Page 20 of His Blue Moon Princess (The Silver City #1)

“Hair down,”

I say in unison with Bobo.

Leaving the lady to her work on my impossible curls, I start playing some games on my smartphone while Bobo is reading a magazine. After a few minutes, I hear the entrance bell. Bobo turns his head like a watchdog, and I follow his gaze.

A young woman just entered the room. She walks up to us, confidently, silent as a cat despite her heels. She is wearing a baseball cap, and a men’s large denim jacket, making me think she doesn’t want to be recognized. But despite her disguise, I find her radiant. She is a bit taller than me and has very feminine curves. Once she gets closer, she takes out her cap, showing off long, honey blonde hair. I immediately recognize her amber eyes.

“Hi, Bobo,”

she says with a beautiful voice.

I see my bodyguard frown, a bit annoyed. “...Elena. You’re not supposed to be here.”

“I know. Are you going to stop me?”

She asks with a confident smile. They stare at each other for a while, and I wonder what’s between them. Bobo did imply they knew each other, but now he seems a bit taken aback by her presence. And Tonia just left, too. Her timing is a bit too perfect... However, Bobo doesn’t act defensively at all, making me think he trusts her.

He looks hesitant about what to do now that she’s here. After a long silence, he sighs, “Okay. You’re already here anyway.”

She smiles and takes the seat next to me. How can she act so confidently? She is on another Clan’s territory! Isn’t she worried about being attacked? But she seems totally carefree, openly smiling to me.

“Hi, Nora.”

“Hello...”

What should I say in such a situation? This is too sudden! Elena doesn’t let me think before she starts talking. “So, you recognize me, I guess. Sorry, I had to leave suddenly last time, but I don’t really want Nate to know that you and I are acquainted.”

“Why?”

She shrugs, looking a bit uneasy for the first time. “Personal reasons. Let’s just say it would make things a bit more complicated... It made it hard for me to get to you already. Your security is quite tight! Thankfully your bodyguard is a friend.”

A friend? That’s not really what Bobo said, but judging from his embarrassed expression, I guess Elena isn’t exaggerating. She winks at him, and Bobo blushes a little. How is she actually able to make the aloof Bobo blush?

“You owe me one, Elena,” he says.

“I know, I know, big boy. I’ll talk to him, I promise.”

I wonder what and who they are talking about, but before I can come up with any theory, Elena turns back to me and speaks softly. “Anyway. I really wanted to meet with you, Nora.”

“Me, too. I have so many questions for you! What happened last time? How can we be mind-linked? I never did that with anyone!”

“Easy, girl. I know you have a lot to ask, but I can’t stay long. And I may not have all the answers you are looking for. First, our mind-link suggests we are related somehow, though I’m not sure about the details. When we met on the Jade Moon Clan’s turf, I felt it. My wolf reacted strongly to your presence, so I came to your fight against the Alpha to confirm it. That’s why I tried the mind-link, and it worked!”

“Yes, I heard you during my fight. And after that.”

“Exactly. You did great, by the way!”

I smile back at her, a bit flattered. I love how natural she is while talking. “Thanks. But I still have no other clue about how we are related... I just learned that my father was from the Gold Moon Clan, but I have no clue about my mother. All I know is that I didn’t inherit my father’s last name. When we searched for it, Nathaniel said the name Bluemoon doesn’t appear anywhere.”

“Because that is not a last name, Nora! Didn’t you notice that it sounded a lot like a Clan’s name...?”

Elena looks at me, waiting for my reaction.

“...You mean, like a Blue Moon Clan?”

Elena nods. ...What? But I’ve never heard of a Blue Moon Clan! Of all the Clans of Silver City, I’m pretty sure I’ve never heard of that one... I turn to Bobo to see if he knows something about such a name, but he doesn’t react, looking just as confused as I am.

“There is no Blue Moon Clan in Silver City,” he says.

