Part 3 Tears Under the Moon

Tears Under the Moon Tabatha sat sulking as she stared out her bay window, gripping the newly gifted book gifted to her by her stepmother Rose. Time continue passing by and she could not shake the feeling that somehow she had been left behind. Rose complained saying she left all her emotions bottled up inside. She said that she hoped the diary would be an outlet for her. Maybe Tabatha thought as she picked up the pen and began to write. Dear Diary It's been 7 months since our Luna left. Already the world has begun to change. The Vargis which the witches called them meaning they were not of God appeared out of nowhere with razor-sharp teeth and claws. They continued to mutate, becoming even harder to kill. They have now developed hard shells under their fur, making decapitation the only way to kill them. They have ravaged our lands making our food supply nearly diminished. We were now their food supply. The humans now comb our woods in search of the Vargis that travel in herds taking out entire neighborhoods and sometimes packs overnight. They have forever changed the way things are done in packs across the world. We now traveled together when we took our runs. Because they were less likely to attack large groups. It was not unheard of though when they too traveled in packs. Some people said they were pets the devil had unleashed among us, others say they are man-made. I don't know what to believe, only that they bring a piece of hell to earth and the only person that could restore things is gone to us. Our pack use to be the third largest pack but we have lost members to the beast and war. A lot of members requested to leave traveling to the other side of the world hoping the Vargis did not migrate there. Once we lost our Luna, Catori, other Alpha's began to challenge our Alpha Zion for his land. Zion had become a killing machine. He flourished in every battle because killing had become his way of dealing with grief. He hunted the Vargis for pure pleasure. Trying to find a way to defeat them so that we could once again roam freely. Our Alpha had lost a part of himself during the battle with Heron and we all had hoped one day he would become himself again but he has not. Even with the birth of his son, his warmth did not return. His son was cared for by the Omegas most of the time or with his parents. It was almost as if he resented the child's presence and that was not like Zion. He loved children and the loss of his mate had made him bitter. War was everywhere, the only good that came from it was I got BJ. Two months after Catori had died Ophelia had appeared at our doorstep. Just so you know Diary Ophelia is my ex-mate Blaine's new wife. Since Blaine and I separated, I'd moved back in with my father and stepmother. I was still grieving the loss of my mates, my friend, and my daughter. Ophelia knew Blaine would be murdered if he came to Mystic Moon so she came instead or he sent her. She told me they were at war with Kreis the Dragon Lord because of the death of the Chosen. She claimed Blaine was sick over the choice he made. I told her good I hope he suffers but thanks for bringing me my son and that b***h called me hateful. She said that was why I lost him because I loved myself more than anything. I asked what it was like sharing the Palace with the woman that murdered her mother. Yes, immediately after Catori's death Blaine had allowed his mother Aphena to return to Zerion. Blaine's mother was a sadistic b***h! She was responsible for the death of the last Queen of Zerion who happen to be Ophelia's mother and that was just one of the many atrocities she had committed. She looked at me like I was crazy and I laughed in her face. I told her that was me being hateful. Learn the difference between being truthful and being hateful. I took my son and slammed the door in her face. My son cried for that wretched w***e when she left. My son called her mama. When I pointed to my chest and said BJ it's mama right here. He shook his head no and started to cry. We cried together because it broke my heart into a thousand pieces. ❤️TB Tabatha slid off the bed heading into the bathroom. She brushed her teeth and hair then stared into the mirror. She had lost so much weight. It was hard for her to keep food down these days. She knew it was not healthy, but whatever she thought. Slipping into a tank top and joggers she headed to the pack house. To get her boys. Soon as she entered she saw Kade and Richard both appeared hung over, "You boys look like you had a long night." Tabatha said, taking a fry from Kade's plate, earning a growl from him. "Geesh chill out." Richard scolded him, "the girl is practically skin and bones." He said sliding his plate over to Tabatha. "Thank you, I think." She said as she dug in "how is his mood today?" "Cranky as hell. I don't ever want a mate. Way too much trouble." Richard said. Tabatha thought it over, looking at Kade for his opinion. "Don't look at me, I agree with him." "Come on, you telling me you never miss Vanessa?" Kade growled pushing his plate towards her now he abruptly left them. "He gets just as cranky as Zion when you mention Vanessa," Richard smirked. "It's