Page 18 of His Sunshine Baby (The Silver City #2)

“Miss Whitewood? Any thoughts on this?”

I raise my head. Crap, what was he saying? I completely dozed off… I check the screen behind the Economics professor, but I’m clueless.

“Sorry sir, I–”

“You may want to nap outside of my class, Miss Whitewood. Thanks.”

Damn. Everyone is staring at me while I gather my things. In this class of all classes, I had to feel sleepy! My marks are not going to be good for this semester if I can’t stay focused. What’s wrong with me? I can’t sleep at night so I end up dozing in class. Great. I text Danny to let him know I’m going back to our place, but he’s buried in his work this week. I’ll let him have the car, I guess I can walk home.

I take out my earbuds and head back to our territory, a bit unsure. I feel bad about missing my class, but I don’t feel good about anything these days, not since my argument with Nate. Danny did end up blocking him. I still don’t know if I’m thankful or resentful for that, but he’s got at least one thing right: I need a break from all the drama.

Suddenly, a car honks at me. I’m about to give him a finger when I realize it’s my cousin.

“Moon Goddess, Iris, you scared me!”

“Sorry, but you really shouldn’t keep both your earbuds in! Are you going home?”

“Yeah, after getting ejected from my class.”

She frowns, looking sorry.

“Oh, well, get in, I’ll give you a ride, I’m going back too.”

I nod and get into her little car. Unlike Danny’s, hers is brand new, and perfectly clean, even with a white interior. I put my bag down and Iris drives off as soon as my belt is on.

“What about you?” I ask.

“Cancelled, my biology teacher got sick. Not that I’m going to complain though, she’s terrible.”

“If you say she’s terrible, she must be really bad.”

Iris chuckles. My cousin is a straight-A student, the perfect little girl since she was born. Nothing out of place and never took one step out of line. Except…

“Iris?”

“Hm?”

“Why does it smell like Eric in here?”

Iris gasps, totally surprised by my question. She looks away, obviously awkward.

“Well, he… I mean, we sort of…”

“Oh Moon Goddess, you’re going out with Eric? For real?” I ask, completely shocked.

“Elena, hush, please! I mean, my father doesn’t know and it’s not really official either. So… Can you keep it a secret, please?”

“Sure, sure. I can do that.”

I can’t believe it! Iris and Eric! I mean, he spent so much time chasing after me, I wouldn’t have believed he moved on out of the blue! Now that I think about it, he did stop pursuing me these last few weeks. I guess that’s when he and Iris got together. Who knew?

She sighs.

“He’s a great guy,” I say, watching her reaction.

“Oh, I know! He’s a gentleman, though he doesn’t show it in public. We sort of… got together on my birthday. I mean, that’s when it started.”

Iris had such a big party for her birthday, I didn’t exactly keep track of everything that was going on that evening. I was busier trying to avoid my uncle, and I’m pretty sure I left as soon as I could to meet up with Nate. Seems like I missed the juicy part, though!

“Anyway, what about you? Any prospective lovers?”

I appreciate she’s not mentioning that stupid Diego. However, I can’t tell her about Nate. I like my cousin and she’s super sweet, but things are complicated enough and she’s still my uncle’s daughter, with a tendency to let some things slip out.

“No, not really. I’m focused on other things these days.”

“Like what?”

I hesitate a bit. I can’t tell her it’s my studies after getting kicked out of my class, I guess. I decide to tell her the truth, or like, a portion of it.

“You know how I’ve always tried to look for my biological parents? Well, Reagan still won’t talk, but the other day, I got a weird, I don’t know, a weird feeling, about some girl I met.”

“A girl? One of ours?”

“No, not from the White Moon clan, another pack.”

“Moon Goddess, Elena, you know you’re not supposed to–”

“I know, but I really think there’s something about her, and I swear, everything’s fine, Iris. I just need to find out more about her.”

“Okay… Well, do you know her name?”

“Just Nora.”

“Nora? Nora, like the King’s mate? Nora Bluemoon?”

I freeze. Wait, what?

“Yeah! That’s her, but how do you-?”

