July 30th
(Melody's POV)
"Are you going to tell me where we are going or not?" Keira asks as we walked down Main Street of Charlotte.
"It's a surprise." I reply for the forth time today. I'm not even completely sure where we are going. Alex told me of a place that's she not really sure what to call it herself. All she told me it has bowling, roller skating and an arcade. It sounds fun and it's been awhile since I've been skating. Keira also mentioned she liked skating even if she's not the greatest at it.
Before long we reach the street the place is located on. It's not far down the street and looks like something that belongs in the 80s. The inside isn't much better.
"How old is this place?" Keira asks as I lead her over to the roller rink area.
"I don't know, but looks like it belongs in the 80s."
"The building and roller rink has been around since 1897. The bowling alley part was added in 1909. Decor was last updated in the 80s." The girl behind the counter explains, "What size shoes? Skating or bowling."
"11 for me unless you have a 10 1/2." I reply, "Skating."
"I don't know roller rinks or bowling alleys have been around that long. Size 9."
"Bowling can be traced back 7,000 years in Egypt. Even though it's not like what we have today the implement discovered were decidedly similar. Roller skating was invented in 1725, but the roller skate wasn’t patented until 1819. They were inline with only three wheels and no way to turn. Someone else came along and made a patent a four wheeled roller skate." The girl says as she gets our shoes, "Sorry. You probably didn't need know all that."
"It was interesting. Never knew any of that." I tell her grabbing my wallet out of my purse.
"Where did you learn all that?" Keira asks taking our skates.
"My grandfather. He was a big history buff."
After paying Kiera and me find a bench to put on our skates. Once our laces are tied we stand up and head over to the rink. Keira almost falls a couple of times. According to her it’s been while since she has been on skates. About ten minutes into skating Keira falls on her butt while laughing. After laughing a little myself as I make sure she is okay while helping her up.
———
"That was the best first date I have even been on though I think my knees will have bruises come tomorrow from falling so much." Keira says as we walk back to were I parked my dads’ car.
After skating for about an hour we bowled a little before playing games in the arcade. I ended up winning her a stuffed wolf and she won me a stuffed tiger.
"Same. What was your worst date?" I ask.
"A blind date three years ago. In the end though I got a good friend out of it. It happened while I was visiting family. My cousins thought it would be funny. You?"
"Senior prom. Payton and me went together as we didn't want to go alone. I could not walk in heels, but I thought I would try for prom. Bad idea. Not even an hour in I badly sprained my ankle and ended up ripping part of the hem of my dress." I say before looking at her shyly, "This is actually my first date with someone I'm romantically interested in."
"And you won't go on a date with anyone else if I can help it. This is only the second time I've gone a date with anyone. I've never really had an interest in dating anyone before now." She tells me grabbing my hand as we walk.
We talk about future date ideas the rest of the way to the car. Once we reach it I open her door for her before getting on the driver seat. Our talk continues as I drive us back to the pack.
———
August 13th
(Ella’s POV)
Even though it’s only been two weeks since the gathering a lot has happened. Half the Amethyst Pack is now surrounded in protective talismans. The covens work fast. It was decided to focus on them first as they are smaller and have less fighters. We are all just glad no attacks so far, but shifters, both rogues and unknown ones, have been spotted here and around the Amethyst Pack.
Training has picked up and they have been a bit chaotic. With school starting back the schedules for some have been changing due to them being in school and some being teachers. Carter and me got roped into helping with the new shifters in the afternoons as we are both finally able to shift again. My cheek is healed, but I have a new scar. My group got a new teacher as the previous found out that she’s pregnant. We are all happy for her and her partners. I don’t know who is more excited, her or her wife. Their husband still seems to be processing the fact he is going to be a dad. From what I’ve gathered talking to her they have been trying for at least five years to get pregnant.