not all bad Richard," Tabatha said being honest. "Until it is, right?" Richard looked at her unconvinced, "You know what I miss Tabatha. I was lying in bed the other night thinking how crazy things are now and I realized that the thing I miss most," Tabatha had quit eating just to wait for what he was about to say but then as if he thought it over he shrugged and got up. "Enjoy the fries." Tabatha laughed, "Oh really, going to leave me hanging like that?" Tabatha finished off both their fries. Kade silently studied her, "You are so clueless kid for real." "What?" She asked licking ketchup from her fingers. Kade said nothing more so she got up and headed to Zion's office. She tapped on his door, "Hey you busy?" Zion didn't acknowledge her. He was so grumpy since he lost his mate. Tabatha walked over to the sleeping baby in the carrier on his desk. "Still haven't given him a name yet?" Zion shrugged his shoulders. Tabatha stared at him, "Why do I always have to be the bad guy?" "What do you mean?" Zion finally looked up at her. "You scare the s**t out of everyone so nobody wants to call you out on your shit." "You're not scared of me?" Zion said flatly. "I respect you but I'm not afraid of you. Which is why I'm about to tell you to snap out of it. Your son is completely innocent in this. He didn't ask to be here, he didn't ask for Emoni to seduce you, he didn't ask for your buddy down there to rise to attention. He just is, and he is the first Lycan prince-" "He is not the first!" Zion snapped. "But he is here, and he deserves love and… a name." She stood up but paused at the door, with her back to him she said, "You are one of the few men I still have respect for Zion please don't disappoint me now." Tabatha said, "oh, and as much as it pains me to say this get a new Beta! If Kade is not man enough to tell you when you're wrong, get a new Beta at least Kevin was good for that." She hated complimenting Kevin for anything she practically despised him now as much as Blaine. Kevin was her first mate he rejected her, and the pain was still fresh. She started walking away when she heard Zion call to her. She turned around and came back. "Yeah." Zion appeared to be struggling with something, "I have missed the last two pack meetings so I have to go to the one coming up. Do you think you could babysit?" Tabatha leaned against the door frame, she walked back into his office, and sat. Zion could have had anyone watch the baby so she knew that was a peace offering, "I will watch little Edward," She said smirking. "Hell no," Zion laughed and it was like music to her ears. She had not heard him do that since Cat… left. "Lucas?" "Too close to Lusca." "Only on paper." Tabatha giggled, "so this may not go over well with everyone but what about Monte." She waited for his response. Zion leaned back in his chair then he looked over at his son. "What do you think son?" For the first time, she watched Zion acknowledge the child instead of pretending that if he ignored his presence he would simply not exist. The child looked nothing like Zion though so Tabatha did get it. His resemblance was more in favor of his mom. She wondered over time if he would start to look more like Zion. Her boys looked like their daddy but the older they got the more they looked like her. "Or Madan," Tabatha said, earning a pained look from Zion. It was the closest she could get to his sister's name, "We could call him Maddy too." Tabatha said softly. Zion was silent for a few minutes, then he looked up at Tabatha and said, "Tabatha thank you." He looked at her like there was more he wanted to say, but Tabatha just nodded. It wasn't necessary. There was a soft tapping at the door and one of the Omegas stuck her head in, "Alpha, Rivers Sea Beast has been spotted." Zion practically leaped out of his chair. He left both women standing there as he headed toward the water. "I hope he has good news this time. It's so hard on him every time River returns empty-handed." Sara the Omega said sighing. "I know Sara, do you think you could watch Madan until we return? I have a feeling he will need a friend today." Sara nodded, taking Madan as Tabatha headed to the river's edge. She spotted River alone and in tears. "River any news?" "No Catori is royalty under the sea. I can't just walk up and say hey is the Queen alive? I keep telling Zion there would be news under the sea if she was no longer living but I think he is losing hope." "It's hard on him." Tabatha said hugging River, "I know it's rough on you too. How were the babies?" "Growing, how is Chastity?" "I haven't seen her since she left." Tabatha looked away and River sighed. "You guys have got to work past this." River said, causing Tabatha to roll her eyes. "He wanted to be alone." "Fat chance," Tabatha headed to the river and found Zion. He was sitting by the riverside. His knees up and his head between his legs. He was crying. Tabatha said nothing, she just sit beside him wrapping one arm around him. Neither spoke they just stared out at the water. After some time they walked back toward the pack house in silence. Tabatha gathered her boys and headed home. She loved being around the boys they kept her busy but