her hands were sweating in my own as I grasp onto it tighter in fear that I would accidentally drop it.

I reach for the handle, slowly opening the door, the metal burns my hands as I pull it open, I yank her out and into the tiny flaming hallway, I kick the door front door, it was on fire so one strong boot makes it collapse in on itself, as I falls i pull her through landing on the street on our asses.

I scream as my ribs stretch painfully, then I fall forward coughing as my body works desperately trying to clear my lungs of the thick heavy smoke.

People surround us immediately, pulling us away from the cafe, I cry out as my side screams in agony, a thick layer of sweat coats my skin as my body shakes in shock.

A man appears with an oxygen mask, forcing it around my face as I gasp taking in the clean air. He scoops me up, carrying me to the back of the ambulance and setting me on the edge as I breathe in and out slowly, watching as the cafe ignites in flames and the fire brigade works to kill the fire.

I look around finding Emma as they place her beside me, giving her oxygen but her jaw drops, her eyes snapping to the crowd around us.

Her heart rate accelerates as her entire body goes stiff, her eyes desperately search the growing crowd of people.

I follow her line of vision, trying to see what she was seeing, but then it all becomes clear as a man I didn't recognise breaks through the crowd of people, his nose in the air as he desperately looks for someone.

His eyes falling on her, his body going almost limp when he sees she's ok

"Mate"

She whispers, I smile as he runs to her

"Mate"

He snaps back, she gets up just as his body crashes against hers, grabbing hold of her as she sobs into his shoulder.

His eyes close as he sniffs her, his hands wrapping around her protectively as he pulls back, resting his forehead on hers.

"Your ok?"

He asks, she nods her head

"I'm ok"

She answers, he closes his eyes hugging her again, but when they open he looks to me

"You saved her?"

I shake my head

"No I did not"

"Yes you did, there was no way I would have thought of the wet towel. And I didn't have the balls to pull us through all that"

She says looking down at me, I was busy sucking in the clean air shaking my head.

"It doesn't matter, all that matters is we got out"

I tell her spluttering before I slam the mask back towards my face. She rolls her eyes, shaking her head.

She turns back to him, hugging him again as I watch them in silence. As happy as I am for her I was also a little jealous. I can't believe she would be leaving me, she was all I had left in the world.

It takes almost an hour for my lungs to start working properly again, when I could breath without passing out Emma's mate helps us to his car, driving us to Emma's parents house.

As we arrive they were waiting for us on the porch, running straight towards us and yanking us both into a hug.

My heart yearns for them as they lovingly check us over, making sure we were ok. Their kindness amazed me, their livelihood had just burned to the ground yet all they cared about me was me and Emma's safety.

A far cry from the attitude of my father, I remember falling and breaking my leg at the alphas house one time, my father screamed at me because I was so weak, that I embarrassed him and all I was looking for was attention.

I stand back and watch as Emma introduces her parents to Emma's new mate, you would have sworn they won the lottery as they greet him with tears in their eyes. They were the perfect family.

They showed us straight to our rooms, giving me fresh clothes to change into. Everything hurt, from my lungs to my legs. But as I fell into the bed all thoughts of pain disappeared, my body relaxing against the mattress. Exhaustion taking over as my eyes slowly close.

As I wake up it's too Emma's grinning face, as I take a breath smiling at her I smell the difference in her scent immediately. I jump up with a squeak

"omg he marked you already?"

She giggles like a little schoolgirl

"Yes he's so wonderful lilly, he's everything I've ever dreamed of"

but then her face fell, I frown taking her hand

"what is it?"

I ask

"well he's from the blood moon pack so I will be moving there today, he is head trainer so he needs to be back ASAP"

My stomach drops along with my face, my heart shattering as I look to my hands, unsure of what to say. I didn't want to be selfish but I really was going to miss her but I knew this was for the best.

I decide to pull my shit together and be the friend that she deserves to have right now.

"don't be sad babe. Your life is about to start, i'll always be on the other end of the phone, it's going to be ok"

I say pulling on the biggest smile I could muster up, she didn't look convince so I continue

"look i'll be god mom to the amazing pups you're going to have and i'll be maid of honour at your wedding so please don't be sad"

I tell her, a grin slowly spread across her face and she squeals in excitement

"I think we made a pup last nite"

She says giggling, just then the door swung open and he grabs her.

"are you ok?"

He asks alarmed, I couldn't help myself as I laugh in the poor boys confused face.

He looks between us as Emma cracks up

"what's so funny I heard you scream?"

I stretch my face trying to calm myself down

"she's just excited to get married soon and She want me to be maid of honour"

I wink at him, his eyes widened in horror as I stutter and choke cracking up.

the poor boy has no idea what he's got himself into. Emma will spend forever torturing him

"it's ok relax we are just joking"

She says giggling, he blows out a breath looking to me and smiling

"my names Matt, we didn't get to introductions last night I was em busy"

he said winking at emma. I already like him. I take his hand smiling

"I'm lilly, it's nice to meet you, I hear your taking our girl away "

He smiles at me sadly

"Yes, but I promise she's in good hands"

"She better be, or you will have me to answer to"

He nods his head

"I promise, Why don't you ladies go spend a few hours together before we leave? it could be a few weeks before yous get the chance to see each other again, and lilly just so you know your welcome at our home any time you want for a visit"

She squeaks in excitement

"Now that's a good idea"

He grins, as she grabs my arm and yanks me off the bed. As I leave the room the scent of bacon makes my mouth water, I follow it passing emma on the stairs. She chuckles at me.

"mmmm that smells good"

I grin as her mum lays plates of fresh crispy bacon and sausages stacked up high with pancakes on the side around the table.

"are you sure your mates not bacon lilly?"

Helen smirks as I practically skip to the table. I giggled

"wouldn't that be great tho! This looks amazing thank you helen"

"It's no problem lily your skin and bone you need some meat on you"

I couldn't argue with that so I just dug in savouring every bit of it.

When I look up next, it's with a full satisfied belly.

Looking around I watch as they all

Laugh, telling stories and getting to know each other better. Sadness hits me, jealous of their connection, the love they have for one an other.

When I meet my mate I wanted to start a family immediately, I craved the unconditional love that came with one a baby, someone to love you nomatter what, to depend on you for everything. I wanted movie nights, game nights, family outings and sunny holidays at the beach. The thought warmed my heart, excitement build in my belly at the thought of sharing all of that with a mate, becoming a mummy and daddy and living in peaceful family bliss forever.