“Thanks. I’m sorry I’m going to miss your mating ceremony. I’m happy for you and Sydney.” I lied. This wasn’t fair, the Moon Goddess had clearly made a mistake. Zach was perfect for me and had been my best friend since we were pups. I felt a lump in my throat as he pulled me into a hug.
“Take care.” He whispered and then walked back to his mate.
I made my way to my bedroom. This was the last night I would spend in the castle for a while. Tomorrow night I would be sleeping in my new dorm. My bags were packed and sitting by the door ready for the morning. I took a shower, put on my pajamas and brushed my teeth and hair.
I was ready for bed when I decided to go up to the astronomy observatory one last time. This was my father’s favorite part of the castle and I knew he would be there sulking about my leaving.
I opened the door and saw the back of his large frame. He sensed me entering and took a deep breath before he turned to me. His blue eyes looked like they glistened for a moment and he pulled me into a long hug before he finally let me go. I knew this was very hard on him, but I was of age already and could have easily found my mate and left the pack. He had been hoping that my mate would have been someone in our pack, and I was hoping it would have been Zach. After two months, I still had not sensed my mate at Crescent Moon.
“I can’t believe my baby girl is leaving me.” He said.
“Dad, I’ll call every week, visit during the holidays and I’m sure business will bring you to Europe a few times a year. It won’t be that bad and it won’t be forever.” I assured him.
“Raven, promise you’ll call me if you need anything.”
“I will dad. Don’t worry.”
“And be very careful with your gifts, you’re going to be in the human world.” He warned.
“I know dad.”
We stood for a while looking out at the view when my mother came in.
“There you are!” She said and walked over to hug my dad who pulled her in a kiss.
“Eww, child present.” I said and covered my hand over my eyes. Twenty years later and my parents still acted like lovesick new mates.
They both burst out laughing. “You know, your father and I had one of our first dinner dates right here in this room and we spent the night watching the Northern lights.” My mother beamed.
“Someday I hope to be as lucky as both of you.” I said.
“Not too soon.” My dad said and my mother laughed.
“Come on, you have an early morning flight and should get some sleep.” My mother said and wrapped her arm around me.
I made my way to my room and plopped down face first on my pillow. I tried not to think about Zach and focused on the adventure ahead. My eyes were heavy, and I drifted off to sleep, next stop, Greece!
Chapter 2 – Dorm
After a twelve hour flight, I finally set foot in Athens. My father had hired a private escort to take all my luggage and I to the university dorm. I exited the terminal and was greeted by a smiling man who instantly recognized me. I assume my father had sent a photo.
“Ms. LaRue, how nice it is to see you again.” He said.
“I’m sorry, do I know you?” I asked.
“I’m Kosta, I was your families escort when you vacationed here two years ago and took you to Santorini.” He told me.
“Of course, now I remember. You stopped to get us the Souvlakia when I was hungry.” I remembered him. He was more than an escort; he was a wolf and built like a house.
“I have all your luggage on the cart, shall we?” He led the way.
“Thank you.”
“Are you hungry, we can stop and get you some Souvlakia?” He asked. I was starving and grilled meat is exactly what any werewolf would like.
“That would be wonderful, thank you.” I smiled.
A short while later, we pulled over and Kosta got out to get the food. I sat in the car people watching and he returned. He handed me a bottle of water and a food bag. I pulled out the pita sandwich stuffed with Souvlaki, potato and veggies; it was delicious.
“Mmmmm,” my wolf Rae purred inside of me happy with the meaty sandwich.
Kosta continued to drive and pointed out the sights. I was excited to venture through the Plaka district and other points of interest. I could also see the ancient Acropolis in the distance. There was so much history here and so many places to explore.
“Take my business card and put my number in your phone. If there’s anything you need or places you want to go, you call me. Athens is neutral territory for the five main packs in Greece, but you are no ordinary wolf.” He said.
“What do you mean?” I asked, did he know about my gifts I wondered.
“Raven you are a LaRue, largest pack in the world and powerful family. You are practically royalty in the shifter world. You need to be careful.” He said.
“And our mother is the golden wolf of the century.” Rae snickered in my head.
“Did you know that Greece is the birthplace of werewolves, legends and the home of Gods? Maybe we’ll learn something new.” I