“How do I look?” I hear someone ask as I finish organizing all my art supplies. Looking towards the doorway I see Alex standing there. She is wearing a denim skirt with a pale purple off the shoulder top paired with matching pale purple flats.
“Cute. Having a lunch date with Isaac?”
“Lunch with his family in town, but we are doing something just the two of us afterwards. I see you have finally finished unpacking.” She comments walking into the room more. Jared and Emily let me turn one of the guest rooms on the third floor into my art studio.
“I’m glad as it means I can finally get my shop back open. It’s a bit hard to believe I’ve been here a month.”
“It feels longer. I would stay and chat more, but I got to head out or I’m going to be late.” She says before leaving and I get back to work making sure everything is in its place. It’s going to be nice having my own studio and not having all my art supplies in my room. It was very crowded and not very organized.
Once I finish up I grab the empty boxes to take downstairs to be recycled. When I get to the second floor I spot Luca’s hair over the top of the boxes.
“I thought you were headed to the Amethyst Pack today.” I ask as he turns around upon hearing me.
“Got a flat tire. I’m leaving in the morning instead now. Can you see over those boxes?”
“Anything that’s higher, yes.”
“Give me half. Last thing we need if you tripping down the stairs.” He says before grabbing some off the top.
“I got down the stairs just now perfectly fine.” I reply as we head to the stairs to go downstairs. We drop the boxes off in the entryway to be taken to recycling later as it’s currently raining.
Luca heads to the sitting room to write while I head to the living room. The sitting room is just off the kitchen and houses two very comfy couches. According to Carter his grandparents used it as a plant room. In the living room I find Carter and Emery talking. She gets along very well with Nina’s cousin, Anya. They are both half elf half shifters, Emery is a sun elf while Anya is an earth elf. Even though Emery is two years younger that Anya, she’s been been giving Anya tips for when using her elven magic.
“Got your art studio organized?” Carter asks as I sit on the couch next to him.
“Finally. Haley out hunting?” I ask.
“That was her plan. I don’t know if it’s changed with the rain.” Emery replies looking out the window at the rain. Haley is a half born vampire half witch “I have training in two hours. Kind of hoping it gets cancelled.”
“It won’t unless it becomes so heavy you can barely see or starts thundering and lightening. Training is never canceled unless the weather poses a threat.” Carter tells her as he puts his arm around my waist. Emery makes a face at the idea of training in the rain or mud. We continue to talk, mostly about the annoying weather, until Andy lets us know lunch is ready.
Heading into the kitchen we find Emily and Luca already in there. Once we all grab lunch we decided to just stand around the island and talk as we eat. It’s just the six of us today hanging around the house. Nina and Ember are in town while Jack and Jared are helping some pack members with a leaking roof.
(Simon's POV)
"It's good to see you again, Grace. How have you been?" I ask as Nathaniel and me greet Grace and her eldest daughter, Lucy.
"It's great it see you both again. I have been fine. How have you and your coven been?"
"Good for the most part. It's been a little hectic around here lately."
This was not a planned visit, but it's always nice to see Grace. Most of our visits are rarely planned ahead of time. Our covens have been friends for many generations. My five times Great Grandmother, Ashlyn, and Grace's five times Great Grandfather, Eric, are siblings. Eric founded the Dawson Coven not long after Ashlyn and Christopher founded Moonstar. Grace is four years older than me, but I became taller which I don't let her forget. Grace and her twin, Garrett, are like siblings to me.
"How is Anthony?" Nathaniel asks.
"Miserable currently as he has strep."
"At least he can't complain about all his girls growing up and moving away due to his throat hurting." Lucy comments smiling, "Fallon recently left to travel with a small group made up of vampires, fairies and a bear shifter. Ashlyn has pretty much moved to the Moore Clan with how much she spends time there. Eva and Daniel are currently off visiting his old coven. I think he forgets I'm not leaving the coven ever."
"When are you going to take over running the coven?" Nathaniel asks Lucy as we head towards the house.
