Nothing is better than the scent of spring. With shortened nights and a sea of blossoming flowers exploding in all colors of the rainbow, every new morning brings me a burst of energy. When I take my walks around the lake after my morning shift, the warm sun tickles on my skin. Smiles greet me from every lip; even Lance is in a good mood.

Dante has pretty much disappeared, something that bothers the Luna more than it bothers me. Every night at dinnertime, she glares at the empty chair. A couple of times, harsh words that the Alpha needs to get a handle on this disgraceful affair are muttered behind the closed door of the study. I go about my business, secretly relieved to have the room to myself. Since the day of my sacrifice, Jos has been away for fighter's training with another pack, and I miss his company more than I probably should.

The morning before the spring equinox, Savannah rushes into the stables just as I'm starting on the cows. "Raelyn, the Luna said you need to get ready. We'll leave for town in half an hour."

I frown. "Town?"

"It's the farmer's market today and we have a stall, plus we'll buy supplies. It's the first year I'm allowed to go." She claps her hands, her teeth biting her lip. The excitement spilling from her big, blue eyes is catching.

"And the Luna said I could come?"

She nods. "I think she wants to buy fabric for new dresses and needs help picking something out."

This sure beats misting out the cow stables. In record speed, I'm back in my room and into the shower. After cooling my heated skin, I wash my hair. Wrapped in only a towel, I search the closet for something suitable to wear. The black skirt and a cream-colored blouse with red dots look at least as if they were bought in this millennium and will have to do.

As I reach for my underwear, the door to the room creeps open. Dante's frame appears on the threshold. Despite the early morning hour, he's staggering, the stench of alcohol streaming from his breath. A deep cut under his eye suggests that he either trained too roughly with his friends or had a run-in with his dad.

He steps behind me and our gazes meet in the mirror. Licking his lips, he smiles. Though Lara's smell is subtle, he must have spent enough time with her for the drops not to fully kick in. He plays with the opening of the towel until I swat his hand away.

"I need to get ready. Your mother is waiting for me."

"You still don't get it. As my mate, you have to submit."

"And mates should be faithful. The door swings both ways, Dante."

When I squeeze past him, he gets a hold of my wrist. I try to tear from his grip and a warning growl rumbles in my chest. As teeth break through my gums, he tightens his hold.

"My father won't like this attitude, Raelyn."

"Your parents don't appear to be too happy with you these days, so I'll take my chances." Another growl resonates deep within me, my teeth scraping the pointed part of his chin. My wolf is about to show him what she thinks of cheaters.

He releases my wrist. "You aren't even worth it."

"And neither are you." I smile with my teeth exposed, relishing in the small victory. His glare is a reflection of my soul. Only hate is left between us.

Not bothering to turn around, I drop the towel and gather my underwear. His dark eyes soak in every inch of me until my clothes put a stop to it. Smirking, I trace the mate mark on his neck with gentle fingertips. When his wolf growls with desire, I lean in and run my tongue over the smooth skin. The rumble from his chest is filled with lust.

I pull away. "I'll meet you downstairs. Maybe if you hurry, you can still take a cold shower."

"Bitch."

With a snicker, I close the door behind me. Taking two steps at a time, I jump down the stairs. Sharp words from the kitchen have me duck behind the door.

"I told you, I'm not going, Mom."

"Your hair has already grown back a little. It's not that bad."

"It's still ugly. No, I'm staying here."

"That's not acceptable, Hailey. I want you to go and that's final."

"But Mom—"

"Just stop, okay."

A door slams, indicating that the coast should be clear. I peek around the frame, meeting Harla's gaze.

She smiles. "Are you all set?"

"Yeah."

"Then you can join the others outside. I'll be there in a few minutes."

Two of the four pickup trucks are being loaded with crates of honey and fresh vegetables from the larger garden. The bakery crew has also been busy; the fresh tarts and different types of roles wrapped in clear plastic almost fill the bed of another truck. Millie supervises the loading with Savannah bouncing around her like an overzealous bee. Ignored by everyone, Hailey sits on a rock. The darkness on her face is the exact opposite to the brightness of the early morning sun. The short stubble that has managed to grow since her father shaved her head gives her a certain masculinity. Nothing is left of the perky and happy girl from just two months ago.

I squat down next to her. "Hey, Hailey."

She doesn't respond.

"Your hair doesn't look that bad."

"I think it looks awful." A few silent tears roll down her cheeks.

"Maybe we can buy you a cap or a scarf."

She snorts. "As if my mother would let me. When we go to the market, we only buy necessities. Asking for anything personal is vain and selfish."

I'd better keep it to myself then that my mom slipped me a hundred dollars before I left my old pack. "A nest egg for a rainy day" as she called it.