“Elena, Eric was looking into her! I mean, remember how the King’s brothers came, looking for her and so on? Well, they actually found her the other night, and Eric was working at the police station that night. So, he’s been the one in charge of her case since then. The Blood Moon asked for a full investigation on her! She was attacked when they found her, and they’re looking for who did it. Also, her whole background is a mystery…”

I bet they eventually learned she was from the Jade Moon, that would explain that whole scene the other day. But I didn’t think Iris would know so much! I already got most of that information from Eric, though.

“Wait isn’t it tonight?” suddenly said Iris.

“What?”

“The duel!”

“Oh, yeah, they are challenging the Jade Moon Alpha, but–”

“Elena, that girl is the one fighting. Nora! She’s the one who is supposed to fight her former Alpha.”

Wait, what? I had no idea! I thought Nate or one of his brothers would do it! They are making that girl fight? By herself?

“How do you know?”

“Someone from the Blood Moon pack called the police station so they wouldn’t, you know, get involved and all that. Eric just got a few more details because everyone was talking about it, and Dad asked about it too. I mean, the Blood Moon dueling another pack isn’t something small, you know! But turns out it’s just that girl. I think many people are going to watch, though.”

Oh Moon Goddess! I didn’t think I would get an opportunity so soon! It’s been what, ten days? I can’t believe my luck!

“Elena? You look like a kid on Christmas morning.”

“I have to go!”

“What? Elena, we already caught you twice at the border. My dad and Clark won’t like it.”

“If I’m just going as a White Moon clan representative, Iris, it should be fine, right?”

She hesitates, opening and closing her mouth several times. After a while, she sighs and grabs her phone.

“Hi, Dad. Hey, you remember talking about that duel the Blood Moon is supervising? Yes. I know Uncle Clark is already sending people, but I was wondering if I could go? You know, it would be a good opportunity for… Yes, yes… Elena is coming with me, too, it’s fine, right? No, it’s fine. Mmh, I don’t know… Is it okay if we go then? Okay. Yes, sure. Okay, thanks Dad!”

She hangs up with a big smile. I can’t believe her!

“Really? He said yes?”

“Yup! I told him we were just going to watch for training purposes, and he agreed. All right, I think we should be on time if we go now. Crap, we have to take the long way around, too.”

Iris keeps driving to the highway, heading to East Point Ground. Easy to figure out why they picked that spot. It’s a wide area, not specifically owned by any territory, and a bit outside of the city too.

It takes us a while to get there, but I’m more impatient than ever for some reason. It’s that feeling in my stomach, the expectation makes me hold my breath. I’m going to see that girl again! Whatever it was that I felt when I met her, I need to confirm it. Our bond, what it really is. I still can’t forget that feeling from last time, like an intense déjà vu, and some unexplainable wave of nostalgia.

My cousin finally parks her car in an empty parking lot. Honestly, it’s not the best part of the suburbs. We are close to the slums, and there’s a feeling of danger hanging around, keeping us on our toes. We keep our bags with us just in case and walk the rest of the way. I really hope her car doesn’t get hijacked or something.

When we finally arrive, a lot of people have gathered already. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen people from so many packs. I try to guess who’s from which clan. Some dark-skinned people wearing leather are probably from the Purple Moon clan. A bit farther, I spot a couple of people that look wealthier and more dignified, the Pearl Moon, most likely. There are a few people already in their wolf form, so it’s hard to say. Of course, the Jade Moon clan has to be here too. Even if I hadn’t seen him before, I can tell who their Alpha is: he’s fidgeting and letting his aura out clumsily.

Iris is also looking around.

“At least six different clans,” she whispers to me.

I nod. I wouldn’t even be surprised if there’s a dozen different packs represented here. It’s quite an event, seeing the Blood Moon going all out. I wonder if Nate’s brother will be here. He’s never appeared in public, and I’ve only ever met him once, but for his mate, maybe?

After a while, several black cars arrive. I step back a bit. I was so excited to see Nora again, I almost completely forgot Nathaniel would probably be here as well. Crap. I just hope he doesn’t spot me. It should be fine. There are hundreds of people here; we are not really in the front row, and I’m concealing my aura.

Nora finally appears, and she’s flanked by two wolves. Damn, I forgot how big Boyan is in his wolf form! The guy is so huge, he’s closer to a bear than a wolf! Next to me, I see Iris’ eyes widen in surprise, and she’s not the only one. Yeah, the Black brothers aren’t the only scary individuals around. The other wolf is the younger one, Liam. Mostly black, only a few reddish spots. I wonder if he’s in his wolf form to intimidate the other side or protect Nora?

