The Ivory Queen
Chapter 46

***Aurora’s POV***

I know a storm is coming when Oliver gives in too quickly to Carter’s suggestion.

We’re in trouble, Reyna whispers.

Yup.

Carter squeezes my hand as he takes his place outside the door, leaving me alone with Mia. My eyes wander to the envelope in her hands.

Another gift hidden from me perhaps?

“So what did you want to say to me about Dad,” I ask quietly.

Mia clears her throat. “Well, it’s really about both Mom and Dad,” she says, her voice shaking a little. “You see, after I met with you, Mom and I got into an argument. She was furious I gave you the box. Later on, she got drunk and started saying weird things about you.”

My heart begins to race. “What did she say?”

She picks up speed and starts talking really fast. “She started yelling that you weren’t her real daughter and that she and Dad adopted you.”

Oh Moon Goddess.

“That’s crazy,” I scoff, trying to laugh it off even though I was panicking inside.

“I know! That was my initial reaction, I mean she was drunk after all. But, I don’t know, the way she said it just seemed too real to ignore. So I went up to the attic and dug up some of Dad’s old things and found a photo album. I didn’t replace much at first, just some pictures of us when we were younger.”

“Great, so Mom was just drunk,” I laugh, desperately trying to hide my panic. “What’s the big deal?”

“I found something Aurora… There was a hidden page in the back and this popped out.”

She opens the envelope and hands me a photograph. It’s a picture of Emiliano, Karina, and another couple at a beach. I recognize the other man as Mateo, my father. Emiliano used to carry a photograph of him in his wallet and sometimes I would just stare at it. I never understood why I was so drawn to it until I got that letter. I guess something inside me always knew I was looking at my real father.

“It’s tio Mateo and Dad,” I croak, trying hard not to cry.

I run my fingers along the picture. I hadn’t seen a picture of Emiliano since he died. Karina took all the photos I had of him. She said I didn’t deserve to even look at him. I had forgotten how handsome he was.

I stare at the woman beside my father. I looked exactly like her. She was small, had long straight black hair and deep olive skin. Our eyes were the same, gold like honey. She looked like a Queen, strong, determined, regal, beautiful. Everything I was not.

“Look at the date,” Mia says, interrupting me from my thoughts. “It’s from April of 2002, two months before you were born. And look at Mom. She’s not pregnant. Now look at the girl next to Tio. She’s pregnant. She even looks exactly like you, Aurora.”

“T-That doesn’t prove anything,” I stammer.

“That’s not the only thing I found,” she argues, pulling out a letter from the envelope and handing it to me. “Here. Read it.”

Just like Mom’s letter, the page is enchanted and has the coat of arms at the bottom. It’s addressed to Emiliano from Mateo.

*Written in Spanish*

Dear Brother,

Sofia is almost to term and as this war wages on, I have the growing feeling that I will not meet my two princesses. Brother, I am afraid I will not be able to protect them. So I have a favor to ask of you. Should I pass before Sofia gives birth, promise me you will protect my daughters. Care for them as if they were your own and do not tell a soul about what they are until they are ready to shift and take on their role as Queen and Princess.

I pray the Moon Goddess lets me see them again, but if not, tell Aurora and Celina that I love them more than life itself. They are my moon and my sun. Take care, brother, and may Moon Goddess always be with you.

Your Brother,

Mateo

I fight back my tears as I read the last few lines. I send a silent thank you to Emiliano for fulfilling my father’s final wish.

“Aurora, I know this is a lot to take in-“

“Who else knows about this?” I cut her off.

“No one. I haven’t told anyone about-”

“Good, lets keep it that way. As far as anyone is concerned, Emiliano is my father.”

“Aurora this isn’t some trick. That letter claims that you are a Royal and one of the heirs to the Sol de Oro Throne. I did some research on the coat of arms at the bottom right there,” she points to the bottom of the page. “And I’m pretty sure the Sofia mentioned in the letter was Queen Sofia Isabel of Sol de Oro and Tio Mateo was her King.” She stops when she notices my stone cold expression. “How are you so calm?”

“I already knew,” I sigh, tapping the surface of the table.

“How did you-“

“The letter in the box you gave me explained everything to me. That’s probably why mom was so worked up about you giving it to me.”

“Well I can help you track down your sister. I’m sure there’s gotta be some records I can-”

“I already found her,” I snap. “I don’t need your help!”

She looks hurt by my harshness. “Aurora, I’m just trying to do the right thing here. Don’t shut me out, please.”

I take a few deep breaths to calm down. “I’m sorry for yelling. That was uncalled for,“ I sigh in frustration. My face softens when I see Mia’s genuine hurt. “You can help by keeping this a secret from everyone including Mom. Don’t tell her that you know and don’t go snooping around. You might draw attention to yourself and end up in trouble.” I pull out my phone and hand it to her. “Here, put your number in and if I need your help, I’ll call you.”