Harla and Dante walk out of the house, and from the dark expression on the Luna's face that could rival her daughter's, she isn't happy with her son. Millie claps her hands to speed up the loading and less than five minutes later, we are ready to go. I climb on the back of the empty truck and squeeze onto a bench with Savannah and Hailey after the Luna, Millie, and three older females have chosen their seats. The Alpha, Lance, and two fighter wolves are the designated drivers of the four trucks, each of them joined by several younger males that crowd with them in the front cabins.

The trucks sway along the path toward the fence. As the sun hides behind a few clouds, my bare arms cool in the fresh morning breeze. Goosebumps rise and draw out a shudder; I should have brought a jacket.

Savannah smiles at me. "Tomorrow night, during the spring equinox, the unmarked males can stake a claim to their future mates. It's not really Bay's turn yet since he hasn't finished his basic fighter training, but he's going to ask his father if the Alpha can make an exception. I really want to mate with him this summer."

My brows arch as my attention shifts to Hailey. Why hasn't she told her friend about Marco's intent to claim her? Hailey stares straight ahead into the woods with a blank face, ignoring me. I gaze at the Luna for help, but her eyes are closed. She couldn't have been listening.

When I refocus on Savannah, my smile is crooked. "Maybe there's another wolf who's interested in you."

"Oh, I don't think so." Savannah's big blue eyes are filled with innocence. "Who else could possibly be interested in me? Besides, everyone knows that Bay and I are true mates."

"But what happens if Bay doesn't get consent from the Alpha to claim you this year?"

"Then I guess we have to wait. I would've liked to be pregnant by next spring, but I'm still young and I guess one year delay in starting our family won't hurt us."

If it were only that simple. I nudge Hailey with my elbow in the hopes she will finally break the Marco news to her friend, but she continues to ignore us. I can't even be sure she was listening. Though Savannah deserves to know that her dream won't become a reality, it's not my place to tell her.

When the sun breaks through the clouds, I tilt my head back, relishing the soft strokes of warmth. The trucks have reached the main road but barely pick up speed. The soft humming of the engine draws out a yawn and only the occasional bump in the road keeps me from dozing off. The signs with Longthorne Ridge return me to full alert.

Craning my neck, I soak in the bustling of the early morning excitement. Even in Calina Falls, the spring farmer's market had been special. Flowers had appeared on our dining table after that, and fresh asparagus was the main companion on the plate with the hunted kill for weeks on end. My mom and some of the other females baked cake almost every day to get rid of the last fruit bags in the freezer. The night of the spring equinox was always a big celebration and my father broke out the barbecue pits to prove that winter should take a hike. Now all this is nothing but choking memories.

The trucks come to a stop on the edge of the town square and the males unload while us females set everything up. Dante and Marco are working together, their glares following me wherever I go. It's jarring. Only Savannah's giggles keep the tension in the air from exploding. Bay waits on her hand and foot, totally oblivious that his brother has cast an eye on his true mate. It's cruel that no one enlightens them that their fairy tale is about to come to an end.

Sales are good and over half of our products are gone within the first few hours. I'm about to ask for a break when Harla pulls me aside.

"Come, Raelyn. I need to buy some fabric and would love your advice."

We stroll along the other stalls on the market, letting the masses determine our speed. The Luna stops by one of the vendors and buys some goat's cheese that is marinated in oil and spices.

She winks at me. "A little treat for us females for tomorrow. Don't tell Dante or the Alpha, or it will be all gone."

"My lips are sealed."

"And I'm glad your mood has lifted since your sacrifice. You seem so much happier now."

"Oh, I am." The played enthusiasm in my smile is painful. She is mistaking bitter acceptance with happiness. It's a tough act I'm intending to endure until I've found a way to break those chains of oppression.

She squeezes my arm. "I'm glad, and I promise you that my mate will stop this affair between Dante and Lara. Dante has been warned plenty of times and it won't be long until he will realize that his responsibilities rest with you and the pack."

The enthusiastic smile hurts my cheekbones. "That's great."

"And don't worry, all will work out with the pregnancy next year. You were just too stressed this time around."

She ushers me across the street into a small sewing supplies store. Bales of fabric are lined up on the shelves against the wall, ranging from old fashion patterns to modern designs. I run my fingers along the soft cotton of a retro pattern. A simple shirt would really look nice in that.

"You like it?"

I glance at Harla over my shoulder. "I think it's a nice fabric for a shirt but probably wouldn't work as a blouse or a dress."

"What about the flowery pattern?"

"Too busy. Personally, I prefer simple colors." My smile is timid. "But of course, that's totally up to you."

Her eyes light up with approval; she hasn't caught on that I'm just bullshitting her. "I asked you here so you can help me pick out something that the younger females might like. As you can tell, I'm not really good with fashion."