Nathaniel comes out too. Moon Goddess, I try to stay calm, but my heart’s not ready for this. I’m still so shaken by our fight from last time. We haven’t spoken since, and I’m probably not ready for that.

They start talking, Nathaniel, Nora, and the Alpha. We are too far to hear everything, but it’s not that hard to get what’s going on. People are growling at one another, and I’ll bet they are not exchanging niceties either. I’m surprised how Nora can endure all that, with such a weak Alpha Aura. But once again, it’s not like her aura itself is small, more like it’s concealed. It did grow bigger since last time though, much bigger. The difference is stunning, but she’s still below an average alpha. Moon Goddess, they wouldn’t let her get killed, right?

“I didn’t know she was so pretty,” Iris whispers to me.

That’s right. Nora is a very pretty girl, now that she looks healthier. She has fair white skin, and her luscious black locks float around her face. Aside from the scar on her left eye, her face is quite pretty too, and she has those gorgeous blue eyes.

Those blue eyes that seem so familiar to me. Why is that? I just can’t…

While I’m lost in my thoughts, things suddenly get a lot tenser. Nora and her opponent, the Jade Moon Alpha, start circling each other, in an obvious duel stance. My inner wolf immediately tenses up, as if I was about to fight myself.

The Jade Moon Alpha strikes first. I was worried for a second, but to my surprise, Nora dodges exactly when she has to. Not only does she dodge it, but she even throws a kick back! Iris gasps next to me, admirative too. We both keep watching, but it’s obvious: Nora is doing a good job defending herself. The Jade Moon Alpha is a decent fighter, but the King’s mate is not letting him dominate her. I’m on edge. Every hit she takes, I feel like jumping in to help her. I can’t believe everyone else is remaining calm, I’m boiling inside!

She doesn’t seem to need it, though. Her opponent is showing his weaknesses, and more importantly, his fear of the Black brothers present. It’s obvious. He keeps glancing at them when he should be focusing on Nora, and she makes good use of that. I see them talking again, but the growling of the wolves around makes it impossible for me to hear.

Then, they attack again, until the guy suddenly shape-shifts. He’s about to jump at her when Nora shape-shifts too, and incredibly fast!

“Oh, Moon Goddess!”

But it’s not her speed Iris is shocked about.

Nora’s wolf is white. Completely white, snow-white, with blue eyes. I’ve never heard of a wolf looking even remotely like that before!

We have no time to contemplate though, the fight is still ongoing. But despite their attacks getting more brutal than before, I can tell many around us are still shocked by her appearance.

“I didn’t think they really existed. The white and blue-eyed wolves…” mutters Iris.

I’m just as shocked as she is, but my wolf doesn’t care about Nora’s appearance, she’s too worried about her to focus on such details.

However, the fight is over almost instantly after her shape-shifting. It was a perfect move, and in a split second, Nora is holding her Alpha, her fangs biting tight on his throat. He knows she can kill him any second, the guy has lost, or so it seems.

I just saw his arm rise at the last minute, and Nora backs off all of a sudden. She’s really wounded, her fur is turning red! My wolf is all fidgety, urging me to go help her. I just can’t, I…

“ Stay with your wolf. ”

I don’t know why I’m mind-linking her, but I do, and it’s incredibly easy. I can feel her wolf as if she was standing right in front of me. It’s indescribable, the strongest bond I’ve ever felt before!

“ Don’t let him dominate you! ”

I know she can do it. I feel her wolf sensing mine, she definitely heard me. Get him, girl, I’m right there with you. Her wolf’s mind grows stronger from mine communicating with her, and she’s ready to attack again. I’m with her.

Nora’s doing great despite her fighting. I wait for the perfect opportunity, as if I was seeing through her eyes. My years of experience are all for this moment, to help her out. She sees it too. For a split-second, he makes a mistake, exposing his shoulder; she jumps and bites.

“ Take him down … Go for his neck.”

She’s listening to every each of my word and doing great job executing them. When she attacks again, I know this time’s the right one. Nora bites furiously, and she’s holding on, ready to bite until he submits.

“ You got him. ”

She keeps him down, and people around start cheering. They know it’s over, and they are right. The Jade Moon Alpha gives up eventually. She won! She freaking won!

