MOON STONE

Julie’s POV

I rolled over and hit the button on the alarm. Squinting, I barely missed it. The sun was shining bright through my curtains and right across my face. I sat up and pushed my hair out of my face. “Damn.” I whispered.

Today was Friday, the last day of my senior year. I got up and stretched, yawning in the process. I could hear commotion downstairs as I walked into my bathroom and turned on the shower. I turned it on the hottest setting I could stand before climbing into the water and leaned against the wall. I grabbed the soft pink sponge I had sitting on the shelving and squirt my favorite body scrub in it before washing my body.

The hot water made me feel like I could breathe easier. I loved the way it hit my face. Steam rolled all around me and my mind disappeared into my thoughts. My birthday’s tomorrow and it’s all I can think about. Except, I am both excited and terrified for my 18th Birthday.

My twin brother Jack was more than ecstatic to turn 18. It was our year to finally become adults. But that was not the only reason he was so happy. We were more than the average human. We went to a human school, and we attended human activities outside of the pack, but we were also wolves.

I turned the knob to the shower off, rung out my hair, and grabbed the towel closest to me hanging on the rack. My mom would be up here any minute now and I sure did not want to hear her mouthing me for being late.

I walked over to my closet and picked out dark blue jeans, a white tank top, a light pink long-sleeved shirt, and my favorite black laced up boots. The shirt showcased my boobs perfectly. It was a V-neck with just enough tightness that showed my curves.

After I got dressed, I headed back into the bathroom to blow dry my hair. The mirror had cleared up and I could finally see my face staring back at me. “Last day, Julie. Get your shit together.” I said aloud.

My phone started buzzing violently on my dresser just as I finished straightening my long blonde hair. I grabbed it to see who was texting me this early. Maisy.

“Hurry up, the whole house is waiting on you to start breakfast! We can’t be late for our last day Jules!” the text read. I grabbed my keys and headed downstairs.

“Finally!” my mom exclaimed. “Have a seat. You need to eat something before rushing off.” The whole house smelled like Maple syrup. There were stacks of pancakes all down the dining table. Bacon, Sausages, toast, apples and oranges, and my favorite- scrambled eggs. The Subordinates had breakfast served nice and hot for us. I grabbed a chair and plopped down next to my brother, grabbing a plate as he filled his. “Sup lil sis, ready to get this day started?” asked Jack. I just rolled my eyes at him. “Give me that bowl of eggs, please.” I just wanted to get today over with.

Jack had perfect caramelized brown hair, with ice blue eyes. He stands at 6′2 with a huge body build. He is next in line to be Alpha of our pack. One of the strongest men in this pack at just seventeen. His personality matched his body. Kind, generous and extremely protective of me. Born 3 minutes before me and he thought I was his responsibility.

“Good morning, Moon Stone pack.” My mother announced. “Good morning, Luna.” We responded in unison. She had our full attention. “Today is a special day. The twins’ last day of Senior high is today. Tomorrow, we celebrate. I have invited members of our neighboring packs and their guests to accompany us for their birthday. Please be on your best behavior.” She smiled. My brother and the others erupted in applause and happiness.

My mom looked beautiful up there. Fair skin, dark curly auburn hair, and emerald green eyes. Her body was perfectly made, proportionate in all the right places. It was clear where I got my looks from. My dad was one lucky man, and she made sure he knew it.

I finished my eggs and chugged down the cold glass of orange juice one of the subordinates had ready for me. It was time to head out. Jack followed me out of the house and into our shared Grey 2017 Charger R/T. He got into the driver’s seat and reached for the keys in my left hand. “You should be the one driving, Jules.” He smirked at me. “Yeah, but I don’t want to!” I said. If only he knew how many internal eyeroll’s he had just earned from me on that comment.

When we arrived at school, I saw Maisy waiting for me while texting on her phone. “She must have ridden with the Subordinates today.” I thought to myself. Jack hopped out of the car and opened my door for me. He was beaming. His eyes shined bright in the sun. “I wonder what my wolf will be like!” I smiled a small nod at him and said thank you for opening the door for me.

