The Favor

EVA

The nightmares have finally stopped.

It’s been a few months since the night before Max brought Estella back. It feels like a long time ago, but I’m relieved that the ominous dreams have ceased.

Everything is settled now, except for one thing: my daughter.

She’s struggling to accept Estella’s physical transformation. For the rest of us, her white hair isn’t a big deal.

We see the bigger picture: she’s alive, she’s well, and she’s with Max, just as she should be.

But for Luz, it’s hard to understand. The fact that her visions came true, even though Estella escaped death, has shaken her.

The child in her can’t bear the burden of her gift when it involves someone she loves. I can relate to that. It nearly made me sick.

I can see that she’s uncomfortable around Estella now. I can see her avoiding looking at her white hair. I can see her deep in thought when no one’s watching.

I can see, and I curse my aunt every time I do, that my daughter is too young for this.

She’s too young to be isolated from other kids. She’s too young for nightmares that can become reality.

To hell with preparing her for her destiny! I just want her to enjoy her childhood. That’s not too much to ask, is it?

PATRICK

“You seem lost in thought,” I said to Eva, wrapping my arm around her waist. “Are you thinking about Lucia again?”

“Yes.” She sighed.

“She’ll get through it, Eva. The more time she spends with Estella, the easier it will be for her.”

“But it’s been months.”

“Time is different for kids, and it was a big shock for Luz, and for all of us.”

“I know, but I’m still worried.”

I was worried too, almost as much as she was. But showing it wouldn’t help. And honestly, I couldn’t help either.

The gift that my mate and my daughter have is beyond my understanding.

Even after all these years, I’m not sure how it works for them, and maybe I don’t want to know.

But I’m certain there’s something Eva isn’t telling me about Lucia.

Even I can tell there’s something different about her. Something more than Eva has. Another talent.

All she’s told me is that she begged her aunt to stop Luz’s nightmares about Estella.

She refused, but I think she must have done something because our little girl started sleeping better, even before Max brought Estella back.

After that, things started to fall into place.

First, I had my pack doctor back, and Uncle Howie could finally retire for good.

Second, Max was back to his old self. A better version, to be honest. So, I had my best warrior back too.

But most importantly, I had my cousin and best friend back.

I missed him terribly, and I felt guilty for being happy with my family when he had lost the woman he loved.

I know I shouldn’t feel that way because it wasn’t my fault, but I did.

I think any decent person would feel the same if someone they loved was hurting, even if they brought it on themselves somehow.

And we were all scared for Estella while she was missing.

But everything’s settled now.

Not only do I have my whole family with me, without any dramas or rogue attacks to tear us apart, but I also helped another family reunite.

Their situation wasn’t ideal, but at least they’d be together, even if it was for the last time.

Plus, I gained new allies for my pack. What more could an alpha ask for?

ESTELLA

~“What are you going to do?”~

That’s the question everyone seems to love asking lately.

~“What are you going to do?”~

In other words, will you stay human or become a werewolf?

The questions started when people found out that Max and I were back together for real. More specifically, they started the first day we stepped outside.

Everyone asked in one way or another.

Some of our family and friends were more subtle, and some weren’t. None of them were really helpful, except for Bonnie.

As always, she stayed neutral and didn’t interfere. She was more interested in the reunion I was planning for the Greek family, as she called them.

It was a nice change, really, to have something else to focus on. The only person who hasn’t asked me what I’m going to do is the one person who’s directly involved.

Yes, I’m talking about Max.

He’s leaving the decision entirely up to me. He’s always done that, even when he was hiding the truth from me.

I don’t agree with his approach any more than I did when I was eighteen, but I’ve become more understanding.

I’ve also fallen in love with him all over again.

I didn’t think it was possible to love him more than I already did, but it happened.

I watch him with his patients and with the pack’s pups, and then I watch him fight, and I love every part of him, even the parts that have nothing to do with me.

I love how he pretends not to go easy on me during training. I used to get mad at him for it, but not anymore.

After all, he doesn’t let me win, and to be honest, I’m still a bit weak physically, which my wolf never fails to remind me of.

But I’m not too weak to pursue my career. It’s been on hold long enough. Remember when I said my first attempts at sketching again were pathetic?

Well, not anymore.