I’m happy like it was my own victory, it’s unexplainable.

Nora lets go as soon as her Alpha, or former Alpha now I guess, gives up. I’m so happy for her, my heart is about to burst. Even my wolf is excited! Tonia gives her some clothes to put on, and she shifts back quickly.

The other’s demeanors around her are speaking for themselves. Boyan and Tonia are flanking her like bodyguards, and Nate seems protective of her as well. However, Nora doesn’t need anyone to speak for her. We hear the Jade Moon reluctantly concede his defeat once more, but she still acts very politely and reserved. Their whole pack is ready to submit to her, and everyone waits for her words. Actually, a few are ready to leave now that the fight is over. I get a bit closer, trying to hear her decision.

“I don’t want to be your Alpha. That will only be an excuse for you guys to hate me more than you already do, and you will turn against me on the first occasion. I don’t want to have to fight every day until one of you kills me. However, I do have conditions.”

The determination on Nora’s face is sort of impressive. She is standing like a real Alpha, despite her petite stature. The Jade Moon pack may be growling, unhappy, but they are at her mercy.

“The Jade Moon clan will pledge full and complete allegiance to the Blood Moon clan from today on. Your turf will become part of their territory, and your clan members will follow the same rules as theirs.”

Wow, that’s big. A lot of them protest, but Nora ignores them, or makes them shut up with a glare.

“I just dominated your Alpha, I’m free to do whatever I please with this pack. You guys never cared about training properly, so it’s high time for things to change. Your turf is one of the first grounds at the border of Silver City. If anyone launches an attack on the area, you will be the first wall of defense. Do you want to stand on the frontlines being unprepared like you are now?” she says, before turning to her Alpha. “And you, you’ll have to finally act like a real Alpha. You will train the young ones properly, watch the border, and make sure everyone in your clan is treated fairly. Am I clear?”

“Who are you to decide what kind of Alpha I should be? Aren’t you washing your hands of my pack? You are giving us to him, and now you get to decide what we—” protests the defeated guy.

But Nora’s eyes suddenly burst in anger, and I can feel her aura, like a cold flame, burning all the way to us. Many people take a step back, their wolves wary or intimidated by hers.

“Protecting their pack is the duty of any Alpha here!” she starts yelling. “Stop being so lazy and do what you were named Alpha for! You may have their respect, but you are worse than a dog if you think you can sit comfortably and relax just because of that! Any clan could overpower yours, and yet I’m giving you a chance to keep your turf and pack and turn them into a proper one! If you don’t like it, then all of you can leave!”

Holy shit. She’s the real thing. The guy is so speechless, he looks like he got whipped. Damn, Nora’s aura is on a whole other level once she unleashes it! Is this the same weak girl they were talking about? That girl is one hundred percent Alpha material!

“Moon Goddess,” whispers Iris, just as impressed as I am.

“I know.”

“This is for real,” says my cousin. “She’s going to become the Luna someday.”

That, I have absolutely no doubt about. All around us, people are whispering about her already, some still stunned by her incredible inner wolf. That, plus her appearance that is one we’ve only heard about from legends. No doubt, everyone will keep a close eye on her from now on.

“Elena, look!”

Iris gives a little nod in the direction, and I suddenly feel it. Like an icy wind, a cold chill hits me. I recognize that sensation.

The King is here.

That guy is about twice as frightening as Nora. Not only is his aura terrifying, but he’s expanding his aura like some death warning. It’s like being stared at by a cold-blooded killer, except that he doesn’t even have to look our way.

He slowly walks to Nora, but everyone else is so tense they have backed off. I’m pretty sure a few wolves even ran away, too intimidated to stay. Honestly, I can’t blame them. My own wolf is not feeling too good either. It’s werewolf instinct, we just know who the bigger monster is. He whispers something to Nora, and I realize how calm she is. I’m about fifty feet away, my wolf is freaking out and I’m scared, while she’s perfectly fine standing right next to him! Iris is frowning too, and I can tell she’s terrorized by the King’s murderous aura.

As soon as he starts talking, though I can’t hear what he says, more people run away. With all of the Black brothers present, there is no way the Jade Moon has anything to say anymore. Eventually, from their behaviors, I understand the guy submitted to Nora. It’s over.

