Chapter 4 revealed

6 years later

"Amb, wait the hell up would you?" Ashley ran to catch up to me so we could walk the rest of the way to school together. I slowed enough for her to catch me. "Tomorrow is your 18th birthday, are you having a blow out bash to end all bashes or what? I really miss the parties you used to have... I think you are due for a massive one don't you? After all you only turn 18 once right?" 

I hadn't had or wanted a birthday party since I turned 12 and found out the truth about who I am. Don't get me wrong, I have mostly forgiven my parents and all but as my powers grew and developed it just wasn't worth the risk. I spent hours every day training with my parents and Chris (mostly Chris if I am being honest; I had mostly forgiven but it was never quite the same as before) trying to learn how to control my ever evolving powers. 

On my 12th birthday I had made my cake explode, but that was nothing. A week later I woke up to find I had set my bed on fire. 

when I turned 13 I developed the ability to freeze people and things... I guess time in general but only in the area I was in. Over time and with practice I learned to keep things frozen around me for a 2 mile radius; which Chris said was crazy good because he could only do it while he was in the room. 

At 14 I developed the ability to heal... not just myself but others too. Chris and I had been training and a glass unfroze and smashed on the floor sending a shard of glass into Chris's leg. Without thinking I used magic to pull out the glass and heal his leg. 

15 was a difficult year. I developed the ability to hear thoughts... you may think it's cool but believe me, sometimes it's better not knowing what people think. I left behind a lot of so called friends after that. It was too hard hearing their petty thoughts and having to pretend I didn't know that their kind words were fake. 

Melody was the first to go. One day on the way to school she was walking behind me. Her thoughts burst into my mind like lightning across the night sky.

'If it isn't miss perfect!' She thought, I could almost feel the malice in her words. 'She thinks she's so great just because she's got a killer body. Acts like she doesn't see all the guys drooling over her. Yeah sure! She probably isn't even a virgin anymore! I bet she's slept with half the guys in school already. Slut!'

"Oh hey Amb! Don't you look great today? Awesome outfit!" She said in her typical bubbly tone.

'Probably wearing that to show off every bit of her chest and curves. What a witch!' She thought.

It took nearly every bit of my willpower not to punch her in the face. I smirked and nodded my head and kept walking instead but the minute I got home I made mom teach me how to block people out..and from that day forward I made it a point to avoid Melody as much as possible. 

16 was challenging because well I discovered that my parents had not lied... I was in fact a tribrid. I discovered exactly what that meant only hours after my birthday when I made my first transition into a wolf. It was by far the worst pain I had ever experienced. It was like ever bone in my body broke all at the same time. As my body made the change my skin was so itchy I could have torn it off... it took 3 hours to fully change that first time and when it was over I thought maybe I had died. 

But I have to admit, the freedom I felt in wolf form was so exhilarating, that it made the pain worth it. Everything smelled stronger, the colours were brighter, sounds sharper... and man could I run. I could run for hours and not get tired. It was amazing. I also discovered that the more often I changed, the less difficult and painful it was. I guess my body got used to it or something.

As if this wasn't enough, apparently my witch side also decided that 16 was a wonderful age to throw a bunch of new abilities my way. I could move things with my mind (which I discovered completely by accident one day at breakfast when I wished the syrup wasn't so far away and it zoomed right into my hand!), I was able to alter peoples memories and makes them remember things I wanted them too (this one was hard to master and I was still working on it), and I was able to move super fast... mom thinks this ability is more to do with my vampire side but isn't totally sure. 

Anyway, with all these powers and abilities, I spent so much time trying to learn how to control them that time seemed to slip away. 

When I turned 17 I was almost relieved  when no new ability appeared. 

The past year has been like never ending boot camp. You see, it isn't enough that I have a ton of abilities, Chris spends 2 hours every evening putting me through the most gruelling workouts and training sessions that every inch of my body is sculpted and toned. 

"Sis, it's not enough to use magic," he said during training  one day " you need to be able to defend yourself without your magic too. Not every enemy is magical, sometimes normal humans are more dangerous than any witch, warlock, wolf or vamp."

Chris and dad taught me many forms of martial arts, and I have to say my favourite by far was kick boxing.

Mom; well it turns out moms abilities in the kitchen applied to her magic as well. Through mom I learned about herbs, and potions. I learned how to make a salve for a wound and how to make an odourless toxin. I learned how you use the things the earth supplied to cast  spells and I learned to respect the goddess and her gifts.

So after everything did I deserve and want a party? Hell yes! And my parents were all too happy to throw me one. They had already started decorating and preparing the backyard for a major blowout and had even hired a real DJ for it. They had invited a bunch of people from the old community claiming something about me "coming out".. I tired telling them I am not gay, they only laughed and said it wasn't that kind of coming out.... apparently 18 is some kind of step into adulthood and since I would be an official adult I no longer needed to hide from who I was... or at least not entirely?!? I guess it was now safe to tell select people I am alive and a tribrid. What do I know! I just know it means I get a party and that's enough for me.