Practice makes perfect, and I’ve quickly gotten back to my previous skill level. So much so that I’ve started working on the project I was doing with Gabrielle.

When I shared the news with her, she was overjoyed. She said she’d never stopped working on her art. She sent me some of her recent pieces, and we picked up right where we left off.

We’re making good progress, which is a relief because I’m job hunting right now. I know my free time will be limited soon.

But Gaby went above and beyond to help me out.

She stayed at the company where we were supposed to intern together and put in a good word for me.

She told them about my kidnapping and how I’d only recently been found. She asked if they’d consider hiring me again.

Unfortunately, they didn’t have any openings, but they suggested a few other local companies where I wouldn’t have to work remotely.

I appreciated their kindness, especially considering how I’d left them in the lurch without any notice.

Being kidnapped was a good excuse, and they could verify it with my uncle, but I knew the real story.

I wasted no time applying to all the companies they suggested. With my new sketches, I was able to beef up my portfolio. Now, all I can do is wait.

MAX

People who’ve been through a lot are often scared to admit when they’re happy. They worry that something will come along and ruin it.

I’m scared too, but I’m going to express my happiness in my own way.

Quietly.

Because she hasn’t made up her mind yet, and if she decides to be marked, there’s always the risk that she won’t survive the shift.

Not that I’m not working on a solution behind the scenes. My work on antidotes gave me the idea to create a potion to help her shift more easily.

I haven’t been happy with the results so far, but I’m not giving up. Even if Estella doesn’t end up needing it, I can use it on the pups for their first shift, which I plan to do anyway.

I often stand at the door of her studio, watching her sketch. She always has her hair pulled up when she’s working, but she doesn’t wear her glasses.

She looks so beautiful when she’s creating, and I usually don’t disturb her.

One morning, though, when I woke up and found her side of the bed empty, I went to see what she was working on.

She was drawing…

“Wolves?” I asked, surprised.

“Yes,” she answered without looking up. “I’m pretty good at capturing their likeness, don’t you think?”

“You are, sweetheart, but I didn’t think you’d include this in your portfolio.”

“I’m not. It’s just a project I’m working on with Gaby. An illustrated werewolf story. It could be used to educate the pups in our packs, and with a few tweaks, it could be a great children’s book for humans.”

I didn’t comment on her slip of the tongue. Partly because I thought her idea was brilliant and her thoughtfulness touched me. I wanted to hear more, so I pulled up a chair and sat next to her.

“You’re distracting me. You know that, right?” she teased.

“I know, but I want to hear more about your wolf story.”

“Hits close to home, doesn’t it?”

“It does, and I think kids of all kinds will love it.”

“You’re too supportive.”

I laughed.

“Would you rather I wasn’t?”

“I don’t know. We don’t even fight anymore.” She sighed.

“We’ve done plenty of fighting, sweetheart, both verbally and physically. Enough to last a lifetime.”

“True, but that doesn’t mean things have to get boring now, does it?” She winked.

“Are you saying I’m boring?”

“I didn’t exactly say that,” she said coyly as she stood up. “I’m going to make some tea.”

Boring, huh?

Two can play at that game, sweetheart.

I waited until she was out of the room before I called after her.

“We’re out of your favorite tea. And honey too.”

She rushed back in.

“That can’t be. You went to the store yesterday.”

“Well, I must have forgotten a few things.”

“But I specifically told you to get tea and honey!”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, I forgot. If you had written down what you needed like I suggested…”

“You could have written it down when I told you!” she yelled, clearly frustrated.

“I wrote down what I needed.”

“How convenient!” she scoffed.

“It is for me. Maybe you should try going to the store sometime.”

“Fine, I’ll go right now.”

She stormed out again, and I heard her stomping down the stairs. I estimated how long it would take her to get to the front door, then I dashed out of the studio to catch up with her.

I grabbed her around the waist just as she was about to open the door.

“Where do you think you’re going?” I asked her, smirking.

“To the store,” she said through gritted teeth.

“In your cute pajamas?”

“I’ll wear whatever I want!”

“What if I told you I was lying?”

“What if I told you I knew?” She winked and pulled me down for a kiss.

Like I said, two can play at this game.

ESTELLA

A dream.

It took me to a place I’d never seen before. Bathed in moonlight was an ancient temple, its pillars softly glowing.

