“Gods know what third rated theatre script you’re going to read from,” I said, rolling my eyes and leaned forward. “If you’re going to keep making jokes and causing mischief, I’d have you leave the room immediately.”His eyes were bright with unconcealed amusement. Raising his hands in mock surrender, he said, “Fine. It’s not like you can kick me out. It’s in the contract.”What was in that darned contract? I sat up and tried to ignore him, focusing on the other members. “What are your plans for rebuilding?” “It is all proceeding as discussed in the last meeting,” Commander Turner said, lacing his fingers together. I maintained a stern face but I remained grateful for his silence regarding my absence. There was a lot to catch up on. We continued to discuss the matters regarding the people especially the misplaced ones, reconstruction of buildings and the security. After two long hours of arguing and deliberating, the council meeting came to a close and agreed to focus on security f
“Why are you asking that all of a sudden?” she asked, brow raised in suspicion. “I have always been curious.” She looked out at the empty streets and sighed. For a while, she did not say anything but played with her manicured thumbs. A tinge of black and red appeared in her usual pale yellow aura. I suppose she was the wrong person to ask that question. I wonder if Commander Turner would tell me if I asked. Besides, I needed to see my uncle. I have nothing about him from the gossiping elites. “He was a werewolf, the strongest of his kind,” she said, her gaze still on the road. I sat up in surprise, prepared to listen for more. The pain slowly became a memory as she spoke further.“He led his pack after his father returned to the heavens. Some say he was ruthless and others, generous. One thing people agreed on was that Achillaes was a just man. He was a member of the council of Arth.”“Wow. What was the council like before you know, now?”She exhaled, a happy grin on her face as s
“What do you mean he is gone?” I had long left Morgan on the streets and followed Commander Turner around as he helped to dish food to the helpless people in the community. Putting on an apron, I joined in moving the trays around and keeping a close eye on him. “Commander Turner,” I called, breathless as my body gradually drained from the amount of magic that felt me while moving the trays in the air. “You can’t just drop that and ignore me.”“Sir Albert is gone. He escaped while we tried to return things to order.” That’s when I remembered my uncle’s words the night of the war. He could not be in Westfalls, could he? Commander Turner was already leaving the camp by the time I got a hang of the craziness. Ditching the apron, I scurried after him.“What exactly happened that night?”“We lost the fight. The fake you got abducted but your father put a stop to it. We found it was not you but Sir Albert and he took off before we could question him.” “Oh.”“You should rest. It’s going t
I let Ace and Morgan in on the plan over lunch and they eyed every part of it with suscpicion. It was almost not to pull my hair out, wondeering why they were not supportive.“Because you are the only one doing everything. We are coming with you,” Morgan said.“I can’t get anyone in more trouble.”“Screw that thought. I’m coming because I want this crazy plan of yours actually work. The chances of it not working if you do it solo are high, Phoebe.”“If you don’t me tag along, I will screw you up,” Ace threatened.“How are the kids?”“Turning that place into a fortress. Tina is a boss in the making. You should ordering the rest around and it makes you wonder if she really was shy or an introvert.”We continued to gossip until we had to separate at the town’s market area. I locked eyes with Sir Hampton as I found my way back to the Tower. A light smirk played on his lips, leaving me weirded out. Whatever he was up to would definitely not be good. If he could put his trouble making on ho
I suddenly knew how to curse in a thousand languages in my head. Panicking, I searched for where to hide. Morgan turned as white as sheet when Ace pulled us behind the coffin at the altar. It seemed like the main exit opened once more as more footsteps followed the former. We are so screwed.“What are you doing here, Sir Hampton?”“I could ask the same of you, Turner.”Shit. Double screwed. If either of them caught us, we would be dead. “I would expect the demons to poke around in places that have nothing to do with them but you, Sir Hampton? It’s a bit ridiculous. Did you bring down the security system placed?” “No,” Hampton spat. “I will not be accused of such.”“Then why exactly are you here and not in your home? Have a reasonable excuse when I bring this up in the Council’s meeting tomorrow.”“Enjoy the comforts of your position but not for long. You and that blasted daughter of Juniper will be gone faster than you can imagine.”“Is that a threat, Hampton?” Commander Turner gro
“Father?” I called out, knocking on his door. I pushed the door open as soon as he allowed me to come in, ignoring the pain in my wrist. An strange encounter with Hampton earlier this morning left me with uneasy flutters in my belly and a pulsing pain. I would have demanded what spell he had directed at me if I was not concentrated on finding my Father. In his brightly lit room, Father sat in his couch, nursing a cup of hot coffee in his hand. His eyes crinkled when he saw me. Waving a hand for me to come closer, he set his cup down and crossed his legs. The color had returned to his face and the gauntness in his body slowly disappeared. Mama Owens must have paid him another visit.“To what do I owe the visit?” He asked.“Why? Can’t I come see my old man?”“I hear you’ve been active with the council meetings and all.”I shrugged my shoulders, settling down in the couch opposite his. “I try my best.”“You want something. Spit it out,” he sighed, clasping his hands together. His brows