Elena nods. “To be exact, there is no Blue Moon Clan at all. Not anymore. But from what I’ve discovered, there used to be one, far up in the North. I don’t know why or how, but they were all... killed. The full pack. About eighteen years ago.”

That’s when I was born... What happened then? Who could have decimated a full Clan of werewolves? Usually, it’s settled with a fight between Alphas, or the pack warriors. Still, there are always survivors who would become rogues or submit to join other clans to ensure their survival. For a full pack to be killed... Unless they were attacked by humans or witches? Or vampires?

“Killed? An entire pack? But... how?” I ask.

“I still don’t know yet. But you and I are proof that some people from this Clan survived...”

“Wait, you are... I mean, you think you are from this Blue Moon Clan, too? Did you grow up in this Clan then?”

“No, no. Someone saved me when I was an infant, and brought me to a childless couple of the Opal Clan here, in Silver City.”

Now that I look at her from up close, it does seem like Elena is in her early twenties, maybe younger... But I never imagined she might be an orphan too.

“The woman who saved me told that a Royal’s family had been killed and that she had found me alone in the middle of the... slaughter.”

I gasp, stunned. A Royal Family? I’ve heard of it, but...

Among werewolves, the Royals are the purest! Descendants from the very first werewolves, blessed by Moon Goddess. They have kept their bloodline so pure, staying away from humans and other species, that they are all born Alphas and deeply respected by other werewolves. Some say they have abilities granted by the Moon Goddess herself, but most of those are legends, I didn’t think there were any Royals alive!

“Royals? Are you sure?”

Asks Bobo.

“For now, I am not sure of anything! I have no memories of surviving a massacre either. I just got pieces of information from the woman who saved me... But I’ve seen Nora’s wolf, and you did, too.”

I frown. What does she mean with that? How is my wolf shape related to this Clan...? Both Elena and Bobo stare at me for a while, with complex expressions I can’t decipher. I don’t get it!

“What do you mean?”

I ask Elena.

“You are a pure wolf, Nora. Dark blue eyes and a perfectly white fur. Do you have any idea how rare is that combination among werewolves? It’s almost legendary! And you even have a Clan’s name as your given name!”

“No, no, you said yourself, it is probably only the Clan’s name. Even if I am from this Blue Moon Clan, it could just be...”

“Royal Families do take their Clan’s names as a symbol of power, Nora,”

says Bobo. “They carry it for generations until there is no more descendant, and usually a new Alpha from a dominant but non-Royal family takes over. Any Clan’s name can be really old or newly made up, but only the Royals are entitled to carry it. Your father definitely knew who your mother was. Why would he have told you this was your last name otherwise?”

“One does not give a Clan’s name to their child!”

Adds Elena.

I look at both of them, stunned. No, I can’t be a Royal’s child! That makes no sense...

“Then why wouldn’t that make you a Royal’s child too? Aren’t we related?”

I ask Elena.

She laughs softly and shakes her head.

“We are related indeed, but I don’t believe I am the child of a Royal. Not directly, at least. I have gold eyes, and my fur isn’t completely white like yours. One of my parents probably wasn’t a pure werewolf.”

But she is an Alpha, isn’t she? My wolf can smell that she could be a dangerous opponent. I shake my head, lost by too much information.

“So, you think my birth mother was...?”

“A Royal, yes.”

But my dad was most definitely not... And until now, I thought there weren’t any Royals left! Centuries have passed since the very first werewolves. How could we keep the blood so pure until now? I know that there were still some of them a few generations ago. Among Clans, it is known that Royals were treated like treasures because of their pure blood and abilities, and ruled any Clan they were in. By nature, they had to lead and govern; they cannot be submitted. But for me? How many times did I give up while facing Alec or Vince?

Bobo gently pats my shoulder.

“You’re probably mixed, Nora. He might not have been an Alpha, but your father’s blood was most likely pure enough for you to keep some of the characteristics.”

“Not all of them. I can’t heal properly, and my shape-shifting isn’t ideal either.”