I walked barefoot on the marble, expecting it to be cold, but it was surprisingly warm.

In the center of the main area was something like a large pool, but it didn’t seem very deep.

“Welcome to the moon temple,” a melodious voice said.

A woman appeared out of nowhere, the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. I knew instantly who she was. I couldn’t help but gasp.

“Are you really…?” I started to ask, but then I stopped.

“In your dream?” She chuckled softly. “Yeah. I’ve been wanting to chat with you for a while, but I couldn’t step in until everything was settled.”

Her words sparked a flurry of questions in my mind, but the first one that slipped out was, “Why did you want to talk to me?”

“I owe you an apology. To you and Max.”

“Have you talked to Max too?”

“No. I’m scared of how he might react if I tell him what I’ve done.”

“What did you do?”

“I wiped out his first memory of you.”

“I don’t get it…”

The Goddess let out a sigh and motioned for me to come closer. Her eyes drifted to my hair, and a look of sadness washed over her.

“I’m really sorry for everything you’ve had to go through,” she said, her voice filled with sincerity. “The only silver lining is that you’ve come out stronger than before.”

“I have, but what’s this memory you’re talking about? I met Max when I was six. I’m pretty sure he remembers that.”

“No, sweetheart. You met him much earlier. Here, look at the water.”

An image began to form in the water.

I saw a young Howie, stepping into a maternity room with a kid named Max. Max started wandering around before he stopped in front of a newborn baby… me.

Holy…

I whipped my head towards the woman, and she gave me a small smile.

“Do you understand now?”

“No, I don’t.”

“That was the day Max chose you.”

“Chose me?” I echoed.

“Yes, he chose you.”

“How?”

“I won’t bore you with the details.”

“No, bore me with them. I need to know.”

“Sweetie, even with my powers, we don’t have all night. You’re going to have to wake up eventually. So, I’ll tell you what you need to know.”

She paused for a brief moment before continuing.

“Max’s first mate died very young, before they even met. I didn’t plan on giving him another until the day he met you for the first time. He and his wolf chose you.”

“Isn’t that your job?” I asked, my tone a bit sharper than I intended.

“Yes, but something extraordinary happened because I gave Max a special wolf.”

“What do you mean?”

“Before I tell you, I need to ask, have you decided if you want to be marked or not?”

“Not really,” I mumbled, looking away.

“I know I’ll be stronger, and my aging process will slow down, but I’m not sure I’m ready to be something different.

“I mean, I love werewolves, I grew up with them, but the idea of having to become like them to be considered equal bothers me. I want to be respected for who I am.”

“The people who love you already see you as their equal, Estella. Plus, you’ve proven your worth over the years.”

“So, what do you think I should do?”

“I can’t make that decision for you, as ironic as that sounds. But I can tell you something no one else knows.”

“What?”

“Wolves can be reincarnated many times and be connected with different humans.”

“Are you saying that if I decide to stay human, my wolf will be given to someone else?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “So, it’s not like you’re killing her. Similarly, your wolf and Max’s used to belong to other people.

“People that, by chance, you’ve met, befriended, and care for so much that you’re preparing the greatest gift for them; you’re bringing back their children.”

“Stelios and Elli? We have their wolves?” I asked, amazed.

“Bravo!” the Goddess praised. “I thought it would take you a minute or two to process, but you’re such a smart girl.”

“Thank you. But Stelios was an alpha, and Max isn’t.”

“That’s correct. I thought of relieving the next person of this kind of burden by not giving him a leadership position and placing him in a strong pack that wasn’t at immediate risk of being destroyed.

“Not that there’s a guarantee of such a thing… anyway, I thought my plan was going well until Elli’s wolf proved too strong for the pup that carried her.

“I had lost hope that I could correct my mistake…”

“Mistake?”

“All wolves are my children. Every pack that perishes burdens me. I should have helped Stelios more actively to keep his pack.

“So, yes, I made a mistake in that, and after it, quite a few followed, which I hope I will be able to correct before I pass my full powers to my successor.

“As I was saying, I had accepted I would have to try again at another rebirth until Max found you.

“For a werewolf to practically choose his destined mate unknowingly is something that doesn’t happen. Although, to be honest, after some thought, it doesn’t surprise me.”

“Why?”