"Well, it's not only the fabric but also the cut. Those dresses you have were popular fifty years ago. Today, things are much tighter fitting and most females wear a lot of pants."

Her smile is mild. "No pants, but we can look at more tighter patterns."

"And the skirts should be shorter."

"I guess we could take them in a little, if you help me."

"I'd love to."

Picking out the fabric and some new sewing pattern turns into fun and by the time the clerk is stuffing our purchases into half a dozen plastic bags, my throat burns with thirst. Restlessly, I look around the store, my gaze landing on a basket with hats for sale.

I grab a plain navy baseball cap. "Could we get this for Hailey?"

"My mate would disapprove."

"She is really hurting." I bite my lip. Speaking up could be construed as disrespect. "Sorry, it's none of my business."

Harla smiles. "I'm glad you are so concerned about her—it shows you are preparing yourself for your Luna role—but wearing her shame is part of her punishment. It wouldn't be right to cover it up with a cap."

"I understand."

"But you disagree?"

"As Luna, no, but you are also her mother." I could never let my daughter suffer in silence. This is tearing Hailey apart, and Harla is just standing idly by and allows it happen.

"That's even more reason why I shouldn't get it for her. I shouldn't show favoritism toward my daughter."

"I guess I see your point." A new eager smile is forced on my lips. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes." She pulls a ten-dollar bill from her wallet. "And why don't you get Savannah and Hailey, and you three can get yourself a soda at the corner store. It's so warm outside and I'm sure you can use a break."

"Thanks."

I roll up the bill and fist it in my hand. When we get back to the stall, Savannah is thrilled to get out of the sun, but Hailey just trots next to us without muttering a word. Sweat pearls on her head, drawing even more attention to her stubble. As we pass, a few teenage girls turn around and snicker.

The store is busy and I take my time looking at the candy display on the shelves before joining Hailey and Savannah by the cooler in the back.

Savannah points at a bottle with cloudy lemonade. "They have the lemonade Hailey and I like so much. My mom used to bring it for us from town as a special treat. Is it okay if we get it, Raelyn?"

"Sure."

Hailey's snort is bitter. "I don't want anything."

"Come on, Hailey. You used to love this stuff." Savannah's voice is pleading.

Hailey scowls at a new group of teenagers. "Can we just go, please?"

When we get within earshot, everyone in the group laughs.

A girl's lips twitch with malice. "Look at those freaks. I'm telling you, they belong to some weird cult."

"I think they're militia." A boy gives me a good once over. "Or maybe the Amish. Their clothes look like they did in slavery times."

The long skirt hangs on me like a sack.

Another girl laughs. "Don't be stupid, Chris. Amish people do not drive cars or use electricity. They are definitely a cult."

My wolf ascends and it takes all my efforts to keep in a growl. She'd love to show them that wolf packs are nothing like cults. With a clenched jaw, I squeeze by them, clutching the bottle of lemonade close to my chest to hide my claws. Hailey licks her lip and for a second, her teeth show, but it's so brief that the teens couldn't have noticed.

With the lemonade in one hand and the money in the other, I wait for my turn to pay when the bell chimes over the door. The Alpha and Lance enter. A man who is ahead in line with a newspaper steps in their way before Lance can even close the door. "McNamara. Just the man I wanted to see."

"What can I do you for, Mr. Mayor?"

"You missed the town meeting this week."

"Yes, well, in case you haven't noticed, I'm not big on town meetings."

"You should be. Your land was discussed."

"And what is so special about my land?"

The beady eyes of the man quickly roam over the other waiting patrons before refocusing on the Alpha. "The town was approached by a developer who wants to build a hotel resort and golf course on the Northern shore of the lake. Needless to say, this will bring jobs and tax revenue to the area. It's an important contribution in sustaining the town."

The Alpha's smile is cold. "Unfortunately, my land is not for sale and won't be in the foreseeable future."

"There are other ways for you to cooperate, McNamara. Selling the land will be your best option to guarantee a fair price."

"As you know, my family occupies the land."

"And we are only asking for a small part, mostly comprised of approximately two hundred acres in the North. The rest of the property, which is over five times the acreage, will remain with your family." His gaze flicks to the trucks outside. "And come on, it's not that you couldn't use the money. Your cars are about to conk and look at these girls"—we are next to receive a sneered smirk—"their dresses don't even qualify as rags. I bet you don't have computers or a good television. Selling the land will benefit everyone."

"Like I said, I'm not interested." The Alpha raises his chin and his glare cuts into me. "Out, you three."

I gaze at the money in my hand, then at the lemonade, but I'm too afraid to ask whether we can pay first. Abandoning the cold drinks leaves a painful sting in my throat.

"You'll regret this, McNamara," are the last words I catch before the door closes behind me.

~~~~

© Sally Mason 2018

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