Chapter Eight: Past Ghosts Come Back to Haunt

Genovi:

How could she accept me after my sin? The orange flames devoured our pasts, my mind wondering what was in her leather book. Turning towards me, the energy shield was cracking. Horror widened my eyes as she reached into the fire. Her sexy voice relaxed me, a pair of black stones in her palms.

"Didn't they teach you the legend about the white wolf?" She explained calmly, swirling the stones in her palm. "We are wolves mixed with the Golden Witch's blood. That barrier is about to break, so I am going to perform loads of magic which will make me pass out. Every forest has a guardian tree. They fall asleep every one hundred years, so I need to wake it up." My lips parted in protest, my mate was an actual legend. Pride swelled in my eyes, her tossing the stones up in the air.

"Purify our past sins, remorse deep in our veins." She chanted confidently, a golden glow enveloping the stones. "I vow to remain pure until my wedding if you grant me this one wish. Please give me the tool to wake up the guardian tree." Childlike wonder brightened my eyes, blood dripping from her nose. My eyes falling on the wound on her leg, pus mixed with blood as it dripped down her leg. A golden swirl of energy swirled in her palms, two golden stones forming the arrowhead.

"Your leg?" I protested weakly, her eyes barely glancing over at me. "We should probably do something about that. Doesn't that hurt?" Shaking her head, a bow made of golden flames flickered to life in her palms. Concern flashed in my eyes, blood now pouring from the corner of her lips. Her body trembled as she put the arrow on. Aiming towards the tallest pine tree, a rush of cool air nipped my face as it flew from her bow. Golden flames chased after the arrow, both of us watching.

"Final step!" She wheezed, clutching her stomach. "Repent!" Nothing happened for a minute, the arrow hitting the tree. Collapsing into my arms, a sea of golden flames erupted from the tree. Spreading over the ground, shrill shrieks rang out in the night air as vampires began to decay to black ash. Smiling weakly, the silence was welcome as the animals in the forest came back to life.

"I did it!" She sighed softly, passing out in my arms. Shoving everything in the backpack, my fingers felt the fresh bite mark on my neck. The moment she bit down, my wolf yipped with joy when her fangs sank into the nape of my neck. She was mine, and I was hers. Her words from earlier eased the pain slightly of me killing my first wife. In fact I could sense that this time it was going to be different. She loved me, and I loved her. The whole purity thing sucked, my wolf whining slightly. Tossing her over my shoulder, the golden glowing tree caught my eyes. Looking back one last time to make sure the fire was out, icy night air lashed at my skin as I leapt out of the mouth of the cave. Animals gathered along the pathway, a cloud of dirt blocking my vision as I skidded to a stop. A golden spirit walked out of the cloud, his wrinkled face furrowing with concern. Long golden hair cascaded down his back, his seven foot frame towering over me. A simple loin cloth covered his groin, his muscles glistening away. A feather headdress cascaded down his back, the feathers fluttering in the wind.

"Is this she who has awakened me from my nap?" He asked calmly, his hand wrapping around her leg. "I will heal her, and thank you for repenting for your sin. A sin will eat at you if you keep it buried. You two are welcome back anytime." Golden light bathed her legs, my lips mouthing the words thank you. Nodding, he let go. Sprinting into the woods, the animals scurried away. Dirt crunched underneath my boots as I sprinted back home, only stopping a couple of times to catch my breath. Relief washed over me as I walked into the town, my mother slapping me on the back of my head. Turning to look back at her, daggers shot out of my eyes.

"How dare you scare her like that!" She demanded sternly, giving her punishment look. "She could have been killed. You are lucky that Thomas called me to get a bath al-" A golden flame mark on her ankle stopped her mid rant. Her face softened, the realization of everything that happened smacking her in the face.

"She found out, mom." I explained quietly, the clan gathering around us. "She didn't run, but embraced me instead. I didn't know what to do, so I ran away. I forgot about the rogue vampires in the woods, and she was attacked. Then something magical happened, she woke up our forest guardian. So thanks to her, we can hunt in our woods again." Dark glares burned my back, my head bowing in shame. Surprise widened my eyes as Celly hopped off of my shoulders. Orange morning rays bathed her beauty, scarlet burning my cheeks. An indignant look darkened her face, black bags hollowing out her eyes slightly.

"Don't you think you guys have punished him enough?" She snapped bitterly, rubbing her forehead. "You guys should be ashamed. Cheating with your Alpha's wife is punishable by death. Did you accept her anyways?" Everyone was taken aback by her comment, their eyes falling on the flame mark on her ankle.

"I killed my family members because I had to." She continued furiously, rolling up her sleeves. "Look at these bruises and cuts. They did this to me, and then attacked me later on. The fucking council members already cleared me. Take a look at this." The scar where her mother stabbed her caused sharp whispers to pass among the crowd. My mother cleared her throat, her slender hands dusting off her silk emerald green blouse.