I was most excited for my wolf to wake. I wanted to know what she sounded like, and who she was. I wanted to know her personality, her strengths, and most of all- her weaknesses. Would she mirror mine? I just didn’t want anyone to know just how excited I was because my mother would definitely push harder for me to find a mate the minute I turned 18 if she had her way.

Jack and I were the only set of twins for the last 30 years, so the Elders assumed we would have special powers. We could already mind-link between ourselves privately, but the others were only able to link between the members of the pack openly. The Elders assumed it was because we were twins and twin wolves had special abilities that other wolves did not.

I leaned up and kissed my brother on his cheek. “Catch you later, bro. Maisy’s waiting for me.” I smiled and walked through the parking lot to find her. She had disappeared from the front side of the building.

Maisy was my best friend. One of the most comical, intelligent, kind girls I know. We have been friends since we were born. When her parents passed away, she moved into our home. Her beautiful long, brown hair hung down to her waist when she wore it down. Her eyes were a deep golden color, so when she was in sunlight it looked like little pockets of honey. Her personality matched her looks. Whomever would become her mate, would be just as lucky as my parents.

Jack’s POV

I opened the door to let my sister out of the car. It was finally our last day of Senior High. My emotions seemed to be all over the place, and I couldn’t tell if it was because it was our last day, or if it was pre-birthday jitters.

“I wonder what my wolf will sound like!” I said to my sister. She smiled and nodded a thank you as she got out of the car. She stood on her tip toes as she kissed my cheek goodbye. She smiled and left me standing there as she made her way through the parking lot to find her best friend.

Julie was ridiculously small, only standing at a mere height of 5′4. Her long blonde hair and beautiful, ocean blue eyes made many heads turn. Many of the older guys in school wanted her and Maisy’s attention, yet the girls never gave them a hint of it. I assumed it was because they made a pact in grade school that they would wait until their birthdays to find their true mate.

Julie’s stature gave her a major advantage when it came to train. She could easily replace dad as Alpha if I were not around, and every wolf in the pack knew it. She was tiny but packed with power. Her sparing was phenomenal, and she could keep up with the Hunters without losing much stamina. The Elders always said there was something special about her.

I shut the car door and drifted into my own thoughts as I went to class. My inner wolf would break through the minute I turned eighteen and it was all I could think about.

The bell rung and a wave of emotions flooded me. This was it, the last bell of the day! Time to pack up and get home for training.

Maisy and Julie were already waiting for me by the car. Maisy was giggling while talking with Julie. “Are you two ever gunna get your own car or you just gunna make me chauffeur you forever?” Julie snapped her eyes at me as I spoke. “Look who finally decided to get here.” she smirked. “Afraid I’ll beat you in sparing today, Jack?” she asked. “Not a chance, little sister.” Maisy chuckled at my response. “Guess we’ll see, won’t we?”

I grinned and opened their doors. “After you, ladies.”

Maisy’s POV

When we got back to the house, I immediately put my bag away and started on my chores. Training was starting soon, and I didn’t have to participate today. I had to help prepare the house for the party tomorrow. The Subordinates had already begun by removing the furniture in the foyer and rearranging decorations.

Having a new Alpha for the pack meant that the celebration was going to be huge. Packs from all over our territory would be joining us as we watched the long-awaited twin’s wolves to emerge. Moon Goddess told us that this specific pair of twins were the key to our pack destiny.

Our pack Luna left me a list of chores on the table.

Maisy:

Prep fruit for snacks. Sweep the kitchen.

Set up extra chairs for dinner. Fold and put away left over Laundry in Dryer.

“Not too bad of a list. Easy.” I thought. I quickly finished the first three tasks within the hour. Laundry was the most annoying chore I had to do, so it was the last of my priorities.

I finally finished all of the chores and looked at the pile of clothes sitting on the ironing board. The clock on the wall showed half past four. Thirty more minutes until training was over. At least I had time to spare! I put away all of Julie and Luna’s clothing. Then I grabbed the last stack of clothes and took them to Jack’s room.

I opened his bedroom door and looked around. For a male, he was surprisingly organized. His room was dark, but you could see the faint sunlight shining onto his dark colored walls through a crack in the black out curtains. He had a black bookshelf to the right of the room, which looked immaculately alphabetized.

