AN UNKNOWN ENEMY

Jesus, I hate the mornings after late-night drinking. My head is throbbing and the fucking sunlight screaming from the window is killing me. I let out a low groan covering my eyes with the back of my hand. I feel the bed for Elijah with my other hand growing irritated that he is not lying next to me. What a cunt for leaving me knowing I would full well have a hungover.

"Elijah," I whisper his name.

"Bitch, Elijah is not here, but I am."

I open my eyes instantly at the sound of Daisy's voice, and she is standing right next to the bed with a couple of Tylenol and a glass of water, holding it out for me to grab. I give her a quick smirk before tossing the pills in my mouth, chasing them down with the icy water. My head falls right back on the pillow as I make another groan.

"Hmm, I see we had a few too many last night." She giggles.

"Bite me, wolf girl! You should have joined me so I wouldn't be the only one in such a miserable state. Alcohol doesn't seem to affect Elijah, so he is not a good drinking buddy. Come to think of it; you probably wouldn't be affected at all as well."

"I hate to break it to you, sweet cheeks. I will be the same way as well. Our systems have a higher tolerance for human alcohol. We mix it with a special brand of werewolf liquor to feel the effects more."

Great, they have specific werewolf liquor that only they can drink. I imagine myself drinking it, and I giggle at the thought of being a complete mess after one sip. That reminds me, I have a lot to ask Daisy. I hope she will be honest with me since she concealed the most critical piece of her from me.

"Daisy, why didn't you tell me your a werewolf? Did you think I wouldn't want to be your friend if I knew your true nature?" I asked.

I can see her struggling to form a response, and I wait patiently for her to respond. I understand why she didn't, but I still want to hear her reason.

"It is forbidden to tell humans what we are, much less than the supernatural world exists. You knowing what you know puts you in danger. I wanted to tell you, and I was even willing to break with tradition and expose us, but Elijah forbid me to do so. Your safety will always be his number one concern."

Why would my safety be his concern if we just started seeing each other? Then, I remember his words in the mall. He trusted me since January twelfth. Why didn't he say anything if he saw me the first day I was here?

"Daisy, why would I be in danger of knowing the truth about the supernatural world? Surely, I can't be the only human who has found this information. It's not like I will go on CNN and disclose information." I laugh.

"Sweetie, this is not a joking matter. Your leaders, as well as ours, would prefer that the species do not mix. Some have even gone to great lengths to ensure it doesn't happen. We must be cautious about anyone finding out who you are and what you are to Elijah." Her face has concern written all over it.

"So, no human can be with a supernatural creature?"

"Every species is only allowed to be with their own. It has been that way for centuries, and people that break that rule are punished."

Dammit, why is this shit getting increasingly confusing? The more information I get, the more questions and conflicts arise. Did Elijah know this? Why would he not tell me how dangerous this is for him if he knew? For me?

"How do you feel about me being with Elijah knowing I'm just a human?" I genuinely wanted to know. It seems like she cares for him as a sister would care for a brother. Would she hate me knowing that I am putting him at risk?

She sits on the bed next to me, setting her hand on mine. "Helena, you're my best friend, my Luna, and I would do anything to protect you and him. Everyone here is fully aware of the situation. Trust me; you have nothing to fear from us." She smiles. "How do you feel about us not being human?" Her face suddenly looks wary of my response.

"Honestly, it freaked me out a little bit, and I would be lying to you if I said the thought of you guys hurting me didn't cross my mind, but you have never given me a reason to distrust you. You being a fucking werewolf is awesome, bro. We are going to have so much damn fun on Halloween. Hey, do you think I can see your wolf?" I sit up excited, hoping she agrees.

"Hold up, Elijah would freaking kill me if I showed you my wolf. How about we just leave that to him." She laughs.

I pout, "Whatever, why do you have to do what Elijah says?"

"Well, he is my Alpha. My leader. Suppose he gives me or anyone else in the pact in order we simply can't disobey.

I frown, "So, you have no free will? He can tell you to kill someone, and you must listen. Doesn't sound fair to me." I added.

"I don't serve him because I am forced to, Helena. I serve him because I want to. He would never command me or anyone else to commit something they didn't believe in. Besides, if someone needed to be killed and deserved it, he would just do it himself." She proudly stated.

Has he killed someone before?

"So, an Alpha is the leader? So, this is like some private militarized group."