I was out of options. Tying my hair up for the fifth time this morning, I paced around the library which had inadvertly become my second home. I walked down the row of books that I had arranged over the night, trying to come up with solutions. Shoving in the last of the books in my hand, I left the building in a hurry, consumed by the thought of one person who might help.I found her easily, being the grumpy old woman she is, throwing a snarky scowl at some kid with a handful of ghost orchids. Her gaze fell on me, bearing annoyance with a hint of surprise. Without a word, I followed her around town, close enough to be a bother, until she arrived a small house not far from the busy streets. To my surprise, the door remained open for me until I entered. It closed with a gentle thud as I followed the listless woman into her home. Looking around the neatly kept home brought a sense of familiarity; her quaint flower shop where I once practiced magic.“What do you want now? I found your fa
Tracking someone down can be difficult, especially if you are only an intermediate like me who was putting it into practice for the first time. The only ones who could properly track were the officers who were to trained to do so for months. However, I have the abridged and er… weirder version of a spell to find my uncle, thanks to my mother’s spell book. Finding it under a scattered pile of romance novels I had purchased over the years, I felt a bit guilty for not using it as often as I should. Flipping the pages, I searched for the spell I had briefly read and found it on the second try. After reading through the requirements for the locator spell, I rummaged through my belongings for the lightest thing I own (a sheet of rumpled paper), a feather from my pillow and salt. I chuckled to myself when I achieved all three and threw them into a boiling pot of water. Watching the odd mixture, I winced and went back to the book to confirm if I really did as it said. I did. After I stirred
When Morgan left, it felt like life pushed me back into my reality. Wiccan terminologies and slangs I thought I had forgotten came out of me as Morgan and I chatted, and reminisced about the good old days and the things that happened in my absence. The house buzzed with everyone talking about their day, well except Claire. She stalked Morgan out of here. A mail arrived an hour later, requesting all Alphas to be present for a meeting that evening. The sudden call turned the atmosphere tense as everyone realized the cause and could only imagine the outcome. I catered to the potions and charms Morgan made, keeping them in a safe drawer in my room. The strong colors showed the potency and strength the potions held. It would be possible to protect the house and everyone in it with these alone. “Are you hiding in here to cry now that your friend is gone?” I laughed at Jess words as she walked in into the bedroom. “Reed and Connor said to check in on you. They would have done so themselves
I pulled Morgan into a hug once more. It felt as though he might disappear if I take my eyes off him or let him go. He laughed and held me steady, reassuring me. I drew back and took another look at him. He dressed in casual clothing and boots but his exhaustion was clear as day on his face. “If I knew I would be missed this much, I will stay away longer,” He joked, his gaze shifting to the giggling babies. “Aw, babies. Any of these happen to be yours by any chance?”“No.” I picked up Pete from the hastily made bed of soft towels and pillows. “This little guy is Pete and the other is Theo.”He shook his head and refrained from carrying the baby. “Babies are cute to look at but I don’t know how to care for them. That is Ace’s job.”“Try it! He’s soft and cuddly.” “And easy to drop.” He rejected the offer once more. “When will you start popping out yours?”Turning Pete to rest on my chest, I threw Morgan a scowl. “Why are you here anyway?” “Wiccan envoys from Arth decided to drop by
The construction of the safe house came along faster than we expected. Rhys and Liam worked as contract construction workers in a private company. Their knowledge was useful in gathering materials and putting in the work to build the shelter. I tried to help by lifting tools and joining materials together. When my usefulness was outdone by the werewolves’ strength and speed, I resigned to working with Orion to get more provisions. As we began to offload the groceries into the car, the shadows suddenly spread across the ground. The wind picked up, bringing with it a storm of dust. As I shielded my face, my clothes pulled against me. I helped Orion get into the backseats of the car to hide out. “I don’t believe this change in weather was included in the weather forecast this morning,” he said, coughing. My nose itched as I looked at the dark sky. The clouds covered the sun, blocking away rays that attempted to escape. The sand storm might have been overlooked by the forecast team,
“Where have you been?” I grabbed the demon by the collar of his shirt, demanding. “I asked you a question, you damn demon!”“Go easy on the shirt. It cost me a lot.” He grabbed my wrists, loosening my grip on him. “I ventured a little farther and got captured.”“What? Who did it?” I noticed the dark blood prints on his shoes and knees of his white trousers. “Why is there blood on you?”“Calm down, Princess. Some of it isn’t mine.” He sighed heavily, running his hands through his hair. “I took a small vacation back to hell to regain some of my awesomeness.”“Quit saying shit and tell me what happened.” I offered him a glass of water then wondered if demons needed to drink water at all. Lucas drank greedily, and wiped his mouth when he finished. “Some crazy witches caught me, the ones serving the ‘Lord’ and tried to use me to do their dirty work.”“Tried?”“They used me to do their dirty work, okay? Murder, extortion, anything you can think of. It was awful not having a free will.”
