"Have a good day," mom shouts as I pass by the kitchen, running late as I grab the bacon from my plate.

"Thanks, love you!" I reply, opening the front door, waving goodbye to Taylor as she lays down on the couch, starting her classes today.

Hopping into the car, I'm fast to make it to school, speeding my way out of the neighborhood. As I pass by the familiar street, I spare it one glance, forgetting the stop sign ahead.

I lurch forward, cursing as I do so, instantly feeling stupid as the Porsche before me comes to a complete stop.

God, the insurance company is going to hate me.

Looking up as the driver door of the car I hit is shut, I don't whether to be relaxed or frightened as the figure approaches, their face stern, their body tense. My hand fringes the doorknob as I open my car door, walking out, looking at the person.

"Lily?"

"Mrs. Adams," I reply, looking at the small dent in her car, my mind wondering what my parents will say when I reveal the news. "I'm so sorry, I was being careless."

Mrs. Adam's face softens, pushing the sleeves of her maroon blazer up, examining the small damage. "It happens to all people, Lily, I know you to be a good driver."

"I'll go and get my insurance stuff." I take the time to examine my car, only a small scratch of the paint the result of my tiny accident.

"Lily, don't."

"I damaged your car," I explain, grabbing the papers as she crosses her arms. "Mrs. Adams, I'd be the correct thing for me to do. I was at fault, I should have shopped and yielded."

Olivia shakes her head, walking towards me, taking the a papers from my hands. As she looks at them, I can feel the warmth of the sun on my back. Suddenly, she gives me the papers pack in seconds, making me hold them close. "I'm not going-

"Does this have to do with Nixon?" Her eyes widen a bit, biting her lip as my eyes harden. I swear, if he's going to make sure that I don't take responsibility for something I did Om going to have a chat with him.

Olivia shakes her head. "No, Lily, it's not because of that at all. I know you to be a good young woman and by showing responsibility I really doing want to have you pay. My cousin has a dealership and repair shop, I can just to her for free." I nod my head, watching as Mrs. Adams walks beside me, slinging an arm over my shoulder. "Believe me, Alpha Maxwell has nothing to do with it. This is my own decision." What about me being the Luna? What so many call me and people look up to me as. Luna, a title I'm somewhat not a complete fan of. God, the age gap has many people looking at me weirdly.

"I'd better let you get going to school."

"Thank you," I add, watching as she walks back to her car, hopping in as I do the same.

Driving to school goes fast, the building soon before me as I make it to the first tardy bell, a deep breath leaving my mouth as I take a seat without an absence. With only a month or so left before I graduate, I'm really trying to not get senioritis "Lily?"

I have a long conversation with Emily over college, what we plan to do before the year starts up, what we want to do this summer together. Our senior trip will be skiing in Colorado, at some resort for five days. As our class comes to an end and Emily and I separate, a certain buzz of my phone grabs my attention.

"Hello?"

"I take it you're at school like a studious child," the voice greets, one dark and somewhat familiar. "How's the search going?"

"What is this about, Gavin?" I ask, heading to my locker, takin a detour route to find a quiet side of the school.

"School is coming to a close, Lily, I'd hate to see you jumping into something before you know the back story." My eyebrows furrow together, biting my bottom lip as I hear him chuckle. "All I wanted to say during this call is that time is ticking down, Lil, and that you'd better uncover this information before then."

"What do you get out of this?" I ask, watching the empty hallway before me. "What do you have against Nixon or me?"

"I'm doing this for you, Lily, I'm doing this to make sure that someone innocent is not thrusted into a world of danger without realizing the risks." My jaw clenches as Gavin sighs on the other end, the bell ringing. "I only pray that you make good time out of your last days, for I cannot aid you when time is up."

Just as I'm about to reply, the call ends and I'm left to an empty hallway with no one speaking.

Sighing, I put my phone away and head to my next class, the rest of the day my thoughts wrapped around what could be so important in that box of Nixon's.

By the end of the day I'm driving home, Taylor calling me to make sure I know our parents will be working late tonight, and that she's gotten some Mexican takeout.

Dinner goes by slow as it's silent, the whole time Taylor is on her phone, chatting with old friends as I'm left staring out at the backyard. Just as Taylor moves to clean off her plate, my eyes catch movement outside in the dark backyard.

A wolf, a massive one at that.

Groaning, I follow to clean off my plate, watching as the wolf settles down in a shaded section of the backyard, awaiting for me, its prey. Taylor heads to her room, locking the door as her music soon plays loudly. Taking the opportunity, I head to the back door, watching the wolf approach the door where I am, it's eyes trained on mine as shivers run up and down my back.

As the wolf reaches the other side of the door, I hesitantly move my hand to the doorknob, watching as the wolf perks its ears up, as if wondering if I'll actually open the door.

I wonder if I'll open it too.