sometimes every once in a while she would look at them both and cry. She missed more than anything what she and her ex-mates use to be. Tonight was like any other after fixing the boys a bed night snack she snuggled on the couch. She was just starting to dose off when there was a knock on the door. "River?" River held up a bag of snacks and drinks, "Vanilla Dr. Pepper your favorite," he said, giving her his adorable boyish grin. Tabatha stepped to the side to let him enter. "I just came from visiting the guys. They pick on me because I still prefer you and the girls. Who wouldn't wanna hang out with pretty girls then a bunch of guys." River said, opening a bag of Doritos. "Thanks, I think." Tabatha tossed River the remote as she plopped down on the couch beside him. "So spill what's up with you and Chastity?" He asked Tabatha. "Nothing," Tabatha lied, shrugging her shoulders. "You know if you're not willing to talk about it, I can't help make it better." River kicked his feet up, crossing his legs on the coffee table. Tabatha laughed she remembered when she had the hugest crush on him and then he was a slender, lanky kid with pimples. Now he was hot, well he was always hot, but now she thought he was rakishly handsome, but she would never cross that line. He was simply one of her best friends and she had to admit it was nice having him around. "What's it like under the water, River?" "Now, crazy ever since Catori arrived you can't get into the inner circle." "The inner circle?" She asked, "Yea see underseas the deeper you go the slower time moves. The core of the center or center is called the inner circle, this is where Lusca's Kingdom is. He is the ruler of all seven seas." "You have told me this before, River. I don't get why you can't just knock and say, a friend of the Queen here. Yooooohoooo Is she alive?" Tabatha giggled. "Tabatha it would be like me walking up to the white house and saying I grew up with the president and just happened to be in town so I thought I'd swing by. I have tried to get close but as I said the deeper you go the slower times moves. My family does not stay in the inner circle so there is no huge difference when I go visit, but if I went after Catori. I could disappear here for years where only months have passed. My family has friends within the inner circle and they say the Queen's flag is there. I don't care what anyone thinks here, I know that she lives." "I believe you River I have to." "Why is that?" She let out a heavy sigh, "I could have been a better friend. I thought Catori was invincible, that she could do anything, so when I lost my baby and she was not there, I resented her. Then when Blaine took BJ, I was so angry. Then Chloe gave me a reality check." "How so Tabatha?" "She told me Catori was in an impossible situation being pulled in every direction. She said she was like a flower with millions of petals and she could love us all, water, and bring us sunshine but on occasion, a petal would always fall. It made me think of how selfish I was. I guess in ways I felt like she was all mine. I didn't consider that in the end blood is thicker than water. Of course, she would choose her Sister first. Then Rosa was there, was she to let her die at that moment to run and save me? I just got lost in the shuffle that day but I know now looking back she was doing the best she could. I pushed her away though, I was so hateful to her." Tabatha wiped at her tears. "I was too. She kept trying to reach out to me but I was embarrassed so I pushed her away to, just being stupid. Cat is like a sister to me Tabatha I love her too and I will never give up hope that she will return and that I will have a chance to make things up to her." They hugged and Tabatha lay her head on Rivers' shoulder. They had talked until she had fallen asleep and when she woke up River was gone. He had pulled a blanket over her and placed a pillow under her head. Dear Diary, How do I feel about Chenoa Knight? I'd rather suffer from a toothache for a whole month than spend an hour with her. Why do I feel terrible about that? Because she never really did anything to me. Her daughter lives and mine does not. The one person that knew my pain was Chastity because she lost her pup. For some reason I thought because of this she would want to be near me, but no. She ran to Silver Crescent to be with Chenoa as soon as Catori left. They are like sisters and as always I am left out. This is the one part about having a mate that I adored. Your mate always chooses you. I remember when I was younger how I used to dance for our pack every chance there was and I would imagine having a mate that would dance with me. I never got that of course both my mates had two left feet and now my chances at love are gone. The Goddess would never grant me another mate. I'm okay with that but now if I did not wish to be alone I'd have to navigate through that tricky thing called dating. I am not ready for that just yet but it would be nice to have a girl to discuss it with. The mating season came every year and it could be unbearable for an unmated Shewolf. Maybe I would take a lover….I suppose it's an option. From another pack though because here I am