Her eyebrow arches, "You watch too many fucking television shows, girl. We are a family, a pack. Naturally, there is some degree of hierarchy. For any unit or family to function, it must have order. Luckily for us, our pack is one of the most powerful packs on the East Coast. Your boyfriend is quite the wolf."

Now, I would be lying if I said her statement didn't make my chest swell with pride but who I am kidding.

"My man is a beast, bitch!" I laugh.

She punches me in the arm, "Get a grip whore. You're not the only one with a beast for a man." She laughs, giving me a wink.

"That reminds me of the wolf I saw yesterday. Was it Jax?"

Her smiles brighten, "Yes, that was my hubby. He was huge, wasn't he?" She gives me a smug look.

"Hell, yeah! I would stop at his midsection if we were side by side. I am fairly sure my head could fit in his mouth. Is that the normal size of a werewolf?"

"Nope," she makes the 'p' pop. "Your mate is way bigger than that, but Jax is still pretty big for a wolf with no royal blood. He is also swift. I'm sure he can run about a hundred miles per hour."

"Holy shit, that's fast! Is your wolf that big?"

"I'm not small, but I am not as huge as Jax or any male wolf. Female wolves are smaller than most males, but we would still be huge to you." She giggles.

"This is some crazy shit, boo. Oh, and why do you keep calling me Luna?"

"Luna is just the given title for the mate of the Alpha. You are just as important as Elijah, and your commands must be followed. Look at it like this; you are our queen."

My mouth falls open, and I swear ten flies could fly in my mouth right now, and I wouldn't notice. Queen? No, fucking way. I can barely balance a damn checkbook; hell, I don't even have a checkbook. How could I govern anything? Why would these people even listen to me? I have nothing in common with them. I am smaller, weaker, and less experienced than them. If anything, I am insignificant if you think about it.

"Daisy, I can't be a queen. I don't know the first thing about leading anyone or anything. I have to talk to Elijah about this."

"Relax, Helena. The Moon Goddess does not make any mistakes. She paired you with him for a reason. Trust me, I would know. I have seen how you are when you put your mind to something. Do you think I would be so stupid to follow a Luna that I didn't believe in? You will do fine." She squared her shoulders.

Although, I appreciate the confidence she has in me. I can't help to think that it is misplaced. I just can't wrap my mind around this. I haven't even lived a life long enough to give sound advice. Does Elijah think that I can handle this kind of responsibility?

I move the covers from over my body and stand up. "You know what, I'm going to shower right now. Will you be here when I get back?"

"Yup, I am guarding you today while Elijah handles pack business. What do you want to do today?"

Why in the hell do I need to be guarded?

I make my way to the bathroom. I stretched and walked towards the dresser, grabbing some clothes from the drawer. "Girl, I haven't even thought about it. I am supposed to be in school right now," I shrug my shoulders, "First, I need to find the maids that cleaned the mess Elijah left in that room yesterday and thank them. Maybe, buy them lunch?"

"Yeah, and you don't think you would be a good Luna." I hear her mumble under her breath as I shut the bathroom door. I turn the shower on, constantly dipping my hand in the water, testing the temperature until it is exactly right. Once I am in, I think about this whole Luna thing. That is some tough shit being responsible for multiple people's well-being. Just knowing one decision could make or break something is stressful. Not to mention, Daisy said that me knowing what they were was dangerous, then there is me being an Alpha's human mate, which is prohibited according to her. My attachment to him puts everyone in danger.

Like, I said, why couldn't we be an average couple? I should be worried about meeting his parents, what dress to wear on a date, or on social media stalking him. Instead, I worry about whether our relationship will get someone killed. I don't believe in doing drugs, but would it be so wrong to fire up a joint now? You know, put one in the air and watch the clouds change into funny shapes. Eat a lot of chips and Little Debbie cakes and obsess over the carbs later. Why is my life getting so complicated? Truthfully, I wouldn't change meeting Elijah for the world, though.

I step out of the shower drying off and putting on a black jeans skirt with a crop top and baby blue shirt. I grab my toothbrush, hairbrush, and my hair tie. Once I am done in the bathroom, I go back to the bedroom, and Daisy is stretched across the bed watching Naruto Shippuden. I walk to the closest, grabbing my white, high-top sneakers before sitting on the edge of the bed next to her.

"You should start watching Boruto instead of this old ass shit, bro. You're missing a lot of action, especially with Sasuke. Shit is getting good."