“Wait a minute... You can’t heal fast?”

Asks Elena, surprised.

I shake my head. “No... I still heal faster than a human, but my healing ability is not as good as regular werewolves.”

She looks shocked and points to herself. “Nora, I have the same issue! As far as I recall, I never healed properly!”

“Really?”

“Yes! So far, I thought it was just me being weaker than other werewolves, but now...”

She’s right. If we are right about being related, and both experience the same problem with our healing capacity, that means it must be an issue with our blood. If we are indeed related to the Royals, shouldn’t our abilities actually be more reliable than our peers’? Why are we slow healers? Is it because we are mixed, then?

“Did you experience anything else that’s different?” I ask.

“Mind-linking. I’m much better at that than anyone I know, including my own Alpha. No matter the distance, I have no problem communicating with my pack members. I can even communicate with other packs’ Alphas.”

“Wait, aren’t you an Alpha?”

She frowns. “No, I’m not. And I don’t want to be.”

But she definitely has Alpha potential, like me! I was sure she was her own Pack leader and can’t imagine her in any other position. I want to ask her, but she’s annoyed by the subject, so I give up for now.

“What about you?”

She then asks.

“I can’t, for now. I don’t belong to any Clan at the moment, so...”

You should try it. With your Alpha mate.

I don’t really get how it works yet...

Nora, you’re mind-linking. Like, right now.

I look at her, surprised, and at Bobo. Gosh, she’s right! I did it without realizing it because she started talking to me that way, and her voice sounded so clear in my head that I couldn’t tell the difference. Elena smiles at me, amused by my reaction.

“Don’t use it too much on others, though. If you’re like me, people might... not really like it.”

“Why do you mean?”

I ask, intrigued.

“You’ll see.”

She checks the time from the clock on the wall and frowns. Bobo nods and takes a look at the entrance. “You should go, Elena. Our pack will have noticed your presence by now.”

“What? Wait! We are not done talking!”

I protest.

I still have so many questions, and Elena is the only person who knows anything about my origins! But she shakes her head and puts her cap back on. “Sorry, Nora, Boyan is right. I already stayed longer than I should. Don’t worry, I’ll keep searching about the Blue Moon Clan.”

“When can we meet again?”

She winks at me. “I will find you, don’t worry. For now, don’t tell anyone about what we discussed today, okay? No one but Bobo must know, Nora, it is crucial.”

What about Damian? I don’t want to have to lie to him! Not when we are starting to trust each other! Elena seems to read my thoughts and answers right away.

“Not even your mate, Nora.”

“But...”

“If it makes you feel better, you are not the only one with secrets. I wouldn’t trust Damian Black so easily if I were you.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll see.”

She turns around to head to the exit, ready to leave. But just when she’s about to go out, Nathaniel suddenly appears at the entrance of the salon. When he sees Elena, his face has a stunned expression I’ve never seen him make before. She clearly didn’t expect to run into him either.

They stare at each other for a few seconds, in awkward silence. He seems confused, but she’s very calm while facing Nathaniel.

“Elena... What are you doing here?”

“I came to see Bobo.”

“Bobo?”

He looks in our direction, and Bobo immediately nods. Nathaniel stares at me, too, but I act innocent. I don’t know if he buys it, but his eyes go back to the pretty blonde, with an angry expression this time.

“You’re not supposed to be here.”

“Are you going to kill me then?”

Her straightforward question clearly destabilizes him, and he drops the hostile act. I’m amazed by how composed Elena is, compared to Nathaniel. They stare at each other for a while. Their eyes express so many things, I feel like I’m eavesdropping on a private exchange. They might be mind-linking, but I can’t tell. After a while, Nathaniel silently steps aside, letting her leave without another word. He watches her figure go, and I can’t help but wonder once again what’s between those two...

Once she’s out of sight, Nathaniel turns to us, frowning. This is the first time I’ve seen him looking annoyed.