“Elena, let’s go back. We shouldn’t–”

But I stepped forward, ignoring Iris. I want to talk to Nora and understand why we are able to mind-link. This isn’t my first time connecting with another alpha, but there’s something completely different about our link. Like it’s engraved in us, something that was there and wide open from the start. I can feel her wolf so easily, this can’t be a coincidence!

“Elena!”

Iris insists, but I’m already heading towards the little crowd. Crap, how do I get to her with all those Blood Moon people and wolves surrounding their group? Nora is more heavily guarded than the mayor.

But suddenly, she turns her head to my left and starts running. What the hell? She’s really fast, too!

By reflex, I start running too, trying to follow her from afar. Nora left so fast, only Boyan followed her right away. Everyone departed late, and she’s now way ahead. Her wolf is so fast, too, I didn’t even see the moment she shape-shifted. I keep running, too, but on my human legs.

Damn, that girl is fast. Thank Moon Goddess, I was in the right direction to follow her, even if it’s from afar. Nora’s headed right into the Sea Moon’s territory, too, this can’t be good. Where is she going anyway? She suddenly ran off. I keep tracking her, all the way to the docks. This is no good, none of us should be here.

Bobo and I make eye-contact, though I can’t tell if he had noticed me before. He doesn’t slow down, though, and we keep running. Crap, I need to shape-shift again or I might lose them.

I look for my wolf, but just when I want to shape-shift, she refuses and ignores me. What the hell? Why is she acting stubborn now!

Suddenly, I hear a splash. Something fell into the sea? Bobo runs by me to keep going in that direction, as if he didn’t hear it. I hesitate and go for the seafront. I can feel Nora’s wolf that way! Oh Moon Goddess, don’t tell me she…?

“ Boyan! ”

“ Grab Nora, I need to get him! ”

Get who, exactly? I growl and jump into the water. Fuck, it’s the end of November, that damn water is freezing! I can almost feel my clothes getting iced around me!

“ Hang on! ”

Thank Moon Goddess, she didn’t sink too deep yet. I grab the white wolf by its neck and pull her, swimming to the surface. I’m so freaking cold. I finally get us both out of the water. Damn, that wind makes it way worse.

Nora is coughing, shape-shifting back and trying to catch her breath. She swallowed a lot of water. I pat her back, hoping she’d warm up soon.

“ Are you okay? ” I ask, shivering myself.

She nods weakly, while I try to push her hair out of her face, helping her sit up.

“ It’s okay, breathe. Use the mind-link to talk to me, don’t waste your strength .”

I feel her inner wolf hesitate, and she finally finds our mind-link.

“ Thanks.”

I nod. Damn, she looks exhausted. And I’m strangely happy to be so close to her. I can’t describe that feeling, like… we should be together. What the hell is that? I look for my wolf again. Come one, we have to! This time, she shape-shifts, a bit reluctantly. Nora is finally looking up, looking at me, her eyes a bit red and watery from coughing so much.

“ Elena, you need to get out of here. They’re coming. ”

Bobo’s voice suddenly reminds me I’m totally not supposed to be here. Crap.

“ How far, Bobo? ”

“ You got a minute or two. I got the guy, they’ll catch up to you in no time to check on Nora. Nathaniel and Liam too. Just go, I’ll cover for you.”

I thank him silently and turn to Nora again to address her.

“ Don’t worry, they’ll be here soon. Bobo got him. Just catch your breath, your mate is coming. I got to go. ”

“ Wait! Who are you? ”

Moon Goddess, I wish I could stay and tell her everything I know now. Even discuss with her this bond between us, figure out what it means! I have so many theories, it’s driving me crazy. But I already hear the other wolves coming. Boyan’s right, I have to go.

“ I can’t stay, I am not supposed to be here. Don’t worry, I’ll find you again. Don’t tell anyone about me. Especially not Nate. ”

I run away, after one last look at her. I swear, those eyes. I’ve seen it all before. I run between the docks, trying to evade both the Sea Moon wolves and Nate’s pack. It’s not easy, but I finally manage to find the road Iris took to get here. I’m still in my wolf form, my fur is soaked with ice-cold water and I’m in the middle of nowhere, without any clothes to change into.