 

"Ash!" I rolled my eyes at her and linked my arm through hers; "You know tomorrow night is going to be the party of the year!" Ashley laughed and gave me her biggest brightest grin. "It's going to be awesome!"she giggled as we strolled into school just before the 5 minute warning bell.

"Blake is staring at you again" Ashley whispered into my ear as we walked down the hall to first period English class. "When are you going to give in and let him take you out? He's only the dreamiest guy in school!" 

"I like him, I have just been busy." I say more than a little defensively. "He is invited to my party tomorrow night.. maybe.. if he comes..." I trail off and find myself blushing at getting caught staring at him. Blake smiles and walks up to me. "Got to say, I like that colour on you." He brushes his fingers across my hot cheek. "Happy early birthday Amber, can't wait to see you at your party tomorrow." He kisses me on the cheek and walks away.

To say that boy made my stomach flip flop and my heart beat a mile a minute would be stating the obvious. He was beyond gorgeous and so smart. He was on like every sports team and unlike most boys our age didn't sleep with every girl he could get. He had a kindness about him and just enough of an edge to know there was a temper in there too.

Ashley and I got to class and just sat down when the teacher walked in and shut the door. 

"Today we will be watching a movie." Mr. Anderson claimed as the room broke into cheer. Everyone loved movie days, what could be easier than sitting and watching a movie? Much better than assignments and homework. Mr. Anderson walked to the back of the room and brought forward the projector. I would never understand why this school still used a projector but I guess it was still better than homework.

Within a few minutes Romeo and Juliet was playing... as the lights went out and everyone settled in I found my mind drifting to Blake. I could picture his beautiful green eyes and smile that gave me butterflies. I was embarrassed to admit it but every time he was around me I wanted him to touch me, and when he did it was like lightning shooting across my skin. Like every nerve ending came alive at his touch. It left me wanting more. 

I sighed and looked out the window. There was a tall man standing across the street and I swear he was staring at me. But how could he even see me inside the school?? I looked as hard as I could trying to get details of the mans face, but could only make out a general shape..but he was most definitely looking at me, I could feel it.

"Not interested in the movie?" Mr. Anderson asked coming to stand beside my desk. I almost jumped out of my chair and whipped my head around to face him. "No Mr. Anderson; there was just someone outside staring at me."

"Well there's no one there now... pay attention Ms. Thorn." He said and walked away. I looked back out the window and sure enough the man was gone. 'Huh! Maybe I was wrong, maybe he was just passing by and I imagined he was staring' I thought to myself. 

The rest of class I tried to forget about the weird man and watch the movie, but couldn't shake the feeling he had been watching me. The bell rang and we all moved on to our next class. For me that was gym... I loved gym! It was one of my best classes and I got to see Blake. 

I practically ran into the change room to get ready. I got to my locker and opened it and was surprised to find a small, perfectly wrapped present inside.  There was no card and no way to tell who left it there... no one had my combination. I put the present back in my locker to be figured out later and changed into my gym clothes and ran into the gym. 

"Nice of you to join us." Mrs. Thompson snapped. I would never understand why she was always so miserable. 

"sorry mrs.Thompson." I replied. 

"We'll come on then, you are team captain and need to pick your team." She said impatiently. 

I  looked around and saw today's game would be volleyball, and of course the other teams captain was Blake! Why could he never be on my team... oh well, who to pick... 

"For my first pick I pick Ashley." I announce. "I will take Melody " Blake returns..we continue this back and forth until all the teams are evenly divided. We spend the next 45 mins playing. My team won thanks to a killer spike by Ashley. 

After gym we changed and went to lunch. The rest of the day passed by quickly, and by the end of the day I had completely forgotten about the man outside the school. 

"Hey Amberlee!" Melody yelled out trying to get my attention as my little group left school.

"ugh what does she want?" Cassia complained. Cassia had never been one of Melody's fans so when I pulled away from Melody she was over the moon happy. Now she, like me avoided Melody as much as possible. 

"probably wants to show off her new piercing." Snickered Tori. 

Melody walked up to us as if she was our best friend "I was just checking because , well, I didn't get an invitation to your party... I am sure you just forgot my invite." 

"Umm, sorry Melody," I have to think for a second.. how do I answer that and not sound like an ass. "Umm, I was only allowed to invite so many people; sorry I reached my max already." I chewed my bottom lip as I spoke, I hate being put in situations like this. I hate being mean. "maybe next year okay?" 

"Go to hell! You will regret this!" Melody hissed and stormed away.