She types in her number and hands it back to me.

“I know we’re not sisters, but I want you to know that I still see you as one, even if I didn’t show it all these years,” she says. “I’m sorry.”

“I already told you, I forgave you a long time ago. I just- I’m working on trusting you again.”

She nods and gives me a hug. We stand in awkward silence for a bit. It’s been years since we’ve had a proper conversation, not counting our last encounter and figure it might be worth a shot to try and chat with her.

“Umm, so h-how’s Salvador?” I stutter, trying to make casual conversation.

She frowns. “He’s fine. He’s been training a lot ever since the rogues attacked me. I think it really scared him, almost losing me.”

“I was scared too,” I whisper.

“I know. Thank you for saving me,” she says. “I didn’t deserve it, but-“

“No you didn’t…” I chuckle. “But I’d do it again if I had to,” I add quietly.

She looks at me like she wants to say something else and she almost does. “Aurora I- uh never mind. I should go. Evan told me you have a lot of guests waiting to see you and I have to get back before anyone replaces out I was here.”

I lead her to the door where Carter is waiting. “Drive her to the border so she can get home.”

“Yes Luna,” he answers and walks Mia out.

Sol de Oro. That’s my kingdom, I sigh. Another piece of the puzzle.

I grab the letter and the photograph and take them to the bedroom before locking them in my box. Walking to the room tires me out. I didn’t realize I was still pretty weak from yesterday and regret sending Carter away. I slowly attempt to descend the stairs but after a few steps, my legs feel like giving out and I’m exhausted. I take a break to catch my breath when I see Cameron running up to me.

“Let me help you, Luna.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s I who should be thanking you. You saved my best friend yesterday,” he smiles.

He lifts me in his arms and carries me down to the dining room and sets me down in my wheel chair. Oliver comes running in and snarls at Cameron for being so close. I glare at him, warning him to calm down and Cameron excuses himself.

“Are you going to tell me what you two talked about?” He asks solemnly.

I know he’s talking about Mia.

I’m so tired of lying to him, Reyna. I can’t do this anymore! Carter and Mia know! Why should I keep this from my mate?

She sighs but doesn’t say a word.

“Yes, but not now. We have guests,” I say, fixing his tie. “Can you wait a few hours?”

His eyes light up as he leans down to k**s me. “Of course I can. I’m just glad you’re not pushing me away.”

“I never meant to,” I sigh. “I promise to tell you what she said.”

“Pinky swear?” he grins, holding out his pinky to me.

I lock our pinkies together and nod. “I swear it.”

I’m wheeled out to the yard where I’m stunned to see over a hundred wolves eating and drinking together. From the corner of my eye, I see Isaiah run to my side carrying a little white box.

“Rora!” He cries jumping into my lap. “You’re here!” His little display causes everyone to turn their heads towards us and I blush. “Rora, what’s wrong with your legs? Did the bad wolves hurt you?” He whimpers, his eyes filling up with tears.

“No, don’t cry. My legs are fine. They’re just umm, they’re asleep! I’m waiting for them to wake up!” I say, poking my thigh to show him.

He giggles and pokes my leg in an attempt to wake it up. “Silly legs,” he laughs.

Two wolves whom I presume are his parents come over as well.

“H-Hello, Luna Aurora. I’m Zoe, Isaiah’s mother and this is his father, Ezra. W-we wanted to thank you for everything you did for my son. I-,” her voices breaks and a few tears roll down her cheeks. “I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been there.”

“Thank you for protecting my son,” Ezra adds. “Isaiah told us about the Rogues that attacked you guys in the hospital. I-I have no words to tell you how grateful I am.”

I smile and caress Isaiah’s little cheek. “You have a very handsome and brave little boy. I’m just glad he’s doing well.”

Isaiah blushes at the compliment and k****s my cheek. “This is my girlfriend, mommy. Isn’t she pretty? She’s the prettiest girl in the whole world!” He giggles, extending his arms wide to demonstrate just how pretty I was to him.

I laugh and glance over at Oliver who’s jaw is hanging wide open. Zoe looks mortified and Ezra tries hard to stifle his chuckle.

“Isaiah!” His mother scolds.

“It’s alright,” I chuckle and set Isaiah down. “Isaiah, I’m sorry, but I already have a mate,” I say pointing at Oliver, who seems to have collected himself and waves back.

Isaiah’s little smile fades so I try to my best to cheer him up.

“But between you and me, you’re definitely more handsome,” I whisper and Isaiah grins from ear to ear. “You are also the bravest boy I’ve ever met, even braver than Oliver,” I say, earning me a glare from Oliver. “I’m so happy you came to see me,” I add. I point to the little white box “What’s that?”

He hands me the box. “It’s for you! Open it! Open it!”

