July 21st

(Simon’s POV)

“You have a minute?” Nathaniel asks knocking on the open office door. Looking up I see him standing in the doorway holding most likely a cup of tea. Him and Ella are the two tea drinkers in the family as both don’t like coffee.

“I could use a break. With Pierce away visiting Edward this week I’m stuck with all the building plans.“ I reply as Nathan walks over and sits in one of the chairs in front of the desk.

“Looking forward to the gathering next week?”

“It’ll be good to see Ella again. Hopefully it goes well.”

“If it does maybe we can invite the Dawson Coven next year.”

“Sorry if I’m interrupting, but you are needed, dad.” Zachery says standing in the office doorway.

“What’s going on?” I ask standing up thinking something wrong.

“A witch needs help. She’s lost.”

“You just made me think something was wrong.”

“Sorry. She’s out front.” He says moving out of the way.

Walking out of the office I notice Raven is curled up asleep on the couch which is a sign that Hazel has left for work. I slip on a pair of shoes before heading outside, I think they are Nathan’s. Standing at the bottom of the steps is a young witch with long light brown hair. She doesn’t look to be much older than Sophia.

“Hi, are you the leader? The one I talked to said they were going to get them.” She says in a quiet voice.

“Yes. My name is Simon. This is the Moonstar Coven.”

“I’m Lumina. My coven doesn’t really go by a name anymore as we live with an elven clan.”

“My son said you were lost. Where are you trying to go?”

“The Amethyst Pack. My parents are sending to live with my Yaya.” She says, “They didn’t know fully where it was. We just knew it was a few hours away from here.”

“I don’t know where that pack, but I do know someone who does.” I tell her as Zachery walks out of the house.

“I can show you around the coven while my dad talks to who he needs to.” Zachery tells Lumina. While they head off to explore the coven I head back inside to call Jared. Having random witches and warlocks pop up looking for somewhere else is more common than one would think. Never had one looking for a pack though.

———

July 28th

(Ella's POV)

"When are the coven members going to be here?" Luca asks as we finish helping setting up tables in the open grassy area of the pack.

"If Hazel's text is correct within the next ten or so minutes." I reply looking at my phone.

"Well everything is just about set up." Bri says walking over.

"Do you realize that you have paint on your face?" Luca asks pointing to Bri's forehead while trying not to laugh.

"Kimber!" She yells turning around to face her girlfriend before heading over to her. They were helping paint a house before joining in on setting up for the get together.

Luca and me laugh a little before we go see if anyone needs help. A lot of the pack helped out so everything got set up pretty fast. A little over ten minutes later I see familiar cars pulling up, one with a barking dalmatian sticking her head out a window. As soon as the car stops Patch jumps out the window with Midnight following not far behind.

"Patch!" Zachery yells as he gets out of the car as Patch runs over to me. I just laugh and try to get her to sit which is unsuccessful as always.

Midnight lands on my head as Patch bounces around happily looking at everyone that is around. She tries to lick my arm as I try to pet her. After long car rides she’s always full of energy. Patch is always excited to see people no matter how long it’s been since she’s seen them last. Zachery can leave a room for five minutes and Patch will act like he's been gone all day.

"I sometimes think Patch loves you more than me." Zachery says as Patch runs in circles as Midnight flies around above her, “How’s your cheek healing?”

"She's just excited to see me. She's not used to me being gone. It’s a pain to sleep as I can’t sleep on my right side at the moment. The stitches are starting to itch with us very annoying.” We had an attack a week ago. It was unknown shifters and all injuries were minor thankfully.

"None of us are used to you being gone." Zachery says pulling me into a hug.

Before I know it all my siblings have joined the hug. I laugh as they release me. Even though I love being here in the pack I do miss my family a lot.

"We might have a problem." Carter says as he hurries over.

"What?" Bri asks as she walks back over this time without paint on her face.

"Unknown shifters spotted not far from the boarder."

"Again?" Kimber asks annoyed coming up behind Bri. This is the second time this week since the attack unknown shifters have been spotted around.

