Why am I not healing like a wolf? I ask Faith, but I don’t get a reply.
There’s a knock on the my door, I lift my head up to see my mother pop her head in. She has a big smile on her face and she’s carrying a gift bag.
“Don’t think I forgot about your birthday. Here, your father and I have something for you.” She ushers me over to my bed and we sit on the edge.
“Mom, you and dad have already done so much for me, you didn’t have to get me anything,” I say, leaning over and hugging her.
“Of course we did. Besides, we didn’t exactly go out and get you something. I’ve had this with me for a very long time. Now open it up,” she says excitedly.
I pull out a piece of fabric that is entwined with some sort of rope. The fabric is holding something, I disentangle the woven rope and gently pull away the material.
There lies a beautiful silver ring that holds a stone. I lift the ring up, looking closely at the stone; It’s opaque with brushes of white inside. If you look at it from different angles it has a purply blue tinge to it.
“It’s beautiful Mom,” I say in awe, as I stare at the stunning piece of jewelry.
“It’s a moonstone. This ring belonged to my mother and her mother before that,” Alex says, staring down at the ring in my hand.
“I’ve never seen you wear it,” I say, as I try the ring on different fingers to find the perfect match.
“That’s because it was never meant for me.”
I look up at her confused.
“I never felt worthy enough to wear the ring. Over the short time that I’ve had the pleasure of being in your life, I’ve realized how strong a woman you are.” She tries to continue as she takes my hand in hers, but I interrupt her.
“That’s because you and Johnny have helped me become stronger,” I say with a frown. She shakes her head.
“No, honey. You have always been strong; you came to us already determined and powerful, you are wiser and more passionate about life than I ever have been.” She takes a deep breath then continues, “You know how much I love your father, and even though I’m telling you this now it doesn’t mean I’d change any of my past when it comes to him; besides not keeping you of course. When I met him, I fell so in love; I wanted to give him everything and that’s what I did. I gave up my friends and the family I had left, and in doing so I gave him my strength. I no longer needed it. I knew he would protect me, and if I ever needed anything he would be there for me, and he was. But in doing that I lost focus on the girl I was before him. I forgot about my past and only cared about my future…with him.”
“Why are you telling me this?” I don’t know why she’s bringing this up.
“Because I think you need to hear it. You told me about Drake, and I know something is up with the twins. You three were so much closer before the…before the…accident.” She pats my shoulder gently.
“I’ve been watching the way that they watch you, and the way you’ve been watching them when you think no one’s looking. You love them both, but you’re not allowing that love to destroy the new loves that they have found. You don’t realize how proud I am of you for doing that, honey. I would never have allowed it. You’re so much stronger than you realize, and that is why I give you the ring. It’s not only that you don’t have to rely on any man, it’s so much more than that! You shifted without the help of anyone, I don’t think you can comprehend how big that is for a she-wolf and the humility you showed at tonights ceremony was absolutely amazing. You were meant to be part of this pack, Angel. You have a power and independence I never had. Only strong Eden woman should have the privilege of wearing this ring. My mother and grandmother were both incredible woman and now you too get to hold that title.” She wipes away a tear. I’ve never heard Alex talk about her mother, let alone a grandmother, but the way she talks about me being strong and powerful only makes me want to prove her right.
“I… I don’t know what to say to all that?” I look back down to the ring.
She lets out a throaty laugh. “You don’t have to say anything, hun, just believe every word I say. Momma knows best and all that jazz.” She winks and I can’t help but laugh.
“Thank you so much.” I hug her tightly.
She disappears soon after and I head to the bathroom to brush my teeth; I still can’t keep my eyes off the beautiful stone in the ring. I hear growling coming from the twins room, followed by loud crashing. I throw my toothbrush down and clean my mouth out before running into their room. Tyler has Talon up against the wall by his neck.