I felt awful. A person being happy about someone else’s misfortune has a price. Having a conscience does little good and gives little benefits but it pays. It pays to have people be indebted to you. Okay, that’s enough with this terrible monologue. But I was right. Those two blondes are twins. The cab stopped in my familiar, middle class town. I stepped into Jess’ clinic and found it empty. There was no sign of struggle or blood. Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself into thinking she stepped for a moment. Making use of the private bathroom, I showered and changed into some dress I found in a lost and found box. The bell at the door jingled as the door creaked inwards. I stopped mid-twirl and stepped towards the entrance. “Doc is out at the moment,” I said, sweeping my hair into a messy ponytail. “Oh, it’s you guys.” “You sound disappointed to see us.” Connor carried in a gift basket while Jess held a bouquet of fresh flowers. “Where did you go earlier?” “Out and about.” I look
"Is that a limo?" The nail file fell to the clean tiled ground with a sharp clang. I gawked at the sleek black, long vehicle parked in front of the clinic. I scurried to the door, gawking at the extravagance. When Alpha Simon said he would send transport, I did not think he would send a flashy one. This was highly unnecessary. What if my mates were present? How did they even find me? “Jess? I’ll be back in a few.”“That,” she pointed at the limousine. “…is for you?”“Surprisingly so.” I turned to grab my purse. “Could you not tell Connor and Reed about this? Ill let them know myself when I get back.”“But what if they drop by?” she asked, darting another look at the vehicle outside. The suited driver stepped out of the car, and came around to wait at the passenger’s door. “Make up an excuse. I am sorry about this and thank you, Jess.”“But where are you going?” she yelled as I dashed out of the clinic. “Be careful.”Climbing into the vehicle, I waved her bye. Settling in, I came f
The day to intrude on Alpha Simon came sooner than expected. I took a cab, growing unsettled by the minute as the vehicle entered the next town. I had the cab pull up in front of the town's hall. When I got off, my plans suddenly seemed childish. What was I thinking? How am I supposed to find an Alpha in a town of many people? What was I going to do, walk in and ask for a Simon? There could be a thousand Simons in this town for all I knew.I watched people come and go, unable to tell the difference between them. They could all be normal people, wondering if I was the weird one. I brushed my hair out of my face, irritated by the afternoon breeze. I really should not be here. Pulling out my phone, I looked for a cab to get me back home. A shadow cast over my figure as someone fell in step beside me. "The Alpha bet you would be here but I did not believe him."Startled, I flinched at the low voice and looked at the bearer. It was the Mohawk dude from the other day. His piercing gaze sh
"Reed explained the situation to me. I do agree it's important to calm everyone down." She peered at me with a firm gaze. "I believe you have been explained to how the process goes." "Yes," I replied. "This might be a source of discomfort to you, baring yourself to wolves at a time like this. Don't worry though. The test will take place before the council and some by this time next week." I nodded in understanding. "I can't wait to get this over with." "If you don't mind me asking, have you come in contact with any witch since your banishment from Arth?" "No, none." "Strange," she mused. "Pardon me but when Arth is this quiet, its people are up to no good." "I like to think they are just healing from the mess. Besides, they have a serial killer bound. They are probably preoccupied with investigating than planning another attack." "Let's hope so." Her grave tone tugged at my nerves. Connor grabbed my hand and gently squeezed. I might have been banned from Arth but my friends h
In bed, I curled up in Reed's arms, browsing celebrity gossip on his phone. The evening found the Pack House quiet after the departure of Simon and his men. Connor, Jeremy and Rhys went to make sure they were truly good from our lands and scurried around for signs of another invader. Simon have no other information other than what he wanted from us: me. From his manner of speech, it seemed to be something of grand scale. If it was, Alpha Simon should know that I do not bear powers that made a witch a master of the elements. Before I retired, I sent Lucas on a spying mission. He had been keeping an eye on the imprisoned witches who continued to work in secret. I paused in my reading, feeling Reed's hands venture under my night gown and massage my breast. It reminded me of how long it has been since we last made love. With everything that has been going on, it seemed like the last thing on anyone's mind. Besides, the kids are right next door. I could hear them reading a book with Lia