She shrugs her shoulders, "Sue me; I love the classics. Since we're cutting school, have you decided what you want to do today?" She giggles.

"You're still helping me to find the maids that cleaned the room yesterday, right? I don't have any money to go anywhere." My voice sounded sad even to me.

She grabs a black card from her back pocket, handing it to me. "Elijah left you this in case you wanted to go out somewhere. I already know which house cleaners cleaned up that fucking mess your retarded boyfriend left." She huffed.

I take the card glancing at her and the card back and forth. "I'm not sure I should spend Elijah's money without him with me."

"Helena, he wouldn't have left it if he didn't want you to use it. You're his mate, honey. It's like you guys are married. Get used to spending his money, boo." She shrugs her shoulders.

"Well, we aren't married just yet. I don't feel comfortable spending Elijah's money, and I can't even pay him back." I whispered.

"Girl, you're the only one sweating that money shit. It's just money, and it's not like we can spend it when we die, so might as well spend that bitch now." She laughs

I brush my hair into a ponytail with a few strands running wild, and we go downstairs. Daisy makes her way to the kitchen with me trailing behind her. I stop when I notice a full spread breakfast: pancakes, sausage, bacon, country ham, grits, toast, and fruits. Normal-sized eating utensils are on the table, and it makes me smile. Who in the hell is going to eat all this food, though?

"Daisy, why the fuck is there a mini breakfast buffet for me. I don't think I can eat all this food?"

"Girl, Elijah didn't know what you wanted, so he told the chef to fix everything on the breakfast menu."

What a caring, thoughtful jackass.

A plan formulates in my mind. "Hey, can you call the staff and tell them to meet us in the kitchen?" I asked.

Her eyes glazed over likes she was concentrating on something hard. I started to approach her and shake her shoulders to see if she was all right, but before I could reach her, she blinked and told me it had been done. Within seconds about fifteen men and women walk into the kitchen with their heads bowed to me. I guess in respect.

Okay, this is awkward.

I clear my throat, "Can anyone tell me who was responsible for cleaning the upstairs room yesterday that Elijah trashed?"

"Mary, Eliza, and I cleaned the room, Luna." A tall older woman stated, pointing at two other older women.

"What's your name?"

"It's Melody." She stutters

I walk around the counter to where they are standing, giving each one of them a brief but gentle hug.

"Thank you, ladies, for cleaning up our mess. I would like everyone to grab a seat and have some breakfast." I pointed at the spread on the countertop. They all looked startled but willingly pulled up their chairs and grabbed food. When we were all seated, I looked around at their anxious faces.

"Please, everyone, be yourselves around me. I assure you the only difference between you and me is that I'm supposed to be boning your Alpha. " I cracked a smile. The entire table laughed, and everyone began to relax, which made me feel less like an outsider.

"Do you guys have a day off?" I asked

"No, Luna. We work in the Alpha's house every day." Melody replied.

"What? No day off? That will not be happening anymore, ladies and gentlemen. I want you all to take the rest of the day off. Spend some time with your families. Go out and have some fun." They looked at me like I was crazy. I am assuming they were worried about Elijah and how he would feel. "Don't worry, people, it's all right, and I assure you Elijah will not say anything. We appreciate all your arduous work and dedication, but everyone needs a fucking break." I smile.

I can sense Daisy's eyes as I walk around the table, pouring more juice into everyone's glasses. Their answering smiles are enough to make me feel like I made the right choice. When everyone was done, I gathered all the dishes giving them polite goodbyes as they went to the staff quarters to pick up their things.

I turn around, "What, bitch?" I cock my eyebrow.

"Helena, you are going to be a perfect Luna. Do you know that?"

"How is giving them a day off being the perfect Luna."

"It's the thought that counts. It's the fact that you are not acting like some stuck-up ass Luna that wants everything handed and done for her. I have seen Lunas like that. You treated them like people and not servants. Their first impression of you was great. They liked you."

"How would you know? They didn't even speak to you."

"If you're in our pack, we can talk telepathically. It's one of the cool things about being a werewolf." She laughs.

Damn, I wish I could do that shit.

"So, I have already cleaned the kitchen. What would you like to do?" I asked with an annoyed expression.

"Hmm, let's go see a movie."

We made our way to the garage, but I froze when I noticed red writing on the jeep we were taking. My mouth drops open, and I don't know why but a cold shiver runs up my spine at the message. I slowly repeat the words written in my head:

Your human mate will die.