“ Iris? Iris, please tell me you’re still around. ”

“ Elena! Moon Goddess I was freaking out! Where are you? ”

She finds me a few minutes later and picks me up in her car. She sighs when I get on the backseat, still in my wolf form. Seeing how I’m soaked and soaking her car too, she puts on the heater full blast.

“Seriously, Elena, you just ran off and I had no idea what to do! Half the Blood Moon started running after you and that girl, I was shocked.”

“ Sorry, sorry. ”

“What’s the deal with that girl? Why are you interested in her?”

“ I’m not sure. I think we’re somewhat… connected. ”

Iris frowns.

“Connected? Elena, you’re always so complicated… Anyway, I’ll take you home, okay? You’ll die if you stay like that. How did you even get drenched?”

After that, we don’t really talk for the rest of the trip. I’m exhausted anyway, and probably in the middle of getting sick too. Iris drives me home, where Danny is waiting for me after I mind-linked him.

Back in my human form, I get into the warm bath he got ready for me first, while he sits down next to the bathtub. Danny poured us some cold beers, and listens while I tell him everything that happened today. When I finally catch up to the present, he is frowning.

“The way I mind-linked with her… Danny, I swear, I think I’m related to her somehow. It felt like… well, like I guess it’d feel to connect with a sibling.”

“Yeah, to be honest, the first time you mentioned it, I thought it might be that, but you really don’t look like each other?”

“Not really. She’s got dark hair, white skin, and sapphire-blue eyes. And she’s rather petite, too, while I’m tall like a giraffe. And to be honest, I didn’t have time to really take a good look at her, there wasn’t much time.”

“Thank Moon Goddess the Blood Moon didn’t see you.”

I nod while drinking a bit more beer. That’s for sure. Danny sighs and puts his chin on the edge of the bathtub, lost in his thoughts again.

“All right, let’s assume you’re from the same family. She might be a distant relative then. But you know, that means we could have another clue about your birth parents, starting from there. Do we know anything about her?”

“Well, that’s another problem. We don’t. According to Iris, the Blood Moon is already trying to find out more about her, but they don’t have much. We know she lived in the Jade Moon pack all this time, but it’s clear she wasn’t born there. Damn, I’ll have to ask Eric if he found anything else, because with just a name we won’t get there.”

“Her name?”

“Nora Bluemoon, I actually found out today, from Iris.”

I wonder if I can ask Eric to call me if he finds anything else again. Maybe he can give me the info without the Blood Moon knowing. It would be a bit risky for sure, but that’s why we have cops among us too.

“Nora Bluemoon?” suddenly repeats Danny.

I’m surprised, since he was silent for a while. I nod.

“Yes, Nora Bluemoon.”

“Bluemoon?”

“Daniel, are you playing deaf or what?”

“Elena, what’s your last name?”

I frown. Where is he going with this?

“Whitewood?”

“Why?”

“Because our clan is named the White Moon, and my dad’s family were the first to be established in this for–”

Oh Moon Goddess. I suddenly understand what he was getting at. I stay speechless for a second, my mind going crazy with ideas and theories. I look at Danny, my heart beating crazy.

“Bluemoon,” I repeat.

“Yup. A Blue Moon,” says Daniel.

“Like a Blue Moon clan! Oh Moon Goddess, Daniel Lewis, you’re a fucking genius!” I yell, running out of the bath.

“Thanks, but I already knew that. And, Elena, you’re naked in the middle of the living room!”

I don’t care. I have to make a call right now!

Daniel brings me a bathrobe while I’m still on the phone, waiting for someone to pick up.

“What are you doing? Who are you calling?” he asks, confused.

“The one person who might know if that Blue Moon clan was a real thing,” I reply.

I can’t calm down, I want to smash that smartphone. Someone please pick up! After a while, he finally picks up.

“Henry! It’s Elena. Is Reagan there?”

“No. She came yesterday. Haven’t seen her since.”

Damn! I thought she might have been at her favorite pub. I thank Henry briefly and hang up. Where might my mentor be right now? It’s almost 8:00 p.m., she’s usually drinking at this time. If not, I don’t know where she could be. Daniel crosses his arms.

“You want to try asking Reagan?”

“If it’s my birth clan, she might know something.”

“Sure.”

“Who should I call? She wasn’t at the bar.”

Daniel sighs, nods, and goes to grab his own phone.