"Eric said they aren’t the same ones that have been spotted. It's unknown how many there actually are, but more patrol members have been sent to help keep an eye on the boarder. Currently they just seem to be watching."

(Simon's POV)

"There are two options. One they mean no harm and two they are with the other unknown shifters that have been spotted." Ella says jumping into the conversation with Carter, Bri and Kimber like it's a natural thing to do. At this point it might be.

"Kinda of hope it’s the first one. We don’t need anymore unknown shifters watching us." Bri comments looking annoyed. Jared had let me know what was going on just in case the gathering had to be canceled last minute.

"The only thing we can really do right now is keep an eye on them. Eric said he'll send someone if something happens."

Watching the four of them interact shows how well they work together. It's going to be interesting to see how they are when they take over as leaders. Even though Ella was quiet growing up she has always been a natural leader.

"I’m surprised the gathering is still happening with the attack a week ago and now this." Kimber tells Carter.

"Dad and Jack both think it's best just to continue. Trying to keep things somewhat normal. Add to the fact that none of the pack was seriously injured in the attack.”

"Okay. Everything is set up, so all that is missing is food." Bri says.

(Ella's POV)

Once the others have gathered in the area I introduce my siblings to those from the Amethyst Pack, Rose and Nicholas, and Keith. Becca was very surprised to see Keith here and nervous to meet his dads. I didn’t warn her that they would be here. They are currently in the process of renovating one of the older houses to move into. They are staying with family at the moment until the house is done. I was told that my half-siblings know the truth. Jasper took right to Hazel much to her surprise. Both are more on the tomboy side and got on the topic of soccer very quickly. Crystal and Phillip both also hit it off talking about cooking and baking. He finally has someone to talk to that about other than Glinda. Crystal and Parker along with their parents officially moved to the pack the other day. Peter seems very happy about that news when Parker tells him. If him picking up and spinning her is anything to go by. It’s easy to see how much she loves him with the way she talks about him.

As I go to sit down next to Carter I spot Becca talking to Nicole with Keith sitting next to her. Smiling I find Carter talking with Zachery and Lumina. This is my first time officially meeting her. My dad reached out to Jared last week to get directions to the Amethyst Pack for her.

"I'm surprised Amber isn't over here." I say sitting down in the grass next to Carter. His ribs are finally healed, but still has another three weeks of no shifting.

"She's off talking to some shifters." Zachery answers.

"How are you liking the Amethyst Pack, Lumina?" I ask.

"It's such a change from my coven, but I have been enjoying my stay very much. I actually found my platonic soulmate and he is so nice. Him and his boyfriend have made me feel like I'm part of the pack."

"That's good. How's the magic learning?"

"Interesting to say the least. My great great grandmother has a few books I've been reading over and over again. Nothing will beat learning from an actual night healer, but I probably never will be able to. I would see if you wanted me to heal your right cheek, but I don’t trust my abilities.”

"I completely understand. I've learned so much about being a shifter since I've been here. It's crazy how I went 8 years not knowing of the basic things shifters learn early on. It’s fine just annoying.”

"The elves that my coven lives with have been looking to see if they have any written work by actual night healers for me to learn from. My coven used to be known for night healers before they were wiped out by humans and other covens. My great great great grandfather was one. He was only ten years older than I am now when he was killed. My great great grandma was two and she was raised by other coven members since her mother passed away shortly after giving birth to her." She says crying a little, "Sorry, I know this is suppose to be a happy get together."

"It’s okay. You don’t have to be sorry to be sad about what happened to members of your family.” Zachery tells her putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Is it normal to sometimes regret what type of magic you learn? There are times I regret trying to learn to be a night healer."

"Is it because you are worrying about what others think?" Damien asks as he sits down next to Zachery.

"My parents worry and I don't like worrying them. They have worried enough over the last 17 years to last a lifetime."

"Parents will always worry about their kids. My dad worried about me leaving six years ago to go apprentice in the Evermoore Coven. I think he worried more about me being so far away more than the type of magic I was learning." Damien tells her as he leans against Zachery.