"Take my word for it." She announced proudly, wrapping her arms around her shoulders. "She has defended your Alpha over and over again. Is that not enough alone? She was the force that made your hunting grounds safe again. So accept her as your future Luna, or I will personally rip out all of your throats. Besides, who else can say that your future Luna is one of the rare white wolves. Imagine the respect we would get." Celly swayed slightly, her face scrunching in pain. The fact that my mother could smile while threatening someone frightened me, bad memories of her yelling at me flashing in my mind when I messed up. A single voice froze us all, the crowd parting. My heart stopped at the sight of my best friend sauntering up to me, half of his face was scarred. My dead wife, Tamara Rosita, popped up behind him, her chocolate brown eyes twinkling excitedly. Shoving papers in my face, her pink hair was chopped to her shoulders. The black dress she wore hugged her slender body, his black t-shirt hugging his muscular six foot seven frame. His blonde hair was swept to the side, a black pen shimmering in the light. It took everything in me not to kill them both right there. My mother's touch is telling me to calm down, and not to make that mistake again. This was my get out of jail card, a chance for a better reputation.

"I am sorry." She apologized sincerely, the word divorce flashing up at me. "You almost killed us, but then we heard that you were getting in trouble. So sign this and we will be on our way." A snarl curled on Celly's lips, her bare feet stomping over to them. Signing my name, Tamara laughing to herself. Fear paralyzed my mother and I, her sticking her hand out.

"I am Celeste Luna, and happy to see that you are still alive." She chirped cheerfully, turning towards my former best friend. "And who might you be?" A lump formed in his throat, a staring contest playing out between the two of them. This was getting uncomfortable, his green eyes blinking first.

"I am Jarod Pulonskido, his former best friend." He uttered oddly, taking a step back. "You are creepy." A sly grin danced across her face, everyone watching with bated breath. Stifling a laugh, she stood straight up. Placing her hands in her pockets, the silence was deafening. Shifting uncomfortably next to my mother, this was a turning point for the four of us.

"Good. Remember this smile the next time you decide to torture someone for years." She threatened backhandedly, putting her hands behind her back. "You got your signature so you two can leave." Tamara scoffed, a haughty look poisoned her eyes. Getting close to her face, I attempted to step forward. My mother touched my shoulder, telling me to let them work it out.

"I had him first, you white haired freak." She bragged gleefully, flipping her hair. "You are a monster for killing your family." Cocking her brow, her hands went back into her pocket. Chuckling to herself, a defiant grin danced across her determined face. My wolf swelled with pride, knowing that sarcastic words sat on the tip of her tongue.

"At least I didn't pretend to be dead for years." She retorted sarcastically, pulling me closer to her. "You literally ghosted him. You have to be a special kind of a witch to manage that. So why don't you just go away like the ghost you are." A growl rumbled in both of their throats, the two of them glowering at each other.

"You have a slick tongue." Tamara complimented honestly, her face softening. "You are a perfect fit for him. I meant my apology, and was wondering if you would let us back into the clan." Furrowing her brows, she placed her finger on her lips. Everyone held their breath, her next move would determine everyone's opinion of her.

"Fine." Celly relented in a defeated tone, her fingers playing with the hem of her dress. "Only if you complete eighty hours of kitchen duty, the both of you. So glove up, and get to work." Turning her back, Tamara flipped her off. Sharp gasps passed through the crowd, waiting for one of them to assert their dominance.

"I would quell that little attitude of yours." Celly warned with authority, looking back at her. "You are lucky that I am allowing you back. I am the Luna that gets to stand next to him now, not you." My breath hitched at the sight of taking charge, Tamara would never do that before. Her body trembled in my arms, the confrontation taking a lot out of her. The moment we crossed the threshold of my home, she collapsed into my arms. My mother fussed over her, a sad look flashing in my Celly's eyes. The magic usage was still wearing her down as she let my mother take care of her for a minute.

"Holy shit! Celly, are you sure you are okay with that?" I questioned cautiously, a crooked grin dancing across her face. "You didn't have to accept them back." Shaking her head, her hands cupping my face.

"At least you didn't kill anyone. If they live here, then they have no reason to hate you." She stammered anxiously, fighting back tears. "Everyone deserves a second chance. I know that I do, but your people will never like me. I will always sacrifice my happiness for yours." Struggling to her feet, she sat down at the large kitchen island. Resting her head on her arms, tears streamed down her cheeks. Sitting down next to her, she rested her head on my shoulders. My mom waved goodbye, walking out the front door.

"I want you to be happy too." I comforted her sweetly, a huge weight was lifted off of my chest. "I love you with all of my heart, Celly." Smiling tiredly, she sobbed into my shoulders. Rage seethed in my eyes, the fact that my former best friend, and now ex-wife lived in the same town was torturing me. How could she show up when I just barely moved on? Celly shot me a loving look, the tears dimming it slightly. She had to let them stay to save her reputation, her lips pressing against mine sweetly. She was mine, and only mine.