If She Was Here...

"The Moon Goddess had thought that one werewolf, one protector was enough for the world of Nevrisea, but she was wrong. The world had changed as she slept. People turned on each other, the lands were split into cities, and people were using one another for their selfish gain. When she woke, she made a promise to fix what had been done. Her solution was to have more than one protector of the land. Do you think she would succeed, Sir Rei?"

"Of course," he said without hesitation, "She is smart. She will make us all happy again."

"How are you so sure? Your father would think otherwise if he forbade any mentions or talk of the Moon Goddess."

"Well," Rei looked at the fire for a moment, "I know she is good. Father said she abandoned us, gave up on everyone so we have to fight to take what we can, 'that was the Drangonport way' he would say all the time. I don't think he is right. Sometimes, I would stare at the moon and wonder if she was crying. It must be sad and lonely."

By the time Rei turned to look at her, she was staring so hard, her eyes might end up glued to him. So… innocent and yet, so empathetic. He may not have prayed to her, state his devotion to her, but he cared for her, that much she could tell. Maybe that would be enough…

"If she was here, what would you do?" She whispered watching him closely.

"Hug her?" He smiled a bit nervously, "Although, father said hugging is only for girls, that is why he doesn't hug me. But Moon Goddess is a girl, so I think I would hug her. If I was crying, I know she would hug me too."

She breathed out a smile, feeling incredulous of all Rei's answers, but she couldn't help how warm her heart felt. What a sweet man he was.

"If she chose you, Rei Solis to be her alpha, would you? Would you be able to protect others and love only her?"

He folded his arms and thought about it. Closing his eyes, he tilted his head one way then the other way. If the Moon Goddess blessed him with the gift, he would be strong and handsome. He would protect people and gain their respect! But… that meant he couldn't fall in love or even love his father? He frowned and furrowed his brows.

This was hard because he wanted to do both.

"Mm, I don't know. I want to be the Moon Goddess protector but I also love my father."

"But… he berates you and is mean to you. Why do you still love him?" She frowned and held his hand, "Please, Sir Rei, reconsider the offer."

"My father isn't all bad! He does all that because, because he loves me. He wants me to be strong like him. I don't like that you call him those names. Take it back!"

She felt her ego crumbling. Dammit! Why couldn't one just become her protector! She should have known this boy would not accept her offer. Rei was too innocent to see what his father had done was not kind! Sighing, she nodded and drank from her tea. The flickering of the wood in the fireplace was the only sound in the space.

"I'm going back. Bye."

Rei got up and stared at the female with her eyes closed, and left the cabin. She wasn't right. She was wrong. His father loved him deeply and whatever his father had done was for his own good! When he made it to his city, Rei smiled and bowed to those who nodded to him. He walked through the soldiers and up the steps to his home.

So many steps.

Once he reached the top, he headed toward where his father normally would be, but his father found him first.

"Where were you?" Cold and stern the voice spoke into the space.

"I was playing out in the fields," he turned and smiled, but his father's brown eyes narrowed.

"Were you alone?" The question sounded accusatory, and he frowned.

"Why?"

"Answer me! You know what I had told you! Do not speak with anyone outside of our city. You are still too weak hearted! When will you learn not to be so stupid. What kind of son did I receive. Such a pathetic excuse for a man," his father mumbled stomping toward him, "You will stay in your room for the rest of the night. If you leave, don't bother returning."

"Father!" He shouted as he was dragged to his room. He tried the door, but it was locked and he could hear guards speaking right outside.

How did his father know that he was not alone? Did he send soldiers to follow him again! Rei crossed his arms and paced his floor. His eyes widened as his heart raced with fear. If his father knew then-

'The lady! I have to get her out!'

He went to his door and paused, realizing he couldn't leave. He worried that the soldiers had grabbed the female, maybe bring her to his father! He felt the blood fall from his face as he imagined his father beheading the female.

'No, no, no! That can't happen! I have to find a way out.'

He looked out his window to see the long drop if he were to jump. Okay, he would need to use something to help him down. He had to get to the lady, so Rei grabbed his sheet and tied it to the desk. He climbed down slowly, wondering if this was the right thing to do, then he shook his head.

Of course. this was the right thing to do! She didn't deserve his father's wrath!

At the end of his sheet, he was still a few feet too high.

"Okay, just got to jump," He mumbled and closed his eyes to drop down. Landing on his feet before falling onto his shoulders, he groaned. Pushing himself quickly, he ran toward the cabin. He had to hide from the guards, before running once more. Reaching the outskirts, he hurried down the hill and to the forest. He could see the smoke from the chimney at a distance and he felt his face lit up.

As he neared, he could hear voices, men, not the female's voice.

"Hm, Look how much she likes it," one voice chuckled, "Pretty, isn't she?"

"Mm, why don't we just undress her?" Another spoke up.

"That would ruin the mystery," the first voice grinned.

Rei did not want to hear anymore. He was so angry, he kicked the door down and saw what he feared. The nice lady was on the floor, not moving, and the men were touching… touching…