"What type of warlock are you?"

"Night formerly known as dark. It's becoming more rare for people to learn as those who have the gift for it are afraid of what others think. The Evermoore Coven used to have a lot more, but now there are only five members that practice it. Only three are mentors at the moment." Damien explains as Midnight lands on Zachery’s head. He likes being on people’s heads for some reason.

"Why are people scared of night witches and warlocks? Don't y'all removed curses from objects and just chat with spirits that haven't crossed over?" Lumina asks clearly confused.

"Yes. My mentor thinks it's because those who practice it were called dark witches and warlocks. It's why we have started to be called night witches and warlocks as to hopefully change peoples mind about our magic. Only those who have a natural gift for it can learn it like with air and fire witches/warlocks and night healers. I learned I had the gift for it after my aunt passed. I saw her before she crossed in the spirit realm."

"I never knew that." Zachery says looking at Damien.

"I never told anyone, but Summer. I think my dad might have had an idea on how I learned I had a natural gift for it." Damien says shrugging like it's not a big deal, but I know he doesn't like to talk about Melissa's death.

"I thought I was just a night witch at first until I learned that y'all can't see the spirit realm. A dear friend of mine had passed and she came to me before crossing into the spirit realm. She had a message for me to give her parents and it was her father that told me that I was a night healer since I was able to see the spirit realm. His sister is a night healer, but refuses to learn it. My parents became worried when I told them I want to learn to be a proper night healer. I think they thought my Yaya would talk me out of it which is why they sent me to live with her. They were so wrong. She's supportive and is the reason the elves are trying to find info to help me learn." Lumina says with a smile.

"As I said parents will always worry. Give them time. My uncle wished he was a night healer instead of just a normal healer when my aunt passed away eight years ago. Her injuries were too much for the healers to heal enough for her to live. There are also a lot of healing ointments, salves and potions that have been lost due to only night healers being able to make them." Damien tells her.

"I didn't know that. Granted I don't know much about being a night healer. I've only been at this a year. Though I don't think even a night healer would have been able to help me about two years ago." Lumina says looking at her prosthetic legs, "I was in a very bad accident, it was what killed my friend, and lost both my legs below the knee. My parents have become more protective since. I don't blame them, but it's annoying."

“I can ask my uncle if he knows anything about night healers. He was going to come, but was needed last minute at the clinic in our coven.”

“I will take any help I can get.”

———

A couple of hours later one of the patrol shifters comes hurrying over to where Carter and me are talking to Bri and Kimber. Bri has officially decided to stay as Beta. I don’t think anyone is as happy as Alex was when she learned.

"Developments have happened. Still unsure what they want, but a couple have shifted into their human forms. They want to talk to you. In their words they want to talk to the next leaders of the pack."

"Okay. Ella, you want to come?" Carter asks looking at me.

"Sure." I say shrugging. I’m curious.

"I will let Alpha Jared and Beta Jack know what is going on." The pack member says before running off.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

"So much for relaxing." Kimber comments as we stand up to head to the woods.

Once we reach the edge of the tree line Bri and Kimber into their wolf forms for faster travel. Bri is a mix of tawny and reddish coloring, more on the tawny side though. Alex and Luca are both more on the reddish side with a little tawny. It's kind of hard to tell those two apart in their wolf forms. Kimber is a mix of buff, light and medium brown with dark brown paws. Bri gets close to the ground to let me get on her back. Carter opts to run as he is allowed to do that. I don’t trust myself and it seems neither does Bri.

When we reach the boarder Bri lets me off before they shift back human and walk over to Eric. He is a leaning against a tree watching the unknown shifters in human form. They made sure not to leave Carter too far behind as we are naturally faster in wolf form. Two of the unknown shifters are in human form and are standing a few feet from the boarder edge while the others with them stay in their wolf form a couple of feet behind them. The one who seems to be the leader is about Carter's height. She have olive skin, dark, wavy brown chin length hair while the other stands a little shorter with very fair skin, and shoulder length light blonde hair.