"Officially in three weeks.”
"I'm guessing on your birthday?"
"The day after. This will be the first time Fallon won't be with me to celebrate."
"It's hard to think you two are turning 27 in under a month. It feels like just yesterday you and Fallon were saying your first words." Grace tells Lucy with a smile.
"Zachery turns 26 in December which is hard to believe." I say as we head inside.
Grace, Nathaniel and me continue to talk about how much the kids have grown while Lucy heads off. She's most likely going to hunt down Zachery to see Patch. Grace also gives us an update on Garret, his husband, Zane, and their son, Marcus. They live with the other Witches Council members. Garret has been the head of the Witches Council for the past 25 years. We usually try to all get together at least once a year, but so far this year things keep popping up preventing it from happening. Hopefully we can have a get together by the end of the year.
———
August 15th
(Ella’ POV)
“How are things going with you and Phillip?” I ask Crystal as we stretch before training.
“Fine. He is very understanding and sweet. Pumpkin is freaking adorable.”
“Sounds like him. She is a ball of orange fluff.”
“He’s going to see if he can tag along with Becca when she comes up Sunday to visit Keith.”
“What do y’all have planned?”
“Nothing except maybe going to the park in town. We just want to spend time together.”
“Ok everyone time to get work.” Eric calls out stopping our conversation. He decided to help with training when not on patrol.
———
By the time training is done we are all tired and sore. I think I’ve gained new bruises. As I head back to the house I spot a merlin falcon flying towards me. Remembering what Ro said about sending her soulmate’s familiar I hold out my arm. She lands on my arm and I untie the small piece of paper from her leg. Once I do that she climbs up onto my shoulder.
“You must be tired from your flight.” I say as I continue my walk.
“I see you gained a new friend.” Carter comments as I reach the house and he’s sitting on the front steps.
“It’s Pepper.” I tell and it takes him a second to realize what I’m talking about.
“Let’s go over to Kimber and Bri’s.” He says standing up. Their house is not a far walk from the main one. We reach it at the same time as Kimber, she looks like she just came back from patrol. Kimber is temporarily helping with patrol as one of the usual members is sick.
“Hey. Finally got a number?” Kimber asks upon seeing Pepper on my shoulder.
“Yes.”
“Bri should be home, so let’s head inside to figure out what to do with this new information.” Their house is on the smaller size, but it fits them. Bri is sitting on the couch reading when we walk in. She puts her book down upon seeing us.
“Is that a bird on your shoulder?” Bri asks as we sit down.
“Yes. It’s Pepper. She’s hanging out until she’s ready to fly back.”
“Have any of you texted the number?”
“Not yet.” I reply as Kimber asks, “Who should reach out?”
“I think Carter as the future Alpha.” Bri replies, “Afterwards we can see about starting a group chat so we can all talk.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Carter says as I hand him the paper with the number. While he reaches out to Ro’s soulmate I talk with Bri and Kimber.
“Sebastian is open to a group chat. Let me set that up real quick. What is a good idea to name it?”
“Future leaders.” Kimber suggests, “We are all the future leaders of our packs.”
“Perfect.” Bri says.
Future Leaders
Carter has added Kimber, Bri, Ella and Bastian.
Ella: Hi
Bastian: Hello
Kimber: Hey
Bri: Hi
Bastian: I don’t have any information at the moment on what Ro’s father has planned at the moment. They are hoping to sneak away in the next or two to meet up with me.
Carter: that’s fine
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
We don’t stay in the chat long as there really isn’t much to talk about. Carter and me stay over at Kimber and Bri’s a little longer before heading back to the main house. On the way back to the main house Pepper flies off.
Just before we reach the house Katie comes from the tree line behind the house. Her blonde hair is falling out if it's usual braid and her light brown eyes show her annoyance at having to deal with whatever has happened. Katie is Eric's younger half-sister and became a main patrol leader six months ago. She may be the youngest patrol leader at 19, but the others know not to mess with her when she is on a mission. We stop as she gets closer.