His king-sized bed frame took up a good portion of the middle of the room, but it fit perfectly between his large windows. He had a set of travel posters on his left wall, all black and white. His chair was pushed into his desk under the posters, with only a black, sleek-looking laptop perfectly aligned with the mechanical pencils that were placed beside it.

His dressers were made of a dark wood, almost like it was a seasoned Mahogany color. It was a simple room, but very clean and quiet. I never pictured Jack being a well-organized person until now. I walked over to his dresser and began putting away his clothing.

“What are you doing in here, Maisy?” Jack growled. Startled, I turned around and looked at his glaring blue eyes. His hair laid in a messy bed on his head. He stood there shirtless, with his grey jogging pants slightly below his waist. His chest was sweaty and tanned to perfection. “Well?” he questioned again. “I’m sorry, Jack. I was putting away your laundry and didn’t realize you’d be back from training so soon.” I tilted my head down as I spoke.

His parents have been very kind to me by allowing me to stay and work for their family after my parents passed in an accident a few years back. Our agreement was that as long as I helped around the house and kept my grades up, I’d have a place to live until I turned eighteen. I graciously accepted their offer. Living with the Alpha family meant that I didn’t have to live alone, and I wouldn’t become a full orphaned pup.

“How many times do I have to ask you to refrain from opening my door when I’m not here?” Jack snarled. My head remained tilted towards the floor while he spoke to me. “I apologize, Jack. I just wanted to ensure you had fresh clothes from when you returned from training.” I whispered. I could feel my body starting to tremble. I was always nervous around Jack. I quickly turned back around towards his dresser and closed his top drawer. I had to get out of there before he realized what was happening.

Suddenly, I felt his hands around my waist. He was grabbing me from behind and wrapping himself around me. My body tensed up as I stood there in shock. My mind began racing. What was he doing? I could feel myself melting as he pulled me closer to his body. He put his head on my left shoulder, just enough where I could smell his peppermint mouthwash. My heart was fluttering so fast that I’m almost positive he could hear it. “I’m sorry for snapping, Maisy.” He spins me around to face him, this time his face in mine. He had a soft smile on his face, and his is eyes were a much gentler blue than before. He stared in my eyes, awaiting my response. “It’s... It’s okay, Jack.” I stuttered softly. I had never been this close to him before. Then it dinged in my head. What if he can smell my arousal? What if he can already sense how I feel? Panic set in.

I push back onto his chest and broke away. I grabbed my phone off of his dresser where I had laid it to put away his laundry and headed for the now-closed bedroom door. I had to get away from him immediately!

Jack’s POV

“You look like you’re struggling, bro!” Julie said cheerfully. “You’re just jealous I’m faster than you!” I exclaimed. She smiled and sped up, doing her best to try and pass me on the course. Truth was, I was actually struggling to keep up with her. Her speed has increased quite noticeably over the last few weeks, and she was becoming more agile daily.

We ran across the wooden bridge and then I could see it... the end of the course. I glanced to my right and saw that Julie was still right beside me, swinging her arms as she ran. Her short legs made a forcible leap with each stride. “Get ready, I’m going to dust you!” she shouted. I pushed my feet deeper into the ground and pushed off with as much force as I could. It felt like I was soaring. This race was mine! I was almost there when out of the corner of my eye, I saw Julie slam past me. I was giving it all my might, and she was a blur.

I hear someone shout “RUN JULES!!!“. Our pack members were watching us train from the sidelines. She surpassed me in seconds and crossed over the finish line. My legs felt like jelly. She beat me. Fair and square.

“Hot heels you got there, Jules. Way to go. Must be your wolf helping you out!” I said sarcastically, half grinning. She looked at me while heavy breathing. “You just can’t stand that you lost!” she giggled. I ripped off my white shirt and adjusted my jogging pants. I could feel the sun beaming fiercely on my skin. I was hot and sweaty. “I need a shower. Catch you guys later.” I grabbed my water bottle and tossed my shirt into the nearby trashcan as I passed. I could feel my face drop from the confusion while thinking to myself. Maybe she was right. How did she beat me in the last second? Questions flipped through my mind as I ran down the grassy hill to the house.