(Ro’s POV)

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Lex whispers as we wait on the future leaders of this pack to arrive. The patrol leader watches us from his side of the boarder with no emotion. I can hear others just out of sight which is probably the only reason he’s staying human.

“Yes.” I reply just as quietly as some shifters arrive. Two are in wolf form and two are human form unless they are human. The girl riding on the back of one of the shifters gets off before they shift back. Based on the fact there are four I’m guessing they are the future Alpha, Luna, Beta and Beta’s partner. The dark haired one has a clear injury in her cheek which points to her most likely being a shifter. Most packs I know of don’t allow humans to help defend the pack. That is if she got the injury in an attack.

"Which one of you is the future Alpha of the Winter Moon Pack?" I asks as Lex and me watch them closely.

"That would be me. My name is Carter." The only guy says as the girl with black hair moves to stand closer to him. Considering he came in human form he is most likely healing from an injury. I personally wouldn’t meet unknown shifters if I couldn’t shift, so he’s either stupid or trusts those with him. Hopefully the later.

"You can call me Ro. I'm the daughter of the Alpha of the Midnight Pack."

"What is it you want? If you want a fight you are outnumbered." The girl with green hair says before the red head puts her hand over her mouth to keep her quiet. I’m guessing on of them is the Beta. I love the green haired girl’s hair. I can’t pull off a side shave.

"I'm not here for that. I will take over as Alpha at the end of May next year when I turn 26 unless my father has anything to say about it.” I state, “What I'm here for is to warn you. If things go the way that my father and his Beta have planned than my father plans to either attack here or the Amethyst Pack by the end of the year full force. He's leaning more towards the Amethyst Pack due to its smaller size. I don't agree with what he is doing and plan to fix things when I take over. I will need help from other packs though."

"Why do you need other packs to help? Are the unknown shifters that have been watching us from the Midnight Pack?” The dark haired girl asks before the one with green hair can say anything else. She might be the future Luna based on what I’ve guessed so far. That and how close she is standing to Carter.

"I know most current Alphas and Betas won't trust me due to what my father and grandfather have done. I'm looking for packs that will have a new Alpha and Beta soon that are open minded. The Midnight Pack is way to big. We have no space, but people are scared to leave because of my father. When I take over I plan on doing whatever it takes to help those who want to leave, but I want to make sure they will have places to go. There are no other shifters within the pack that have Alpha bloodlines, so they can't leave and create their own pack. My father and grandfather made sure of that.” I say before answering the second question, “Yes. I would be careful of them as they are the best fighters of the pack. I tried to stop the attack that happened a week ago, but my father wouldn’t have it.”

"What does your father think you are currently doing?" The red head asks.

"Scouting other packs to take over. It was the only way I could get him to let me leave. I'm technically scouting other packs just not for the reasons he thinks I am." I say shrugging before looking at Lex, "Probably should have done this sooner. This is Lex and she's the daughter of Beta Mike. She will be my Beta and is on board with me plan. So are the other shifters with us.”

"I'm Brianna. The next Beta of the Winter Moon Pack and this is my girlfriend, Kimber, who is very protective of the pack." The red head says.

"That just leaves one unknown than." I says looking at who I’m now positive is the next Luna.

"My name is Ella. I guess I'm technically the future Luna of the pack. I'm also the eldest daughter of the Alpha of the Amethyst Pack."

"I thought his eldest was 15 and dating a blonde half witch." I say confused.

"We only learned recently that I'm his daughter. I’m from a coven.”

"Interesting. My soulmate is a warlock not that my father knows. I've gotten good at sneaking out to see him. Can’t let my father know anything about him as there is no telling what he will do. Back to the reason I'm here."

"How do you know things about the families of the Alpha and Beta of packs?" Carter asks looking at me with suspicion clearly on his face.

"My father sends people out to spy on different packs. Fun thing is though the members that spy are all loyal to me, so I get the all the info and he gets just enough to keep him from being suspicious. It doesn't get the spies in trouble and annoys my father, so it's a win-win situation.” I say with amusement clear in my voice, “Those with me here today he plans on sending to watch the Amethyst. He has no plans for an attack at the moment as far as I’m aware. If he does decide to attack them like he has done here it will be members fully loyal to him.”