We spend the next hour calling almost everyone we know to try and figure out where Reagan is, but as usual, my mentor is a real mystery. No one knows her whereabouts since she was spotted earlier this morning in the forest by one of Levi’s patrol friends.

I’m exhausted and angry when we finally give up. At least we know they’ll call us back as soon as they see Reagan somewhere again. I growl and sit down on the couch. Daniel tries to soothe me, but I’m stuck in that whirlwind of emotions.

“It’s a nightmare, Danny. Every time I think I’ve found something new, it just turns into a dead end again! And Reagan is just…”

I can’t even express my frustration. If only she would talk! She knows, I know she freaking knows something, but won’t say it. I sit down on the couch, desperate. Daniel heads to the kitchen.

“Don’t worry babe, we’re making progress. I’m telling you, that Blue Moon clan theory might be a real thing!”

“And how would we know? Reagan’s playing dead and I have no one else to ask.”

I pause. Actually, I do. I kind of put this at the back of my mind since it was complicated enough just to see her once, but… Danny spots my expression while bringing two cups of coffee.

“Babe, you got that face you make when you’re about to say something crazy, reckless, dangerous, or all of the above.”

“I have to meet Nora again,” I say.

“I knew it,” he sighs. “Okay, let’s skip the ‘this is a dumb idea’ part and get right to when you explain your idea to me.”

“I don’t have an idea, I just need to meet her again. I’ll ask Boyan to help.”

“Boyan has been unreachable since he’s been guarding her!” says Danny.

“I can mind-link him. It’s hard, but, if I force it a little, I can reach him.”

Daniel looks at me, totally shocked. Yeah. I kind of forgot to tell him about that. He takes a step back, frowning at me with a confused expression.

“Boyan is a beta,” he says.

“I know.”

“You mind-linked a beta. From another clan.”

“Yep.”

“Elena!”

“I know! I know it’s kind of crazy, but it just happened and back then, I didn’t really, you know, realize.”

“Elena, it’s already crazy enough that you can freely mind-link any alpha, but now you can mind-link betas too? Babe, this isn’t a trivial matter!”

I understand Daniel’s concerns, but really, I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. I sigh and grab my cup, trying to act calm.

“Listen, it was already kind of weird that I could mind-link alphas. So honestly, being able to mind-link Bobo is kind of a drop in the ocean… and maybe it’s because we’re close?”

“I am close to Boyan. You’re close to Boyan because he’s my boy– well, soon-to-be-ex-boyfriend, okay?”

“Stop the drama, Danny. Anyway, back to the main topic, Boyan can help me talk to Nora.”

“So your idea is to harass Boyan through mind-link until he calls you back to let you meet with that Nora girl?”

I nod. I gulp down some coffee while Daniel shakes his head, not convinced. Damn, this coffee is disgusting! I put it down with a frown while I still taste the bitterness on my tongue.

“Seriously, Danny, I told you to stop buying that stupid coffee brand, it’s disgusting!”

“Yeah, yeah, next I’ll buy your Cuban coffee. That is so not relevant right now.”

I roll my eyes and get up to make myself some tea, I’m craving something sour. He keeps telling me this isn’t going to work, but I’m now dead set on the idea.

“Listen, Danny, I’ll try to wait, okay? At least until we hear from Reagan or something. Your idea is the best we’ve got so far about my origins! I mean, it is a bit of a jump to assume that last name really is a clan’s name and mine for that matter, but…”

Daniel sighs and drinks my cup of coffee, frowning.

“I get it, babe. You’re desperate for answers anyway. Let’s just ask Eric for help and wait. I mean, I wouldn’t be against Boyan resurfacing from whatever ivory tower the Luna’s locked in… speaking of towers, did you see you-know-who?”

I glare at him.

“Yes. Not gonna talk about it.”

“Got it.”

Damn, I didn’t want to think about that jerk now. I just want to think about Nora, and how to get in touch with her. Damn, if only Boyan would answer. Daniel sighs.

“How about we do this; I can ask if anyone’s heard anything about a Blue Moon clan, while you try to reach Boyan or Reagan, okay?”

I watch him grab his jacket, confused. Can’t he just phone them?

“Where are you going?”

Daniel hesitates for a second, then grabs his phone and keys, a bit distracted.

“I’m gonna ask a friend. Someone who might know.”

“Your friend doesn’t have a phone?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.