“We have a problem. Rogues and unknown shifters have been spotted at many different points around the boarder. I’ve sent messages to Eric as he’s with Liam and Nikki updating the patrol schedule.”
“How many in each direction?” Carter asks.
“About three to four dozen shifters on the west side. About two to three on both the north and east sides. I don’t about the south side. Nova is headed there to check.” Katie replies looking at her phone before looking really worried, “According to Nova there are about two dozen shifters on the south side.”
“Go get the others to gather all the patrol groups. We will go let my dad and Jack know what is going on.” Carter tells Katie to which she nods before running off.
Carter sighs and looks done with everything as we continue to the house. Once inside it doesn’t take long to find them as they are in the office with Emily and Andy.
“I’ll contact Simon to see when they might have talismans done to put up here. Carter go with Jack to help the patrol organize people. Ella got with Emily and Andy to make sure the clinics know what is going on so they are prepared.” Jared says before Carter can get a word in.
“I haven’t said anything.”
“Your face says it all. We are about to be attacked, correct?”
“Yes. It’s both rogues and unknown. Dozens of them.”
“Thought so. Now go. I’ll join once I get off the phone with Simon.”
(Simon’s POV)
“The rest of the talismans for your pack are done. Those going to put them up will head there this weekend. Hopefully they won’t get lost this time.” I had to send Kyle’s number to Kelly because of badly they got lost.
“We aren’t the easiest pack to find if you don’t know where you are going.“ Kyle replies as I work on making a grocery list. We are video chatting as it’s a bit easier to multitask than a phone call.
“Kelly said they took two wrong turns before they realized they were lost.” I say as my phone starts to ring. Picking up I see it’s Jared calling which makes me worried.
“What?” Kyle asks as I answer the phone. “Hello.”
“We have a problem here.”
“Before you go on I’m currently in a video call with Kyle.”
“Get him to invite me. It might be best he knows what is going on as well.”
“Will do.” I say before Jared hangs up and I tell Kyle what he said. Before long Jared is part of the video call.
“We are currently surrounded by dozens of shifters. Both rogues and unknowns. I was calling to see when talismans would be ready.”
“They have been started on.”
“Why not use the ones meant for us? We are half protected which is better than none. It’s most likely the Midnight Pack that are the unknown shifters.”
“It would take another week to have enough to finish protecting your pack.” I let him know.
“Like I said half protected is better than none. We don’t know how many of Jared’s pack is going to be injured in this attack or how badly. I rather they be somewhat protected than left completely vulnerable.”
“Okay. I’ll send Zachery with a few others in the morning. Would both of you be willing to host some coven members?” I ask as an idea comes to me.
“Why?” Jared asks.
“Added protection. Those that are protection witches and warlocks can carry the needed supplies to make the talismans. They can hang them up as the finish them. Fire witches and warlocks can be handy as well as healing ones.”
“I’ll see how much room we have.” Kyle answers.
“We can host a few at the main house and I’ll see how much room else where.”
After ending the video call I go look for Zachery to let him know about the change of plans. Time to see if we can rope the Starr and Evermoore Covens into helping us.
(Ella’s POV)
“Got the ice pack.” I say walking into Carter’s room. The attack went about as predicted. Many were hurt and luckily no one on our side lost their life. Most will take a one to two months to fully heal which is not good. It’ll be about three months before everyone can shift. Carter is one of the few that got away with little injury and will be back shifting within the month.
“Who know some shifters have such hard heads?” He asks as I put the ice pack on his head. One of the rogues head butted him according to Ember. Luckily he didn’t end up with a concussion, just a very horrible headache. He got a few cuts and bruises, but nothing that will leave a scar. Though he did injure his ribs again, just bruising this time but still annoying. This is the second time in two months.