Suddenly, the wolf shifts into the man I've become so familiar with, and just like that, my fingers curl around the knob and open it. "Lily," he greets, his voice deep and deadly as my throat becomes dry.

He enters the house, my eyes looking shortly down the hall to where Taylor is, only to move back quickly as I feel hands on my waist. "Nixo-

"I haven't seen you in two days," he whispers low, pushing me down the hall, closer to my room as my eyes widen.

"Put some clothes on," I hiss softly, my eyes briefing looking down as my cheeks flush.

"Those were torn when I shifted." I nod, my back pressed against the door of my room, his body caging me in. "How's your nose?"

"Hurts a bit from time to time," I explain, feeling the door open as I'm led inside my room, Nixon pulling me close right away as his body is pressed, every inch, against my own. "I've missed you, I was thinking of heading to your place tonight."

He nods, burring his face in the crook of my neck, taking in a deep breath. His body is hot against mine, hard against mine, and powerful against mine. "I'll be gone tomorrow till the end of the weekend, I have business with a pack in Canada."

He lays me down, him on top as his head rests in my chest, my hands weaving through his hair as we just lay here, in complete silence. Sparks fly through my body as we stay like this, my heart thumping in my chest as he listens, drawing patterns on my arms with his fingers. "I'll miss you."

I can feel a smile form on his lips with those words, the way his face muscles pull as he looks up at me, those eyes turning black. "I'm glad." He pushes off of my body, coming closer to me, his lips brushing against mine as we just stare at one another.

Hands.

A deep breath.

We spend the night being silent, enjoying one another as the sheets become twisted around our bodies and my clothes are lost in seconds. It's not the usual time we spend together like those, those other times fueled by lust. This time it's spent being as soft as we can yet enjoying ourselves as my lips are locked with his.

As our time comes to an end and I find myself wrapping my arms around his torso, staring at his closed eyes as his chest rises and falls slowly, I come to a realization. Nixon will be gone and I have a key to his house and a title many respect.

As I plant a soft kiss upon his temple, I come to my decision of what I'll spend my time doing over the next few days.

"What are you thinking about?" He asks, his eyes peeling open, his voice scruffy from his deep sleep. Nixon moves, putting me on my back as he wraps his arms around me, pulling me close as we look at one another's eyes.

"Us," I reply, gaining a gentle kiss on my lips.

Nixon closes his eyes, laying his head back down as my fingers run across the promise ring he gave me months ago, my fingers tracing the gems as I stare at the man I'm falling for, falling into an abyss with.

Giving him one last kiss, I shut my eyes, knowing he will be gone soon, I'll have my answers.

<><>

He left before eye sun even kissed my face, leaving my bed cold, the sheets a mess, and my heart feeling a sharp pain. I knew he would leave, but it hurts me that he would not bother to say bye. A simple word.

Getting up, I'm quick to start the day as I begin the wash early, throwing the sheets into the wash, erasing any sign of what happened last night, followed by a long shower as I hear Taylor get up across the hall.

Changing into the simple outfit for the day of a navy blouse and jeans, I pull my hair back in a bun and think of how I'm to carry out my plan. I'm Luna, a title that gives me power, certain powers not yet used yet.

As I grab my keys and kiss my mom on the cheek, I get into my car, grabbing a quick bite of cerise on the way out, waving bye to Taylor. Once the car is on and I have the radio running, I back out and begin my journey to the city, a journey to uncover what Gavin warns me of and Nixon wants me to forget I ever saw.

What would Nixon hold from me that could make me turn away though? Gavin days that once graduation is over, things will change, and if I have no clue of what has happened in the past, I am doomed.

As I park the car, I think of Nixon, how my trust in him has been shaken, and what he will think if he ever discovers that I went to his office. Especially when he was gone. Pulling out the keys, I lock my car, heading towards the front doors of the building, the place busy as people walk in a hurry everywhere.

Entering the elevator, I offer few a gentle smile as they look at me, no doubt wondering what someone so young is doing here, or some looking at me in respect. As I arrive at the right floor, I take in a deep breath, stepping out.

My legs feel weak as I approach the hallway to his office, his secretary getting to her feet as I approach the double doors. "Mr. Maxwell is not here today," she interrupts my entering the office, stopping me before the door, her eyes hard.

"I know, I just left an item in the office, I won't be long," I explain, looking into her eyes, showing her I mean business. If she's smart she will remember that I am Luna. And I will remember that I am being a bitch right now for saying that. "It's important for school."

The secretary nods, giving in as she opens the door for me, letting me into his office. "Thank you." She lets the doors close as she heads back to her office, allowing me solitude. My eyes immediately are fixed upon the small box, heading right over.

I grab the box, my fingers beginning to shake as I remove the lid, only to raise an eyebrow. What does he need with a bracelet?

I take out the jewelry piece, the silver with elegant engravings upon the chin, a simple charm of a heart upon the chain. It looks old, as if an heirloom of some sort. This doesn't lead me anywhere. No where at all.