already that girl. Diary I do miss dancing so much. I have thought about leaving our pack and going to the human world just for dance classes but I truly have no motivation. The music does not move me. Nothing does and I am angry! I feel like my friends have abandoned me. ❤️TB Tabatha woke early the next day she fed her boys and she went to get dressed. When she came back out Rose was tapping at her door, "Hi Tab I was wondering if the boys could hang with me today?" "Sure Rose they can be a handful you sure your up to it?" "Of course I am. I have raised three boys." Rose's three boys were all killed during battle before she came to Mystic Moon one by one they had fallen along with her true mate. The pack was at war with an evil Warlock. Catori claimed the pack because the Alpha died which is how Rose came to be at Mystic Moon. Tabatha and she had a rocky start but Rose loved her wholeheartedly and she knew that. "I know Rose sorry of course you have everything under control." Tabatha hugged Rose, she remembered how quickly the Shewolf had taken on Aphena to defend her pups. "Tabatha you know," Rose paused and then said softly "you can talk to me about anything. I mean I know I'm not your mother but I care a great deal about you." "I know thanks, Rose," Tabatha said brushing her off, hating herself for being that way. Still in the back of her mind, she couldn't help but think if Catori had not had to save Rose … "I better get going. I don't wanna be late on my first day at the RoadHouse." The Road House was a new hangout spot on the outskirts of the territory where you could eat, drink and dance. They had great music and sometimes live bands. Tabatha could tell Rose wanted to say more so she quickly gave her a peck on the cheek and headed out. She loved the atmosphere at the Road House since she was bartending. She got to hear everyone else's problems which took her mind off her own. The day was going pretty well, she worked the day shift so she could spend as much time with her boys as possible. She was in the bathroom when she heard some girls come in and what do you know she was the topic of conversation. "I bet she has slept with Kade and Richard." One girl said in a matter-of-fact tone. The girl that she was talking to laughed, "Lucky her I wished I had." The other girl said as she heard the door open again. "Izzy you are f****d up!" Now there was a group of girls and they were all laughing. "What are you girls talking about?" "Anne thinks Tabatha is sleeping with Kade and Richard and I say if so lucky her." The girl that she was talking to Tabatha did not recognize her voice but she knew all the other girls. "I guess Kevin and Blaine were not enough. Oh hey, Zara we never see you here. How come you never hang with us?" Zara had come from the stall next to Tabatha. She washed her hands and said, "Because you guys are fake." Tabatha, even went stiff sitting on the toilet. "You never do anything but talk about people and kick them when they are down. I don't think Tabatha is that bad at all. I doubt she is any more of a slut than I was." Zara stared them all in the eyes and dared them to speak, "You all are bullies, you're insecure and mean why the hell would I want to hang with you." Tabatha walked out of the stall and washed her hands, "Thanks Zara drinks on me tonight." She rolled her eyes at the other girls as Zara followed her out of the bathroom to the bar. "What are you drinking?" "Tequila used to be Tippy's favorite," Zara said as Tabatha admired her pretty eyes. She poured her a shot, "Thanks again for taking up for me in there and I don't think I ever had a chance to say sorry about your dad." "He was not my father. My dad died but thanks." Zara said. Tabatha watched a group of guys looking over at them. She laughed at how much attention Zara got and had no clue. "What?" Zara asked. "Zara just about every guy in here has the hots for you." Tabatha pointed out. Zara leaned in and whispered, "Every guy in here can kiss my ass." She looked Tabatha in the eye for a moment and then they both burst into laughter. "You know none of these guys paid me any attention months ago and I am the same girl. No way any of them would ever get my attention. My mate or whatever is not at Mystic Moon." Tabatha looked at her with raised eyebrows, "Zara are you not saying yourself for your mate young lady." "You're not much older than me Tabatha but according to Luna Rochelle-" before she could finish Tabatha burst into laughter again, "Wait I got this one A proper lady saves herself because the union between you and your mate is sacred." "You know…" "I was you before you were you. Honey Amber and I spent hours listening to her tell us how to be prober she-wolves. The first chance I got I jumped Blaine's bones because Kevin would not give me a bone. Luna Rochelle has never had to experience the heat alone." "How bad is it?" "Not bad at all until you meet your mate and then it's like, bad!" "I guess I am good then." "Not me, I'm dreading it," Tabatha looked up and her smile faded. "What is it, Tabatha?" Zara asked she could tell her mood had changed tremendously. "Ophelia, what does this b***h want now? Excuse me, Zara, I will be