Chapter 7

Lottie’s POV      

What a bombshell our mom landed on us this afternoon. I didn’t know what to expect, but I don’t think I was expecting all of that! Both me and Caren got a lot out of the conversation though. I know I never knew what happened to my biological mom. But I don’t think Caren ever knew what happened to her dad, either.    

It must have been hard for our mom. I guess that is why she hasn’t told us before. She lost her soul mate while he diverted the rogue’s attention away from my mom. She raised me based on a promise. Our mom and her soul mate perfectly matched each other. Aidan was brave, he must have been. Mom is brave and loyal. She has strong morals, which she teaches us. I can’t imagine the life Caren would have had if they had both raised her. But then again, I can’t imagine my life being any other way. They have always been there for me.    

Mom raised us alone and did a great job, in my opinion. But here she was, a crying wreck, telling me how I came to be in her care and that she wished she could have done more.     

We were both crying while we hugged our mom. I can’t imagine the emotions she experienced that day. Caren carried on consoling our mom when I started staring at the pictures. I then put the pictures from the box on the fireplace. They should have a place in our home and our heart.   

I looked like her, my real mom. With my red curly hair and green eyes. In fact, all of them in the picture had green eyes. Maybe it was genetic and we are related. Maybe Caren and I are really cousins. She also had an amazing, full smile. She looked so young and carefree in the pictures. “You look like her, Lottie, which is why I make sure your hair is straight. I promised to keep you safe until your 18th birthday. I don’t know who or why they wanted your mom. It’s the only way I could make you look different from her.”      

I needed to clear my head. It felt like I had information overload. “I am going to go for a run mom, I have had a lot to think about.”       

“Sure, sweetheart. Have a bit longer tonight, you have a bit more to process.” Mom said. “But turn on your tracker though. I made a promise to someone, and I am not going to break it so close to your birthday.” She smiled weakly, her face was bright red from crying so much.  

I went and got changed, put my trainers on and off I went. So much going around in my mind, so much to think about. I had to respect mom’s strength, especially considering all the grief I had caused her over the years. I don’t believe she did it just for a promise. She loved me and she made me feel it every day. I got to the woods and entered as usual, “To the mountains.” the voice in my head told me.    

I went left and left again a few miles later. Eventually, I ended up at the bottom of a mountain. I never usually had the time to run up it. Even if I did, I never had the time to run to the other side. Mom gave me permission to be home later tonight, and I had the energy, so I set off. I got to the top in no time. The moon was full; the sky was clear; it was beautiful. I could see a lake on the other side. Why not? I thought to myself, I don’t get extra time that often and it was a beautiful night.     

I laid down at the side of the lake, not only to catch my breath but to gaze up at the night sky. “Don’t run.” My inner voice told me. Don’t run from what was my initial thought.      

Someone sat down beside me, a man. He smiled and said, “Taking it easy tonight, are we?” I sat up and realized it was the naked guy from last night.   

“It’s not like I go looking for trouble.” I said, shrugging my shoulders. “It’s nice to see you found your clothes.” I said, laughing. “Are the girls okay?”       

“Yeah, they’re fine. They don’t remember much about last night. They were knocked out with chloroform.”      

I stare at the lake, hugging my knees. “What are you doing here?” He asks.     

“I got some news today and needed to process it.” I answered him. “He can help.”       

With my inner voice as my guide, I told him the complete tale of my night. He didn’t say that much, he just listened. “So now I have so many questions with no one to answer them. I have to figure out if I have any other family members? I need to figure out if I have a wolf, what that means. Will I get a wolf when I turn 18 in 4 days? Will I stay with my mom and sister? What gift was my mom talking about on her deathbed? As well as trying to figure out where I belong and who I truly am?” I let out an enormous sigh. “My head hurts thinking about all of this.”      

He laughed and said, “I hope you're quick study then.” It was a laugh or cry moment, so I laughed with him. “I may be able to help you with a few things while you wait for your birthday, if you want some help? I’m Maddox, by the way.”       

I carried on laughing, “I told you all of that and I forgot to ask your name. Well, I suppose I have seen you naked, so it’s not like you have much to hide from me.” We both laughed. “Lottie, nice to meet you, Maddox. How can you help me? Your turn to share.”