“Boyan, what was that?”

He asks in a cold tone.

“Just as she said.”

I feel bad for letting Bobo handle Nathaniel alone, but I remember Elena’s words. Nathaniel and Bobo stare at each other for a few seconds, and I wonder if the Alpha will interrogate him again... Against my expectations, he doesn’t ask anything else. Instead, Nathaniel breathes in, regaining his composure, and turns to me.

“Sorry about that, princess. Anyway, you look beautiful, and I hope you have a great date tonight with my brother. Enjoy your birthday.”

His words sound a bit empty, and I can’t help but think that his mind is somewhere else. I had almost forgotten about the salon’s staff around us during my talk with Elena. They quietly and swiftly resume working, and Nathaniel leaves. I wait a bit before turning to Bobo.

“That scared me...”

“Don’t worry. I doubt he would do anything to Elena, but let’s be more careful next time. It might not be Nathaniel that shows up.”

I nod. It usually doesn’t end well for a werewolf trespassing on another Clan’s territory. Elena did seem pretty confident, but I still wouldn’t bet she was totally out of danger by coming here. The lady behind me clicks her tongue when I turn my head to talk to Bobo again, but I ignore her.

“Is the Opal Moon territory far from here?”

Bobo shakes his head and scratches between his dreadlocks while thinking. “Not really... They are mostly located in the Art District and around the University Campus. As I said, they’re part of the White Moon Clan, which is even bigger, so they can walk freely on most of North End. They have good bars with live music. They are tolerated on the Blood Moon turf, though, as long as they don’t push it...”

Of course. If the other packs’ members weren’t tolerated on the Blood Moon Clan’s turf, a third of the inhabitants wouldn’t be able to take a step in the city. Usually, everyone tries to stay on their own land, but we all live in Silver City. There has to be a bit of tolerance between most packs, or it would be impossible for other werewolves to even go downtown. What could raise suspicions is if a strong wolf adventured too far alone and unannounced on another territory like Elena did today. Basically, once on another pack’s turf, any wolf is at the mercy of that pack. They don’t need a reason to attack; they make their own rules on their domain.

This makes me wonder how Elena will be able to meet me again...

I get lost in my thoughts while another lady comes to do my makeup. As my preparation goes on, Bobo asks if I want a cup of tea, but I politely refuse. I know he is just trying to help me ease my mind, but I still have a hard time processing everything I learned just today.

The child of a Royal? How could that be...? I look at my reflection in the large mirror facing me. Is it even possible? Until now, I didn’t even know the Royals still existed in this day and age. Now Elena comes in and states that I am related to such a legend. As a mixed child. Did my father know? If so, why did he take me from my mother? Was she killed along with that family?

Somehow, I feel a hole in my heart whenever I think of my birth mother. Is it because I never really got along with the one who raised me? I wonder if she looked like me. She was probably the one with blue eyes. I want to know more about her, but where to start? And what about Damian? Elena advised to not tell him a thing, but why? If I really am the child of a Royal, I think I should tell him. I want to ask Bobo, but there are too many ears around us for now, so I hold it in. Anyway, this is all too sudden. I need to think about it.

I get lost in my thoughts and forget about the time. When my makeover is finally done, Tonia comes back just in time to witness it. I’m standing in the middle of the salon wearing the beautiful winter dress she gave me as my birthday present this morning, with Nathaniel’s shoes. To be quite honest, I love what I see in the mirror, though I can barely recognize myself. With the heels, I don’t look so petite anymore, and the dress fits me perfectly, making me more feminine than ever. It is sea-blue, with a silver ribbon and beads around the waist, and stops at my knees. My hair was very nicely done as well, giving my dark curls an elegant but natural look. The makeup is light, too, with a bit of blush here and there, a touch of mascara, and camellia-pink lips.

This girl facing me is beautiful, and I feel a bit embarrassed, staring at myself. Behind me, the siblings are both smiling.

“Very pretty.”