"Ro, wrap it up. We have to head back soon or your father will get suspicious." Lex tells me while looking at her watch.

"Fine."

(Ella’s POV)

"Is there a way to get in contact you or Lex?" Carter asks before anyone leaves.

"I'll send my soulmate's familiar. She's a merlin falcon named Pepper. I'll send her with a small note that'll have a number on it. It's for his phone as it’ll be safer that way.”

Instead of shifting to head back we decide to use the walk to talk about what we just learned. Kimber doesn't trust either of them. Carter, Bri and me want to believe what they say is true, but we know not trust what they say at face value. It doesn’t help that they do know about the attack that happened. We all agree on telling Jared, Jack, Kyle and Cody about the possible attacks as we all believe that part is more than likely true. Plus it's better to be prepared for it.

"Nova said that you four went to talk to the shifters that have been watching the boarder. Learn anything?" Jared asks when we reach the gathering again. Jack, Andy, Kyle, Aurora, Cody, Kaiden, my dad and Nathaniel are all standing with him. I can see Emily helping Nicole with putting her hair up. Jared will most likely fill her in afterwards.

"Yes. The two we talked to say they are the daughters of the Alpha and Beta of the Midnight Pack. They say that their fathers are planning an attack on either our pack or the Amethyst Pack by the end of the year." Carter starts.

"They are leaning more towards the Amethyst Pack due to it smaller size. Ro, the Alpha's daughter, says they plan on changing things once they take over at the end of May. One of their plans is to help those that want to leave the pack find a new pack to move to." I continue.

"Ro says the pack has no more room, but no one leaves due to be scared of the Alpha. She has to lie to see her soulmate due to him being a warlock as her father can’t know about him. She also has to lie just to leave the pack. They also knew about the attack from earlier this week. The others with them will be sent to watch the Amethyst Pack.” Bri finishes.

"I will talk to Amelia as she'll be able to confirm if this Ro is Alpha Dirk's daughter or not. After the gathering we will meet somewhere, as I don't think 13 people will fit in the office, to figure out how to keep the packs safe." Jared says.

"Make if 15 people as I think Peter and Melody should be involved." Kyle says.

"Should we get some of the coven members involved? I mean there are protection witches and warlocks. Maybe they could help." Kaiden suggests looking between Jared and my dad.

"We can make talismans to hang around the boarders." My dad supplies.

"Let's just keep it to the current leaders and future ones." Emily says.

"So the total will be 21 people counting Pierce, Zach, Damien, Violet, Amber and Hazel."

"I know why Pierce and Zachery are being counted, but why the other four?" Kaiden asks.

"Damien is Zach's soulmate, so he'll be helping run the coven kind of like a pack's Luna. Violet is Damien's younger sister and will become the second in command when Zachery becomes the leader. Hazel and Violet will be leading a future coven that we hope to set up on the next three to four years." My dad answers.

"Before you leave tomorrow I can take you to see the land I was talking about to see if it'll work for the coven's location." Jared tells my dad.

"I was going to inquire about seeing it since the sooner we find land the sooner we can get started building."

As the others go back to the gathering Kyle walks over to me.

"I'm guessing Peter and Melody will be taking over as the Alpha and Beta of the Amethyst Pack in a few years." I say.

"Yes. Marie has no desire to be Alpha plus Ash will be taking over the Starr Coven when they are older. I think even if they aren’t soulmates they will be together for many years. Cody and me figured you wouldn't want to take over due to not really knowing the pack and your relationship with Carter."

"You are right. I'm perfectly happy with being the future Luna of this pack. Seems like history is repeating itself with the Beta's eldest talking over as Alpha."

"Close. Aurora and Kaiden find it funny. You were part of the fight I see.” He says looking at my cheek.

"It kind of is. Who knows maybe there is a universe out there where you raised me and I do become the next Alpha. It wasn’t planned, but I was running with Luca when it started.”