"Let's go!" Cassia said softly "it's not your fault she can't take a hint. She's mean and would stab you in the back the second you turned around."

"Yeah, I know." I agreed. From hearing her thoughts I know how mean and dishonest she was. We all started walking home and within a few minutes the mood had lightened. My friends started turning off towards their own houses until it was just Ashley, Blake and I. We turned the corner that lead to our block and I almost jumped out of my skin. Standing up the road, right by my house was what looked to be the same man from earlier today. 

"Who the hell is that?" I wondered out loud. 

"Who is what?" Ashley asked clearly puzzled. 

"The strange man by my house!" I explain my agitation leaking through my voice. 

"Are you feeling okay Amb? There is no one there?!?" Ashley asked. She looked at me with concern and then looked up towards my house. I looked again and sure enough the man was gone. I was sure he had just been there....hadn't he?  

"Maybe I need a nap!" I tried to pass it off lightly and threw in a light laugh. 

Blake was staring intently up towards my house, but didn't say anything. 

"okay! Well I am headed home..."Ashley blurted obviously uncomfortable and uneasy. "Get some sleep bestie, you have a big day tomorrow and tomorrow night we party!" With that Ashley darted off just a little quicker than normal to her front door. Blake walked me all the way to my door before he spoke.   

" Do me a favour? Don't go anywhere alone for a bit? I don't like the idea of Stange men hanging out around your house. Damn sickos are everywhere." Blake looked me in the eye pleading with me to agree. 

"I won't go anywhere tonight...like at all!" I promised. I gave Blake a smirk and kissed him lightly on the cheek, then I slipped in my front door and closed it behind me.  

I ran up the stairs into my bedroom and tossed my school bag on my bed. I walked over and peeled out my bedroom window. 'No one there.' I thought. Maybe I do need a nap. I lay down on my bed and glanced my school bag where I had put it on the corner of my bed. I saw a corner of my little gift from my locker sticking out of my bag. I had thrown the present into my bag after gym and forgot about it entirely. I pulled it out of my bag and carefully unwrapped the paper.. it was such beautiful paper I had to try to save it. Gold glitter on black background... it was covered in balloons and presents and was so shiny and eye catching. Inside the paper was a small blue box. I opened the box and inside was a beautiful charm bracelet. It was gold 14k according to the little tag. On the bracelet hung 3 charms: a wolf, a wand and a symbol of immortality.. but no card... no clue as to who left it... "who the hell knows about me?" I felt a sudden surge of panic... someone figured out my locker combo, and knows who I am... who I really am!!!

I jumped off my bed and ran down the stairs. Maybe Chris put it there... I wouldn't put it past him just to prove anyone could get me anywhere.. completely his sort of thing. 

"Funny trick." I said to Chris as I walked into the kitchen. Chris looked up from his sandwich that he was intently staring at as if trying to figure out the best way to eat it. 

"What trick?" Chris looked completely confused. 

"The trick where you somehow figured out my locker combination and left this inside." I dangled the charm bracelet on my finger in front of him. Chris still look confused but now seeing the bracelet looked more worried than anything. 

"Not me sis, I would never risk getting caught in the girls locker rooms. And I could not afford such an expensive gift!" Chris snatched the bracelet and started inspecting it. "Who did you tell about who you really are? Don't you think? What the hell Amber, do you not realize that just because you turn 18 tomorrow you are actually in more danger than ever? Are you trying to get us all killed?" 

"Can I talk now?" I snapped "First of all I haven't told a single person, not even Ash and she is my best friend. Second; I know full well the danger my birthday brings. I know that as of tomorrow every creature witch, wolf and vampire alike will be able to sense me and that since my powers will all be completely revealed, my power will be far too great for mom to continue masking me. You think I don't see the drain it already puts on her to mask me everyday? Why do you think I do t go places? I try to keep my exposure to a minimum so mom doesn't have to work so hard.  I am scared to death of what happens tomorrow and am doing my best not to think about it and focus only on my party..but thanks for your complete and utter lack of confidence in me." I finished and stormed out of the room, before turning around walking back in and grabbing my bracelet. 

"That's mine thanks."

I stormed up the stairs, into my room and slammed the door. An hour or so later I heard the front doorbell ring. And then again 5 mins later.. I head my parents answering the door each time but was still too angry to investigate who had arrived. About 15 mins later the bell rang again and I could no longer resist the urge to see who was here... we never got visitors. Occasionally Chris or I would bring home friends and sometimes a parcel would come, but very seldom did people actually drop by. 

I quietly crept down the hallway to the top of the stairs. I could hear what sounded like at least 10 people;maybe more downstairs. I started down the steps just as mom called out. "Amberlee, can you come down here please?"

