Chapter 189
Matt POV
It was as if the ground beneath me had cracked open, and the truth–this unbelievable truth–had poured in like a flood, drowning all sense of
reason.
The bear shifters were guardians of the Moon Goddess bloodline? How was this possible? A memory flickered across my mind where during our history classes in the pack, Elders had mentioned once that in ancient times the bears also worshipped the moon goddess. And hence to make things easier for them, the two temples were built nearby. The bears could go to the Moon Goddess temple if they wished after praying to Veles. But the knowledge seemed insignificant that time. It was like what did the bear clan have in common with the wolf clan?
A chill ran down my spine. “You’re saying we, the bears, are connected to the Moon Goddess?”
“Not just connected,” Elder Kael continued. “One of us is the key to unlocking her legacy. His strength, his lineage, it’s all tied to her power.”
I sat back, absorbing his words. The weight of the revelation pressed down on me. “But how? What does this mean for me? I mean, how did this even happen? Are we in some kind of ancient ritual or bond that would annihilate our species? Has the Shaman sensed something like that?”
Elder Kael nodded solemnly. There’s a story to this. One that is not available in the archives, but has come down from one generation to the next. There is no authenticity, but I’ve always felt that it can be found in the archives of Alpha Lucien’s extensive library.”
“A story?” Every word coming from Kacl was deepening the mystery. Honestly, I was getting agitated by the minute.
He nodded. “The bears vowed to protect the Moon Goddess‘ bloodline after a great war between the ancient packs and a dark force that sought to destroy her power.”
“What evil force?” I asked impatiently. “These are modern times, Elder Kael,” I snapped. “No one believes in ancient myths.”
He shook his head. “No, Alpha Matt, there are things happening. Things that are beyond us. We have to look out for them.”
“But what is the story about?” Mom asked, getting curious.
“The Goddess, a symbol of life and light, was targeted by those who feared her strength. They threatened to destroy her, make sure that if she ever had descendants, they would all die. No one came to her rescue, except the first alpha bear. He was bound by ancient honor and strength, and he stepped forward to guard her descendants, swearing an oath of eternal loyalty. The Moon Goddess‘ bloodline was the key to peace and balance in the realm, and only the bears, with their fierce loyalty and power, could keep it safe from those who wished to see it erased.”
“But there are no direct descendants of Cressida!” I said with irritation. “And that’s why this is nothing but a myth and mirage!”
“Such things are not sighted unless there’s a greater power at work, Alpha Matt,” Harper intervened. “The ancient blood has reawakened. Powers sealed away to protect him or her from ancient enemies. And we believe that Tamara is the direct descendant of the goddess. Your bond with her is the catalyst needed to awaken those abilities.”
“T–Tamara?” Ground shifted beneath my feet. “Y–you are speculating!”
“It is only after you smelled Tamara as your mate that the Shaman saw those shadows around Veles temple,” Elder Kael pointed out.
“This is an assumption, Elder Kael,” I rasped. “Do you even know what you are saying? Tammy is the daughter of Alpha Lucien and Luna Auren. It is a well–known fact that Luna Auren belonged to the Crimson Howl pack and was an omega. Yes, she got her wolf, but that’s it. How can Tammy be different from her parents?” Couldn’t they see how ridiculous this was sounding? But what could I expect from Elders who loved to believe in myths?
“Alpha Matt, it’s not just about unlocking abilities. It’s about restoring balance, reconnecting the bear and goddess bloodlines. Together, you and Tamara can fulfill the ancient pact. And if the Shaman’s words are true, then you are Tamara’s guardian. Have you ever heard of a bear shifter being a werewolf’s mate? There are none. Can’t you see what is in front of you?”
His words left me bereft. Breath lodged in my throat as realization dawned upon me. I was the first bear shifter whose mate was a werewolf.