"Maybe. I haven't told Elizabeth about you since I'm going to leave it up to you on if you want to meet her or not. Just watching you interact with the other three I can see this pack will be in good hands when the time comes.”

"What's she like?"

"Similar to Kaiden. Liz works as a kindergarten teacher for the pack. Everyone seems to have a different nickname for her. Some of the most common ones are Liz, Eliza, and Lizzy. She is close to her parents. Addison and Liz never really got along. It might have had to do with Liz being eight years younger and Addison being made to babysit. Liz had just turned 17 when Addison left. She wanted to try and get along with Addison better, but that never got to happen."

"Does she know where Addison is?"

"No one does. Addison only sent one letter after she left to her parents letting them know she was okay. No one has heard from her in the last twenty years. Sorry."

"Don't be sorry. She was the one who gave me up and never told anyone. I actually never wanted to get to know my biological parents if I learned who they were. I mostly just wanted to know why I was given up and if there were any genetic things I needed to know about. Also you can tell Elizabeth about me.”

"What changed your mind? You have been getting to know me.”

"I don't know. Maybe it was because you didn't know about me either. I don't regret it though." I say before hugging him. He freezes for a moment before hugging me back not expecting the hug. This is only the second time we've seen each other in person, but have spent almost everyday since I first reached out texting and sometimes calling to get to know each other. I've also gotten to know Cody, Kaiden and Aurora. At the moment I'm not ready to call him anything other than Kyle, but who knows maybe one day that will change.

(Keira's POV)

"I'm surprised the two you aren't dating already." Rose comments from where she is sitting in the grass across from me and Melody. My head is in Melody's lap as she plays with my hair. We have spent the last two weeks texting, calling and FaceTiming each other.

"We have our first official date planned for Sunday." Melody tells her while I say, “You can’t say anything. You and Scarlett aren’t dating and have known each other for almost a year.”

"Where are you going?"

"Not saying."

"She hasn't even told me." I say, "Saying she wants it to be a surprise. I'm starting to think she doesn't actually have any plans and is just going to wing it.”

"I will neither confirm nor deny that accusation." Melody says before looking off to the left, "Was not excepting that."

"What?" I ask sitting up looking around.

"Ella and Uncle Kyle hugging. Uncle Kyle is not an overly big hugger." Melody replies pointing towards Ella and Alpha Kyle.

"You know she never planned on getting to know him or any of her biological family if she found them. I can tell that she is happy that she decided to. The other day we were talking and she told me how Alpha Kyle was telling her more about Alpha and Beta bloodlines. She finds it interesting even if it's a little confusing."

"I find it confusing and I grew up learning it."

"What are Alpha and Beta bloodlines?" Rose asks clearly lost.

"Those who are from long lines of Alphas or Betas. Those from Alpha bloodlines are the only ones who can start new packs. Example is if Ember decided to start a pack of her own. She can as she is from a long line of Alphas. Betas can't start new packs, but can take over packs. It's how Uncle Kyle became the Alpha of the our pack. There is more to it, but it’s complicated.”

"Interesting. Why can’t shifters who aren’t from an Alpha bloodline start a pack?” I ask as I lay back down.

“That’s a question that doesn’t have a concrete answer. Shifters who aren’t from Alpha bloodlines have tried starting packs, but they never last.” Melody says as she start playing with my hair again.

We continue to talk to each other and whoever comes over until the end of the gathering. Rose and me are staying the night

———

(Jared's POV)

After some talking with Emily and Jack it was decided to have the meeting in the what is often referred to as the community building. It's mostly used to parties and the occasional wedding. It is also where those who can’t fight in an attack go. Depending on how back an attack is it’s used a makeshift first aid center.

"I've talked to Amelia. For those who don't know who she is. Amelia is an older pack member that moved here about 15 years ago.”

"Dad. She's around your age, so you kind of just called you and all the other parents here old." Ember interrupts me.