I take the white box and slip off the cover. Inside, two beautiful earrings sit neatly in a bed of cotton. Each earring contains a large blue sea glass bead engraved with a wolf in the middle.

“These are beautiful!” I gasp, hugging Isaiah. “Thank you so much. I love them!”

“I made them. Isaiah picked out the beads,” Zoe says with a shy smile.

“Thank you, they’re stunning,” I say, slipping the earrings on and handing Oliver the empty box. “What do you think?” I ask him.

“Beautiful,” Oliver smiles.

Rio barks and Isaiah slides of my lap and runs after him. Zoe and Ezra excuse themselves to go after him and I thank them again for the gift and invite them to visit as often as they want.

Before I know it, several wolves come up to thank me for saving their loved ones, including Scarlet and Russell.

“You look well, Russell,” I smile as he, Scarlet and his wife, Grace, greet me.

“Yeah, it looks like this old dog still has a few years left in him,” he chuckles, earning him a glare from both Scarlet and Grace.

“Oh you hush now, Russ. This is exactly why you should retire!” Grace huffs. “You’re not the young wolf you once were!”

Russell just laughs before pacifying his wife with a gentle k**s on her cheek.

Grace turns to me and reaches for my hand. “My Russell is as stubborn as they come,” she chuckles. “But he came home because of you. And for that I am eternally grateful.”

“Your husband told me about you. He wanted me to catch my breath before I healed him and the thought of you eased his pain a little. You have nothing to thank me for,” I smile. “It was an honor.” I look to Scarlet. “Your father wouldn’t stop talking about you either, or how excited he was to meet his newest granddaughter. How far along are you?”

“I’m ready to pop any minute now,” she giggles. “These past four months flew by so quickly. Jonathan didn’t want me to come but I couldn’t pass up the chance to meet the Luna who saved my mother of unspeakable pain. Thank you.”

Evan’s parents also pay a visit, Katherine smothering me with motherly affection. Sam and Evan have to pry her off of me before she could suffocate me with so much love.

“You know I was so worried when Oliver elected Evan as gamma, especially when he was with that intolerable girl, Adeline,” She huffs. “Ugh, I’m so glad you came into our lives. You are infinitely more fit to lead us than she ever will be.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Oliver says as he leans down to k**s my cheeks and I burst into laughter as his lips tickle me. “I was given the perfect Luna.”

“And it goes without saying Luna, that if you ever need to lean on us for anything, we’re just a few doors down,” Sam adds. “We already consider you family and our door is always open to you.”

My heart almost bursts with happiness. It’s been so long since I had a family.

By the end of the day, there’s a huge pile of gifts beside me. As people prepare to go, Kehlani and Wesley come over to visit me, bringing a little sleepy Matthew.

I extend my hands out excitedly to hold him in my arms.

“Hello, Matthew! You look so good!” I coo and Matthew smiles at me.

“All thanks to you,” Kehlani smiles.

“He’s beautiful. Absolutely perfect.”

“Well, Thank you. I did put in a lot of effort into making him,” Wesley chuckles before getting a smack from Kehlani.

I steal a glance at Oliver and catch him staring at me.

“You look good with kids,” he mumbles quietly.

My cheeks heat up at the thought of having his pups.

“Oh, are we expecting a new alpha of River Moon any time soon?” Kehlani teases.

I blush furiously, shaking my head and Kehlani laughs at my embarrassment. Wesley steps away for a bit while Kehlani and I gush over little Matthew. He returns with a large velvet box moments later.

“This is for you,” he says. “Oliver tells us your Luna ceremony is coming up soon so we got you something for the occasion.”

I stare at him dumbfounded before handing Matthew over to Kehlani and taking the box from him. I carefully pull the ribbon and lift the top off. After digging through a few layers of tissue paper, I discover a midnight blue off the shoulder ball gown with a plunging neck line, a large full skirt and thigh slit. Lace covers the bodice and short sleeves, stopping at the satin skirt.

“You will be a great Luna,” Kehlani says. “And you’ll look good too.”

“This is…” I’m rendered speechless as tears roll down my cheeks. “I can’t accept this,” I say shaking my head.

“You can and you will,” Wesley says. “I’m not taking no for an answer.”

“I- “ I take a deep breath and wipe my tears. “T-thank you, it absolutely gorgeous. Will you be attending the ceremony?”

“All of the alphas are. Everyone is excited to see you finally take your title,” Oliver smiles, leaning down to k**s my cheeks. “You are the most beloved Luna in all the packs,” he whispers in my ear.

I thank them again and after a few minutes of chatter, we say our goodbyes and Wesley and Kehlani go home. Oliver and I make our way back to our bedroom. He sets me down on the bed and takes a seat on the edge.

“So,” Oliver says. “What’s the big secret you’ve been hiding from me?”