The house smelled like strawberries and pineapple when I walked in. The delicious scent of fruits always made me hungry after practice. I strolled into the kitchen where I found the Subordinates setting plates. There was an extra set of six at the long dinner table. Curious, I checked the calendar for notes made by my mom. Nothing. The Subordinates must have direct orders from dad.

I walked up the stairs and turned down the long corridor to my room. As I passed Julie’s room, I noticed that Maisy’s door was cracked open. I knocked on the door and tilted my head in. Her light gray colored walls warmed her room. I glanced around and saw that she had a book tossed onto her neatly made bed, and her favorite pink fuzzy blanket folded up on the end. Her school bag sat in her modern style desk chair, with a white NorthFace jacket hanging on the corner of it. She had hung a new tapestry above her bed, and it really made the room come together.

I stood here just looking over her room. Suddenly, a weird sensation wrapped over me. All I wanted to do was hold her in my arms. “I hope she’s my mate.” I whisper to myself. Maisy and I would be a great couple. She was beautiful, head strong, and kind. The kind of Luna the future Alpha needed for his pack.

I smiled at myself, just as Julie mind-linked me. “Jack? Are you coming back out?” She asked. I shuddered off the thought of Maisy, afraid that she might actually catch wind of me thinking of her best friend. “No, I’m just going for a shower, Jules. Do you need anything?” I asked. “No.” I rolled my eyes. The heat of the race flooded my mind all over. “Let me cool off, I’ll chat with you later. Good job today.” I responded. I shut my mind to response and pushed my thoughts to the back.

I shut her door on the way out. I walked down the hall and noticed my door open. Anger suddenly filled my body. Who’s been in my room? I pushed open my door and saw Maisy in my drawer. “What are you doing in here, Maisy?” I growled. I seem to have startled her, because she nearly fell backwards. She just looked at me, nothing echoing out of her open mouth. “Well?” I questioned again. “I’m sorry, Jack. I was putting away your laundry and didn’t realize you’d be back from training so soon.” I could feel the anger pulsing in mu veins. She knew to not come into my room when I wasn’t there! What if she caught me writing about her?

“How many times do I have to ask you to refrain from opening my door when I’m not here?” I snarled. Her head tilted towards the floor as I spoke to her. I watched as her body tremored with nerves. I realized I had scared her, and immediately felt myself want to hug her. “I apologize, Jack. I just wanted to ensure you had fresh clothes from when you returned from training.” she whispered. I felt my body release the rage and relax almost instantly as she spoke.

I reached back and closed the door with my right arm as she spun around and closed the top of my dresser drawers. I felt myself glide over to her and wrap my arms around her waist from behind. I pulled her close to me, against my shirtless chest. Her body seemed to tense up at first, but then it melted into mine. I just wanted her to know that I didn’t mean to snap at her. I leaned forward and placed my head onto her shoulder. Her hair smelled like fresh roses, and it was a huge turn on.

“I’m sorry for snapping Maisy.” I said. I spun her around face to face. Her eyes were so beautiful in this moment, that I’d do anything for her to be mine. My feelings had almost doubled in those seconds staring into her eyes. “It’s... It’s okay, Jack.” she stuttered softly. My heart was going to implode. I suddenly had this urge to kiss her. “Why is she making me feel this way?” I thought to myself.

Then I noticed something in her eyes flicker. Panic. She pushed back onto my chest and broke away. She grabbed her phone off of the dresser where she had laid it to put away laundry and headed for the bedroom door. She ran down the hall and slammed her bedroom door. “Did I upset her?” I questioned myself.

Julie’s POV

My ears were ringing with excitement from the pack. I just beat Jack on our training course for the first time ever. My heart felt like it was going to explode from the rush of adrenaline. I could feel the huge smile on my face. My cheeks were definitely going to hurt later!

“I’m so proud of you, Jules.” I turned around and there stood the Alpha of our pack. “Thanks, dad!” I exclaimed. His face was beaming with happiness. It was the first time I had ever seen his face with more than the pleasantry sitting. He wrapped me in a tight embrace and whispered “You’re going to do great things when your wolf makes her appearance. Trust in her. You will make a great Luna one day.” He kissed the top of my head and said his goodbyes to the pack.