right back." Tabatha walked up grabbing her by the arm and she lead her out the bar hissing, "Why are you here?" "It is important, why are you here though? I'm not sure Blaine would approve of this place for the mother of his child. If you need money that can be provided." Ophelia said looking back over her shoulder at the bar. "Are you serious?" Tabatha said glaring at her "Of course I am." "Okay first I don't want s**t from either of you second I could care less what Blaine approves of you are his mate, not me. He does not have a say so on how I live my life." Tabatha snapped. "You don't have to be so mean." "Ophelia why are you here?" "Zerion is losing the war between Kreis the dragon lord." "So, and, what the hell does that have to do with me?" Tabatha asked hands on her hip. "Blaine is requesting a favor from you." Ophelia already knew she would say no but Blaine insisted she ask anyway. "Do you want your children to grow up without a father?" Ophelia asked. Tabatha gave her a dead stare, "Did I want my mate to leave me and hook up with the chick that tried to kill my best friend and Luna? Sometimes life isn't fair Ophelia I'm sure you know that every time you see Blaine's mom walking around the palace." "Tabatha look, just hear me out he is not asking for much." "What?" "He needs the book of Thai returned to Zerion." "No." "What do you mean no?" "Exactly what I said. As long as he is at war I keep my son's so tell him I said no." "How can you be so cruel? He loves you, Tabatha." Tabatha laughed in her face, "Wow, you are warped! If that is love he can keep it I'm good over here now please leave and stop coming back I need nothing from you." "Actually there was another thing Blaine would like you to consider leaving this pack so that he can visit his son." Wow, these people are crazy Tabatha thought, "Will you at least think about it?" "Sure I will tell him I pinky promise." Tabatha turned and walked away leaving the princess standing there. Ophelia stood there she hated that every interaction with her had to be so hostile. "Tabatha one more thing!" Ophelia yelled causing Tabatha to cringe at the sound of her voice. Tabatha turned and walked back to her. She stood in front of her glaring. Ophelia looked the Shewolf up and down wondering what it was about her that Blaine loved so. She was pretty enough but her attitude left much to be desired. "Blaine wanted me to ask you to deliver a message to Kade." Tabatha snorted, "Kade does not want to hear s**t from Blaine he betrayed us all! And you should stop popping up around here. They know who you are." Tabatha pointed toward the group of guys that were staring at them. "It's not because your pretty Princess they want to rip you apart." Ophelia gulped normally she would not fear them but the Chosen had taken her powers so she was basically human," Blaine said he would want to hear this." Tabatha again just glared at her, "His mate is missing. Blaine took me to the mall and there was a flyer with her name on it. He was not sure if your people knew or cared but he felt Kade might." Tabatha's eyes began to blink as her words began to register, "Wait when did Blaine find out about this?" "The day he um you know." "Killed his friend like a coward by stabbing her in the back?" Tabatha spat out. Ophelia brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She was so over Tabatha. "Don't make a big deal out of it Tabatha." "Don't make a big deal. Vanessa was family she was Catori's best friend before she came to Mystic Moon and would have flipped the world upside down to find her and he waited six months to mention she was missing." Tabatha sucker punched her in the mouth. "Tell Blaine he ain't s**t!" "HE HAS BEEN AT WAR!" Ophelia yelled, stepping back, "You will not continue to abuse me! This is the last time I show up here alone." "You have no reason to come back at all. I hope Blaine loses the war and ends up buried in the dirt then there will be nothing to stop me from ripping your scrawny ass apart." Tabatha came storming back into the bar she was heated. Zara watched her pour three shots and swallow them. "Not a good conversation?" Zara asked her watching her face as she swallowed. "No, not at all." Tabatha's boss was walking by, "Hey Allen." He turned to look at her, "I quit." "You just started!" "Yeah I know but something was just brought to my attention that I can't ignore." Allen shrugged his shoulders, "Okay cool jobs here when you want it back." Tabatha took some cash out and put it in the registrar, "Fifty bucks to cover Zara's drinks tonight Allen." "Got it Tabby!" Allen yelled over the music. "I'm actually good for tonight." Zara watched as a frustrated Tabatha came from around the bar. "You look like you could use a friend," Zara said to her. "I just found out a friend is missing and I have to find her. It is what our Luna would want." Tabatha walked out of the bar with Zara on her heels. "Can I help?" Zara asked. Tabatha looked at her, "Um maybe not sure if Zion would allow it. Our people kind of depend on your nose." Zara nodded her head in understanding. She was disappointed. "Maybe for a few hours. We will ask him together but first I have to talk to Kade."