“Oh, let me keep that for the time being.”

I nodded.

“Why did you erase Max’s memory, though?”

“Stupidity,” she muttered. “I’m afraid I have no better excuse. I was scared I would lose my integrity. You see, I’m the destiny maker for my children.”

“Destiny maker?” I laughed. “Come on. People should be allowed to make their own choices in some matters.”

“That’s not quite how things work in my world.” She smiled.

“Give it back to him,” I said, flatly. “The memory. Give it back to Max. It’s his.”

“If that’s what you want.”

I nodded. She had no right to steal his first memory of me or any of his memories, for that matter.

I watched as she closed her eyes and opened them a moment later.

“Done,” she said softly. “Anything else you want to ask?”

I looked around, thinking, and then my eyes landed on the water she had used to show me Max’s memory.

“I want to see my family again. My parents, my brother, and my sister…” My voice trailed off.

“I can’t get to the human world, sadly. I can’t reach where they’ve moved on to.”

Her voice was soft, filled with regret.

“You can reach my mind. I… I want to remember them… I want to see their faces again… I… miss them.”

She took my hands in hers.

“I can do that,” she whispered.

She turned me to face the water again, standing right behind me.

“Let’s sit,” she suggested, and I settled onto a small bench with the Moon Goddess still behind me.

Her hand moved to my head, and I felt a comb glide through my hair.

“Look at the water,” she instructed.

I did.

Memories of my childhood began to play out on the water’s surface. Things that had been hazy and nearly forgotten until now.

My sister, doing my hair just like the Goddess was now, my brother hiding my toys… my parents smiling at us when they weren’t teasing each other…

It was all there, and I don’t know when I started crying, truly mourning after so many years since their deaths, but I did, and the Moon Goddess held me in her arms, whispering comforting words.

When I had calmed down enough to look up at her, I recoiled in surprise. Her hair had turned white. Her face was still as youthful as before, but her hair was a glowing, snowy color.

“What…?” I stammered, and she laughed.

“Look at the water again,” she told me.

I did. Again.

I covered my mouth with my hand, shocked, then ran my fingers through my hair. It was brown again, but this time, there were no white strands. It was just brown and glossy like it used to be.

“How?” I asked, bewildered.

“Does it really matter?”

“Yes.”

“Call it magic, child.”

“But your hair…”

“Everything has a price, my dear. The question is whether one is willing to pay it, and I am. I’m willing to pay any price to correct my mistakes.”

“How many mistakes?”

“Two more, I believe.”

“And then?”

“I’ll be free of everything,” she said with a mysterious smile.

A thought struck me as I continued to stare at my reflection.

“You did it for Max, didn’t you?” I asked with a bitter smile. “To earn his forgiveness.”

“You should know him better by now, child,” she chided.

She was right. I should. I did. It was just my old insecurities talking. I didn’t mind my white hair anymore, and I knew Max didn’t either.

I think he even started to like it recently. He said it made me look younger in a way.

“So why then? Because you feel guilty for letting us suffer longer than we should have?”

“It could be that, but no.” She shook her head. “Someone asked me to do this as a favor.”

“Who?”

“Me,” a female voice said, and I whipped my head around to see where it came from.

A young woman stood there. About my age, with jet-black hair, bright blue eyes, and a lean but slightly curvy figure.

She had inherited the best of her parents, just like her siblings.

“Luz?” I whispered in disbelief.

She smiled at me, moving closer.

“How is this possible?” I asked.

“I’m always my adult self in this realm,” she explained, taking my hand in hers. “Do I look pretty?”

“You look stunning,” I complimented sincerely.

“So do you.” She winked.

“I wasn’t bothered by my white hair, you know,” I said softly.

“I was.”

“Luz—”

“No,” she interrupted.

“You don’t know what it was like for me to have these dreams, to see you so tormented and not be able to reach you, and then when you came home like… I couldn’t handle it.”

“It wasn’t your fault, sweetheart!” I squeezed her hands. “Of all people, you’re the least to blame, if at all.

“You tried to warn me not to leave, and I didn’t listen. You have nothing to feel bad about.”

“It’s the image,” she whispered. “I never want to see it again. I know you’ve accepted that change and disconnected it from everything that happened to you, but I can’t.

“After all, outside of this realm, I’m still a child.”