I grabbed my gym bag and headed down to the house with the rest of the pack. “How was training, honey?” my mom asked. I smiled, again feeling my cheeks burst with happiness. “Let’s just say Jack wasn’t too happy!” I exclaimed. She chuckled. “Boys.”

“Please clean up for dinner, there will be a meeting tonight.” I nodded my head and headed up the stairs to my room. Maisy’s room was across the hall from mine. I could hear soft music playing behind her closed door, so I decided against bothering her. I’d rather tell her I beat my brother in person anyways.

I pushed open my bedroom door and threw my gym bag to the side. I fell backwards onto my bed with my arms sprawled across my queen-sized mattress, relaxing my body into my soft white bedspread. Laying in silence, I stared at my popcorn ceiling. The thought of my wolf began pondering me. Will she be kind? Will she be tough? Questions circled my head as I laid there.

There was a soft knock at the door. I rolled over and realized I had dozed off. “Come in.” I said. Maisy opened the door and glanced around my room. “You must have fallen asleep after training?” she asked. I nodded my head while yawning. “What do you think this meeting is about?” Maisy asked while picking up dirty clothes off the floor. I shrugged and said “She didn’t tell me anything, but leave my clothes in peace!” I said amusingly. She smiled. “Your room is literally ALWAYS a mess! If you clean it up, I wouldn’t have to disturb your happiness.” I chuckled. “Whatever suits you, sunshine.” I said.

I watched her silently as she cleaned my room. Her hair was braided into a soft bun, and she had on a cute black top, paired with waist high skinny jeans, and black combat boots. She had a golden heart-shaped necklace around her neck, and stud diamond earrings that sparkled fiercely in the sunlight.

When she first moved in with us, I was shocked. It was unlike my father to allow a Beta into our home as guests for longer than a few days, let alone allowing one to become part of our immediate family. Maisy’s mother was close with my mother before she became Luna, so when they found out they were expecting together, they grew an inseparable bond. Maisy and I grew up together and became close after birth, and our parents were equally happy that Maisy and I shared the same bond that our mothers shared.

When her parents were killed in an accident, Maisy wasn’t but twelve. She was the only child of our pack’s Beta, my father’s right-hand man. My dad immediately announced to the pack that Maisy would be living with us, and that the Beta position would rightfully be hers when she comes of age. The whole pack mourned the loss of Maisy’s parents, as they were extremely kind and encouraging to all of our members.

According to my parents, the accident was too severe that they couldn’t properly hold a gathering for their passing. Instead, we all placed field flowers in a large circle, with their photos and small gifts, then burned it for the Moon Goddess to pass along. Maisy was honored that night with a coloring of her hair to purple to symbolize change. From that point on, Maisy has lived with me.

I could never tell her, but her parent’s accident has seemed sketchy to me since the announcing. It was like the pack had a secret to hide. With how quick my family embraced Maisy, and how nontraditional the funeral was, I’ve felt there has been parts of the story that are missing or being withheld. I could never openly question it being that I was the Alpha’s daughter, but it has bothered me much more now that I’ve grown older.

Maisy glanced over at me as I watched her clean up. “You just like to watch someone else clean up after you, don’t you?” she said lightheartedly.

Her golden eyes shined as she smiled at me. “You should be used to it by now, Maisy. Afterall, I’m sure you’ll be Jack’s mate!” I giggled. I watched as her freckled cheeks turned rose red. She was blushing!

She cut her eyes at me, picked up my plush stuffy, and hurled it at my head, missing me by inches. I died laughing as she fell onto my bed giggling.

“You know, that’s not such a bad idea Jules. He’s getting pretty hot!” I pretended to vomit. “Yuck, I knew you had the hots for him!” I said jokingly.

“Come on, dinner’s ready. Luna will kill us if we’re late.” Maisy said.

She stood up, stretched and motioned for me to follow her. I rolled my eyes, still smiling at her. I think to myself how I hope she is Jack’s mate. He deserves to have someone like Maisy. She always keeps me on my toes, and she’s quite talented with her sparing. I quickly changed from my training clothes to a baby blue crop top, black waist high skinny jeans, and black boots.

“Time will tell, Maisy. Soon you’ll be my in-law.” I said as I followed her to the kitchen.