When I walked in the kitchen I found myself surrounded by 12 strangers, my mom and dad, and of course Chris. 

"we want to introduce you to some people...these are some trusted members of our coven." Dad said proudly. "Amberlee this is Mr. Owen Burrows and his lovely wife Mrs. Kathy Burrows" Dad pointed to a couple that looked to be in their 50's, the man was tall, thin with slightly balding brown hair with hints of grey. His brown eyes said more than his words. "Nice to finally meet you your highness.." He seemed to be angry about something and the anger was definitely pointed towards my parents. The woman, his wife was short and plump. She seemed to be a very bubbly person and her hazel eyes seemed to dance. She bowed her head to me "Pleasure to meet you at last." She grinned. I could tell she was a kind soul and someone I could easily get along with. 

"Next we have Albert and Adam Ferns..." These two were adorable and everything about them matched. you could see how much these two loved each other by the way they seemed to dote on each other. 

"Moving on we have Ida and Jonis Jins...and Penny and Garvey Dees.." Dad continued through the list and I noted each persons name and took a small dip into each ones mind as I was introduced. So far everyone of them had only nice thoughts about me and my family... well except Owen who was angry that my parents hadn't introduced me to everyone years ago. 

"This is Draga and Mags Opelle and finally last but not least this is Rhoda and Melvin Malgan second in command of the High coven Red haven." My dad concluded. 

Draga was not as friendly as the rest... his thoughts were filled with anger.. why did no one tell him, how did he go 18 years not knowing there was an heir to the throne... it was supposed to be him that took over not some little girl without the first idea how to run a coven... 

"Who said I want to run a coven" I blurted at him before I could stop myself. His thoughts had made me flinch and I responded before thinking. The shocked look on his face and everyone else in rooms too for that matter gave me a small ounce of smug satisfaction. Not one of them knew the extent of my powers. 

"You can read minds!" Draga stated more fact than question... 'maybe she may have some powers then... I still don't see what makes her so special..' he smirked at me knowing I heard his thoughts. 

"Maybe one day I will tell you the answer" I teased him. 

"I look forward to it." He grinned and walked into the living room. 

"Can I get everyone's attention?" Mom said. Everyone came and stood in the kitchen listening to mom and looking at me. "So you have now all been introduced to Amberlee. I know some of you are very upset that this information was kept from you..believe me when I tell you this was completely necessary. You see, not only is Amberlee our future Queen, but she is also the first female tribrid born in hundreds of years." Everyone's mouths weee practically on the floor... I had to stifle a giggle. "I know you all understand how rare it is for a tribrid to be born and survive, and you all also know the enormous amount of power that a tribrid possesses. Amberlee most definitely lives up to this truth. So far she has mastered so many abilities from all of the elements. She has embraced the change of the wolf and is quick to heal. Tomorrow is her 18th birthday and as you all know all her powers will merge and she will attain full strength. I have spent years masking her and keeping her safe. But  after tonight I will no longer be able to. I am asking each and every one of you here tonight, to help me keep her safe.. the minute the black moon coven and the Draven clan of Vampires discover her existence they will be after her .. we need to keep them from getting her at all costs."

"And why aren't you worried about the other wolf clans?" Owen asked. 

"The wolves won't be an issue... trust me." Mom said a little too confidently. She knew something she wasn't saying. "Can we count on you all to protect your future queen or not?" Mom pushed.

"Of course you can!" Albert jumped up and blurted obviously offended "as if you even have to ask. We would defend and protect her with our last breath. The question is how do we protect her. It is one thing to defend against an enemy but you are talking about the start of a war... you do realize that don't you? Do Lord Marcus and Lady Victoria realize what's happening? Do they know the power she yeilds and the potential war that is coming?"

"Of course they know!" Dad snorted "Like they would send us off to raise their only child and not want to be kept updated constantly." Everyone else in the room nodded their heads in agreement, i however felt enraged.

"Constant updates?? So you have been communicating with them? Why have they never communicated with me? Why have I never even met them??" I snapped. My face was blood red. 

"Darling they will meet you, soon. They were just trying to keep you safe." Dad said trying to calm me. He reached out to grab my hand but I was to angry. 

"Don't!" I warned... he tried again and my temper got away from me. The fireplace lit up with a blast of fire where seconds ago it had been cold. "I said don't!" I yelled. I jumped up and ran upstairs to me room. I heard peoples gasps of surprise and saw people watching me as I ran upstairs but I honestly didn't care. I was done with people telling me how to behave, how to feel and who I was supposed to be. I just wanted to be alone for awhile. I ran into my room shut the door and flung myself on my bed. 

How could they never once talk to me or see me and say they cared so much?? How could they still not be here? I cried until I had no tears left to cry, until I was so drained I fell asleep.