"Em, she's going on 70 years old." I tell her before continuing what I was originally talking about, "Amelia is from the Midnight Pack and got very luckily on getting away. She was able to tell me that Alpha Dirk has a daughter who goes by Ro. She also told me that the Beta's daughter is named Lexie. From what she told me both girls seemed to be strong headed and would talk back to their fathers. They were 9 and 10 years old when she left, but she thought even then that they would change the pack for the better. She still hopes that is true. From what Carter, Bri and Ella have said that seems to be the case."

"The main reason we are here is because Ro told Carter, Bri, Ella and Kimber that their fathers plans to attack one of our packs by the end of the year. According to Ro, he is leaning towards the Amethyst Pack due to our smaller size." Kyle says taking over, "We are hoping the Moonstar Coven would be willingly to make talismans to hang up around both packs for added protection."

Simon looks over to Zachery who looks like he doesn't want to be the one speaking. I understand as when I was learning to take over I hated being put on the spot in meetings with other leaders.

"Quite a few of the protection witches and warlocks of the coven agree to make them. I talked to the few that were here before they left about making them. They got others involved. I didn't tell them actual reason for why the are needed." Zachery says after a little nudge from Damien.

"What did you tell them?" Hazel asks.

"Nothing really. All I did was ask if they would be willingly to make them. A few told me that they agreed due to making friends with shifters from both packs. I think a few even found their soulmates, both romantic and platonic. Kelly, she over sees the creation of the talismans, is going to reach out to the Dawson Coven. Knowing them they will help even if they don’t have many protection witches."

"One of y’all who the Dawson Coven are for those who don’t know." Nathaniel says, after seeing that some of us are lost, looking at those from the coven.

"They are the coven that we are the closest to, relationship wise not distance. The Dawson Coven is a small coven at only about 50 members. Grace Dawson is the leader and there is no second in command due to the small size. They live very close to an elven clan and a mixed shifter pack." Ella explains when no else speaks up, "They mostly have nature witches and warlocks with a few protection and healing ones. Grace works closely with the leader of the Moore Elven Clan and the shifter pack, which I forgot the name of."

"The Starfall Pack. The leader is a cat shifter while her husband is a wolf shifter." Zachery supplies, "They have about a 110 or so members. I'm not sure that they know that they are on the same land as the Moore Clan. The clan is a lot smaller than most elven clans at about 285."

"How big are elven clans usually?" Ember asks.

"About 500-700 members." Aurora answers being of of the only two elves in attendance, "Clans are usually spread out over a few different areas depending size. There is one main leader and each area has a secondary leader. The clan I'm from had about 578 member when I left. There was 7 areas with roughly 80 members each, give or take some. That means we had one main leader and there seven secondary leaders. For the main area where the main leader lives the secondary leader is usually a younger siblings or another family member if they have no siblings."

We have gone off track into an information session it seems. I'm not going to get them back on track as this is useful information to know. For as along as I’ve known Aurora I didn’t even know that about elven clans.

———

July 29th

(Ella's POV)

"The land is beautiful." Hazel says from where she is on Phillip's back as we all head to the lake for a swim. She somehow talked him into giving her a piggyback ride.

"Dad thanks it's perfect for second coven. Alpha Jared and him are currently in talks on a price for it." Zachery says before trying to get Patches attention to keep her eyesight. Ravan and Pumpkin are both following along behind Phillip. I’m surprised Pumpkin tagged along and didn’t stay at the house.

"Why are you looking for land for a second coven?" Katlyn asks as she pulls her hair up into a ponytail. She has just shy of waist length black hair with a blonde streak and half blonde bangs. She’s a wolf shifter from the Amethyst Pack.

"We are running out of room where we currently are. No one really wants to find a bigger piece of land, so the coven is going to spilt. Hazel and Amber will be taking it over. The town of Moonstone was found by the original coven leaders." Sophia replies, "I'm hoping I'll be able to convince my dad to let me move there since it won't be for at least 3 maybe 4 years."

"Good luck with that, sis. I think the only way he would let you move to the new coven is if he moved as well." Amber tells her putting her arm around Sophia’s shoulders. There are days those two could pass as twins. A few times they have been mistaken for twins.