I shove the bracelet back into the box, slipping the box into my purse as I look around for anything else. From drawers to behind paintings I search for something to tell me of who Nixon is or something Gavin would want me to find. Just as I look under the couch, the door swings open, the secretary staring at me. "Are you having trouble finding it?"

"I am," I reply, rubbing my head as I get to my feet. "I may check his place once more for it since I cannot seem to find it here."

I move to the door, thanking her for allowing me in. Moving down the hallway, I can feel the box in my purse as it hits my hip, the office staring at me as their Luna moves through the building.

Once out of the building, I hop into my car, taking the box out of my purse as I grab the bracelet once more. Looking at the heart, I look over the designs, searching for anything to give away something, if anything. "Come on," I mumble, throwing the bracelet onto my passenger seat as I leave the city.

Pulling into town, I speed over to the familiar house, ready to search the house once more. As I park, my hands pick up the box, examining the wood as I search for anything as usual. Anything seems to mean I am desperate.

Running my fingers over the bottom of the box, I can feel engravings. I turn the box over, looking upon the words as I raise an eyebrow. 1465, Helena Edith Rice.

I'm clueless as I try and figure out what that means. It has to mean something. This bracelet can't be useless if Nixon doesn't want to discuss this with me.

I have one weekend to uncover what is in that office. I have limited time. His office means I will get answers. His office has to hold something in there. But how do I get into his office? With security cameras and a code, not to mention finger print scan, I'll have one hell of a time trying to figure out what is truly going on.

Getting out of the car, I decide to head towards the door of the house.

"Lily, is that you?"

Looking over my shoulder, I spot Mrs. Adams, in jogging gear, a smile upon her face. She thankfully knows not to be questioning why I somehow show up at Nixon's house. She knows who I am like every damn werewolf in this town. "Just dropping bye," I exclaim.

"Sweetie, didn't Alpha Nixon tell you he's pups be gone for the weekend."

I know the role to play as I act like I just realized something. "Oh, it completely slipped my mind," I say, thanking my years of drama in middle school. "I should probably head back anyway."

"No, Lily, come on over, let's have a chat, a drink even!" Mrs. Adams says, motioning me to follow.

And follow I do, heading down the driveway and into the neighbor's massive house. Mrs. Adams is pleased to see me, expressing how she's so glad we could catch up before I graduate. We enter the kitchen, her grabbing two coffee cups as she starts up the coffee machine. Taking a seat at the breakfast bar, I can't help but look at the pictures displayed.

One catches my eyes, one of a beautiful woman who anyone would be jealous of. With long blond hair curled perfectly, a beautiful pastel pink dress on, and a tall figure, I can't help but want to look like her. The woman stands next to Mrs. Adams as they smile, in a massive auditorium where a piano is on the stage. The next picture follows up on the day the picture was taken, one of the blind playing on the pink as Mrs. Adams takes the picture from the audience. I guess this woman was very good at piano then.

That's when I see the next picture, the one that makes my heart skip a beat and my head get fuzzy. There, as she stands next to a young Brian and Zayne, the woman wears a silver bracelet, exactly like the one in my car, in the box, the one Nixon keeps hidden from me.

What?

Were they lovers?

"Mrs. Adams, are you related to Nixon?" I ask, hoping that these two families, related.

"Oh, no, not by blood," she explains, taking the coffee from the pot and pouring it into our cups.

Then why does Nixon have this female's bracelet. "Who is this woman? The blond?"

Mrs. Adams looks at the pictures I am referring to. "My sister." The way she says that makes me scared. She's not telling me something. Rice. That was the last name on the bracelet.

"I know this may sound weird, but what is your maiden name?"

She raises any eyebrow, confused as to why I would ask that. "Rice, Lily, why the question?" She asks as I shrug.

"I just like knowing genealogy," I say, appraising myself for thinking so quickly. "Does your sister live out of town?"

"She does."

A short answer.

In an hour I'm leaving, already knowing what I'm going to do. Heading home, I rush upstairs and into my room, pulling out my laptop as I head to Google. Right away I put in the name, Mrs. Adam's name of Gwen Rice and Newton.

Right away things pop up. Things of her weeding, but also one that makes me raise an eyebrow: Lillian Rice.

Opening up the link, I find the picture of the breathtaking blond, one of her smiling as it's a card for her funeral.

Mrs. Adams lies. Lillian is dead.

That's when I see the address, the last name she took when she was married.

Fear and hate spread over my body, feeling of betrayal as I slam the laptop shut.

Lillian Maxwell.

Nixon was married before, his wife murdered on the piano of his house, the piano he practically banged me on, and now, as he stays in his hotel room, he thinks I am still some naïve girl he's been using. Maybe he loves me, maybe I'm not his mate. But I want to know one thing, I want to know something and I know Gavin is exactly who to speak to.

I want to know if he killed her.