“You ran head first into a tree once, so shouldn’t you have known?” I ask sitting on the edge of the bed. He’s been ordered to just lay down and rest.
“Ha ha. How’s the others?”
“Alex isn’t happy about being stuck on crutches. Last I saw Nina she was helping bring supplies to the community building. Ember and Isaac I haven’t seen. Kimber was leading an annoyed Bri back to their house.” Nina wasn’t part of the main fight and neither was Kimber. Some of the pack that can fight stayed back to catch any attacker that might have slipped through the main line. Alex sprained her ankle badly and Bri ended up with a broken wrist.
“Even though the fight wasn’t great, it could have been a lot worse. We got luckily that we didn’t lose anyone.”
“What will be done those that were killed?”
“The rogues will be buried. There is an area in the pack cemetery for them. Even though they are rogues they still deserve a proper burial. Some of the pack members keep flowers on their graves.”
“That’s sweet.” Many rogues don’t choose to become one. From what I have learned most become one after loosing their entire pack or being forced out of the pack do whatever reason. Shifters are meant to live a with pack. A pack is not always with other shifters.
“What about the unknown shifters?”
“I’m unsure. We’ve never had this issue before.”
“I can reach out to Bastian to see if they were part of the Midnight Pack. If they were then Ro might know who they were.”
“Then what? Who is to say Ro could even get away long enough to identify them.”
“I don’t know, but they should be buried with their name if possible.” I say standing up, “I’m going to see if they need any help. You need to rest. I will check on you later.”
———
“This is going to be a long week.” Emily comments as Andy, her and me work on dinner. I’m mostly just cutting things. Why anyone trusts me with a knife? I have no idea. A few months ago I almost sliced my palm open cutting an apple. Phillip banned me from using a knife for a few weeks.
“This week is almost half over.” Andy reminds her.
“Don’t remind me. This afternoon and evening has been long. I could go to bed now even though it’s only 6:30.” She says looking at the clock on the wall.
“What are we going to do the unknown shifters that were killed?” I ask figuring one of them might know.
“Most likely burying them with the rogues. It’s a high chance they are from the Midnight Pack, but we don’t really have any other options.”
“What if they have family outside of that pack?” I ask sitting the knife down after I almost cut my finger.
“We would have to know their identities to know that. We have no way of identifying them though.” Andy tells me, “Please don’t cut yourself.”
“We might. Carter, Kimber, Bri and I are in a group with Ro’s soulmate. Ro might know as the future Alpha. Why do you think I put the knife down?”
“Reach out to them.” Jared says walking into the kitchen, “If they have family outside the Midnight Pack they deserve to know. I’ll talk to Amelia as she might be able to identify some of them. What did you almost do?”
“I will in the morning.” I tell him before sheepishly saying, “I almost just cut my finger. I have terrible knife skills.”
“The reason I came in here was to see how much longer until dinner.”
“About ten or minutes.” Emily answers giving him a kiss on the cheek before shooing him out of the kitchen. Nathanial has done something to my dad. While my dad can cook, it’s usually a little burnt or sometimes badly burnt. We all remind him the time he sat off the smoke alarm making eggs. Phillip and Nathan do most of the cooking.
———
August 18th
The past few days have been long. Ro, Lex and a few other loyal to them were able to come down the other day. Between them and Amelia all the Midnight Pack shifters were identified. Since then we have been working to find out if they when family in other packs. Amelia has been a major help with that. So far most haven’t had family in other packs. Some didn’t even have living family within the Midnight Pack. They will be buried been the rogue section and the pack section of the cemetery with their names. A few we are still trying to figure out who they are.
“I was wrong. Reaching out to Bastian and Ro was a good idea.” Carter says coming into my art room while I pack orders. I’ve decided to hold off on commissions and just do prints for the time being. With everything going on it’s just easier.
“It’s sad that some of them lost their lives fighting for a pack that may have killed their family. Hopefully Ro and Lex can change things next year.” I say as he sits in the other chair, “How are you feeling?”