"I know." Sophia says unhappily.

When we reach the lake some of us get to work laying out blankets in the shade. We brought coolers with drinks and snacks, mostly fruits. Those of us who don't plan on swimming right away sit on the blankets. Most of familiars find places to lay in the shade. Midnight and Pumpkin both decided on a low tree branch to perch. Patch went straight for the water while Raven curled up with Roxy. I pull out my sketchbook to start drawing since the area is beautiful and I don’t feel up to getting in the water today. The others on the blanket start a conversation about fandoms and ships. I for the most part tone them out as I work on a rough sketch.

(Kaiden's POV)

"Even though the meeting yesterday did not go to plan, it did give me an idea." Emily says as we sit down on the back deck while most the kids are off at the lake. Nicole, Penelope, Julian and Jasper are playing with some of the younger Winter Moon members.

"What is your idea?" Aurora asks.

"Having the packs and coven learn about other supernaturals more."

"That's not a bad idea. It would have been a big help knowing more about shifters when Ella first shifted. She has learned more about being a shifter in the short time she has been here than she has in the last 8 years reading from the few books I could find."

Deciding to voice my opinion on the matter I say, “I don't think we should just limit it supernaturals, but have them learn about other packs, clans, covens, groupings and pods. This information should come from many different view points including humans. Each group may run things differently.”

"That's a smart idea as I know I see the Sky Wood Pack a little differently than you, Kaiden, even though we are both from it." Andy says.

"We should start with the easiest supernaturals and groups." Nathanial speaks up.

"The packs that are the easiest to get info on are this pack, Amethyst, Sky Wood and Evermoore. What about covens?"

"Our coven, Dawson, and Evermoore I know for sure. I can reach out to Elisa of the Starr Coven to see if she's up for the idea." Simon answers after a moment of thinking.

"I know Elisa. She would be up for the idea. Her niece is Ash." Aurora replies, "I can reach out the my old clan and the Evermoore Elven Clan as well."

"What about the Starfall Pack and the Moore Elven Clan? They would probably be up to the idea. We can also talk to some of the vampires when they pass through the coven next." Nathaniel adds looking at Simon who nods.

"What about the clan you are from?" I ask Nathaniel.

"I'm from the Dawncrest Elven Clan. I can ask as the leader is married to my previous sister-in-law." Nathaniel says before clarifying some, "I was married once before and I still keep in contact with my late husband’s family. He passed a decade ago not long after our 22nd wedding anniversary.”

I watch as Simon gently takes Nathaniel's hand and gives a squeeze. I can't imagine losing a spouse after being married so long. Its nice see that both Simon and Nathaniel found love again in each other. Seeing more people find their soulmate is amazing. Meeting Cody gave me a reason to leave the Sky Wood Pack. I've never regretted leaving and cutting all contact with my family. It's been almost three decades since I left. I have a loving partner, awesome in-laws and two amazing kids. All things my parents told me I would never have, but I do all thanks to finding my soulmate by chance. I hope more people find the happiness that comes with finding ones soulmate whether it's romantic or platonic.

“Once we get this started I can reach out to the Witches Council. Ezra’s older brother is on it and Grace’s twin is the head of it currently.” Simon says.

“Witch Council?” Kyle asks speaking for the first time since this discussion started.

“They oversee all covens. We have certain rules to follow and if someone breaks one of the major rules they go in front of the council. The biggest major rule is no hunting fellow witches/warlocks. Trials and new rules are rare occurrences now days.” Pierce explains.

“Elves have a royal family. They don’t do much unless a clan leader is abusing their power. Clan leaders have a set of rules to follow and govern their own clans.”

“There is a vampire council. Similar to the witches council.” Simon says.

We talk a bit narrowing down which groups to talk to first so it’s not overwhelming. In the end we decide to stick with the two packs, Moonstar Coven, Dawson Coven, Evermoore Clan and Moore Clan. We will add vampires, fairies and mermaids at a later date once we can get in contact with them.