As my parent sat in silence, completely stunned, the weight of Elder Kael’s words hung heavy in the air, pressing down on my chest. A guardian? Me? The disbelief churned inside me like a storm, each gust of doubt stronger than the last. How could I possibly be the one to unlock a legacy so old, so powerful?
“I” I began, but my voice faltered, my mind struggling to catch up with what I was hearing. The words felt too impossible to believe.
I sat there, rooted to the spot, my mind racing with a thousand questions I couldn’t seem to put into words. What was I supposed to do with this knowledge? What was my next step?
Elder Kael seemed to sense my confusion, and his voice softened slightly. “This is not something to be taken lightly, Alpha Matt. But it’s not yet time to act. Your role in this is important, but we must tread carefully.”
1/2
I blinked, my gaze fixed on him as the enormity of the situation began to sink in. “What do you mean by that?” I asked, trying to ground myself.
Elder Kael paused, his face grave. “The bond between you and Tamara, as well as your connection to the goddess‘ power, must remain a secret–for now, until we find out more about it. The time is not yet right.”
I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. “But… What does that mean? Are you saying I can’t even talk to Tamara about this?”
Elder Kael’s eyes softened, but he said firmly, “For now, yes. Until we understand more, until we are sure the time has come, this knowledge must stay between us.”
The responsibility of it all felt overwhelming. “So what now? What am I supposed to do?”
“Just wait. We will continue our research. The Veles Temple holds knowledge of our ancestors, and we need to visit again. There may be more clues there, something we missed before. We can’t act without knowing everything we can.”
Ancient Veles Temple. I never imagined I would be tied to it in this way.
“You must stay close to Tamara,” Elder Kael said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Support her. Protect her. Since there’s much we don’t know, and
powers are still latent, hidden, if she is to awaken, it must happen in its own time.”
Tamara’s
A rush of emotions surged within me–protectiveness, fear, confusion. How could I possibly keep this secret from her? She was my mate. I needed to guide her, to help her understand what was happening to both of us. How could I stay silent?
“I understand,” I finally said.
“When the right time comes, you will guide her. Help her understand what she is, and what she must do.” Elder Kael stood, indicating that the meeting was over.
Father disconnected the call and my thoughts were a tangled mess. I had a duty now. A responsibility far beyond what I’d ever imagined. I couldn’t believe the blood of the guardians ran through my veins, and Tamara’s fate was tied to mine in more than one way.
Until now, all I knew was that the bond between us was undeniable, and I would do whatever it took to keep her safe. But whatever this ancient legacy was, whatever forces were pulling us together, I was ready to face it head–on. Why did I feel that whatever happened was written somewhere in the heavens? Like ancient gods were directing us.
Even though this was all myth, the Shaman had to uncover it deeply, I felt my responsibilities had increased manifold. I had to be with Tammy like her shadow.
I picked up my bag and before I stepped out of my dorm, I speed–dialed her. She didn’t pick it up, which meant she was still practicing. I practically ran to her, wondering which evil force was after
my Tam. was going to
tear them apart even if it meant dying for her.
The practice was in full force. Coach Dana was shouting at everyone. Tam was trying her best to prove herself, covered in bruises. Lexi and Sarah were also shouting at her, telling her that they would lose because of her. A feral growl left my throat, and some of the team members froze. The moment they saw me, they all stopped passing snide remarks. I sat down on the bench and watched them all with feral intensity spilling my alpha aura. After that no one dared to say a word to her.
By the time the practice was over, Tam was sweating. She sat on the ground, panting. I walked to her, and just picked her up in my arms. “Matt!” she protested weakly.
“Shut up,” I growled. She snuggled into my chest, too tired to protest. I hugged her closer, and walked out as Sarah and Lexi stole scornful glances at us. When I was out of their earshot, I said, “Don’t play tomorrow.” I hated to see bruises on her body, but they started healing as I walked toward her dorm.
“I have to…” she said in a low, shaky voice.
“Fine, then I’m coming with you!”