“It’ll be hard, but I think they will. A bit sore, but it could be worse.”
“Speaking from experience it’ll be a big change going from one pack to another.”
“Calling your coven a pack now?” He asks picking up one of my business cards.
“No, calling my family a pack. A pack is family. I went from Moonstar to Winter Moon.”
“You think of us as family?”
“I’m starting to. Everyone in this house plus Kimber, Bri and Isaac have made me feel at home here. I hope those who leave the Midnight Pack for other packs in the future will have people that make them feel the same.”
“I came up here for a reason.”
“What reason? It’s not lunch time is it?” I ask looking at the time on my phone.
“No. It was to see if you wanted to go on a date tonight?” He asks sounding unsure. Turning to look at him I’m a bit surprised. “Just something simple like a picnic. There is a clearing not far into the woods. It’s perfect for looking at the stars.”
“I would love to.”
“Six?”
“That works.”
“Okay. I’m now going to see if we have a picnic basket.” He says before turning and leaving making me laugh as I get back to work.
———
(Luca’s POV)
“What do you think of this color?” Timmy asks holding up a pale blue paint swatch.
“For which room?” I ask tilting my head a little as I look at it.
“Bathroom or kitchen.”
“Which bathroom?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never had to pick out wall colors for anything other than my room.”
“What color are the bathroom tiles?” I ask trying to remember.
“Light gray in both. The master has a dark gray cabinet with a white counter. The guest just has a couple of white shelves about the toilet.” He says looking at other blue shades.
“How about this for the guest bath?” I ask pinking up a slightly darker shade of blue, “Does it have a tub or just a shower?”
“A tub. Why?”
“Whale themed shower curtain.” I say smiling.
“I saw an abstract flower one the other day. The flowers are pink, purple and yellow with greenery.”
“If you get that one for the master bath I would go with one of these.” I say picking up a darker blue and a pale green, “Depending on the shades of flowers and greenery the blue would go with all the colors. So would the green.”
“I like the green.” He says taking the green color swatch from me, “The only colors left to pick are the kitchen and our room.”
“Our room?” I ask a little surprised. I know we talked about living together one day, but that’s a bit off.
“For whenever you move. This house is going to be just as much yours as it is mine.” He says kissing my cheek making me blush a little.
“Now we just have to pick out furniture.” I say wrinkling my nose at the thought.
“Don’t like furniture shopping?”
“Not really. I still have all the same stuff I picked out when I first moved to Winter Moon expect the mattress. I find this boring.” I say with a shrug. I’ve never been a fan of any kind of shopping. Though at an early shop I found some skirts I like.
We get a few half pints of paint in the colors we picked out to test on the walls. Neither of us want to get a gallon of each color and end up hating how it looks on the walls.
———
(Simon's POV)
"Rebecca, where is my nail polish!?" Can be heard follow by loud knocking.
"Just another usual Friday afternoon." Nathan comments as we finish up what need to do for the day in the office.
It's been a busy few days. I ended up calling Rose, the leader of the Evermoore Coven, to see if they would help with making talismans. Pierce reached out to Elisa. Both agreed to talk to their members. Nathaniel and Ezra even went around our coven seeing if more would be willing to help. Pierce and me have also been working with Zachery, Violet and Damien to get them ready to take over in a few short months. We got two groups gathered to go to both packs. Each group has those with protection magic, fire magic and healing. The healers mostly are going to the Winter Moon Pack to try and help speed up recovery.
"As much as I love those two I can't wait until they move out." Nathaniel says as we get up to move to the living room.
"Don't say that or next thing you know Becca is moving to the Winter Moon Pack as well. Ezra is already dreading the day that Amber moves to start the other coven with Hazel."
"Have they thought of a name?"
"They are between Silver Moon and Starlight. I think they are leaning towards Silver Moon." I say as we sit on one of the couches.
"Silver Moon isn't a bad name. They could always do Moonstone."
"Please don't give them that idea. There are already people who think that's the coven's name instead of Moonstar."
"Speaking of covens. Have you heard back from Rose?"
"Yes. She sent a message and said the protection witches and warlocks in her coven are willing to help. Apparently they were already planning on making some for the Evermoore Pack." I reply as Pumpkin decides to jump up in my lap, "Kyle sent me a message saying the Starr Coven is going to help make talismans for them. It’s going to be a big help. Grace said they have decided to work on some for the Starfall Pack. I think we should help them after Winter Moon and Amethyst are fully protected.”
"We have four covens helping out making protection talismans for four packs. If someone told you that would happen a year ago would you have believed them?" Nathaniel asks petting Pumpkin, who has her motor going.
"Not in the slightest. If someone told you that you would one day be married to your soulmate, how would have you responded?" I ask as I lean against him.
"That it's not going to happen, but I would be happy to admit that I was wrong. I've had the privilege to be married to two wonderful people in my life."
"Same. There are days I wish Kat was still here. Mostly back when the girls were just becoming teens." I say remembering those days and I'm very glad I had Glinda to help.
"There are days I wish Drew was around, but when the girls were just becoming teens I wished Kaylynn was around. Had help from Luciana which was great."
"Luciana is Drew's sister, right?"
"Yes." He says wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
"So many names to keep track of that I forget who is related to who sometimes."
"I'm glad I don't have to worry about that as much as you do."
I feel him lay his head on mine as we continue to just talk. Evenings where it's just the two of us I enjoy. Zachery is out on a date with Damien, Phillip and Hazel are both at work while Becca and Della are doing who knows what in their rooms. Patch and Raven are both curled up on one of the other couches asleep with Midnight perched on the back. For now the house is quiet which is a rarity.
———
(Ella’s POV)
“Ready?” Carter asks as I get downstairs.
“Yes. I see you found a basket.”
“It’s my grandparents. I think this is the first time I’ve seen your hair fully down.” Carter comments as we head out the backdoor.
“Alex got ahold of it.“
“It’s pretty.”
“I like it down, but it’s usually easier to mange up.” I running my hair through my hair. Alex decided to curl it even though I know they will all fall out within an hour. My hair will not hold curl no matter what I do.
“So you don’t get paint in it.”
“Mostly. Trying to get dried paint out of hair it not fun. So where exactly is this clearing?” I ask as we enter the tree line.
“About a five minute walk. Please don’t trip.”
“I’m not that clumsy.” I say as I walk ahead of him a little. The path we are on is well worn like all the paths around the pack. It’s fun exploring some of the paths, but if someone wasn’t with me I would probably get lost.
“I saw you trip over your own feet on the deck earlier.”
After a couple of minutes we take branch off onto a less worn path. Eventually it ends at a clearing that has a scattering of wild flowers. We spread out the blanket Carter brought along before unpacking the basket.
“I made the cupcakes, but my mom did cook the rest. She asked me if I wanted to just take some of what she was cooking for dinner instead of trying to figure something out.”
“It’s fine. The last time I had a picnic was with Keira and Rose last summer. We picked up to go orders from the diner Phillip works at.”
———
“The stars are really pretty.”
“Yes you are.” Carter says making me cut my eyes up at him to find him looking at me instead of the stars. After eating we packed the basket up and decided to stargaze.
“What time is it?”
“Going on 9.” Carter replies looking at his phone.
“We have been out here for three hours? It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long.”
“Want to head back?”
“Probably for the best.”
Instead of taking the time to fold the blanket I just bundle it up as Carter picks up the basket. Carter grabs my hand as we walk along the trail to get back. He’s using his phone’s flashlight to see as he didn’t bring an actual flashlight.
“I had fun tonight.” I say as we drop the basket off in the kitchen. I dropped the blanket on one of the couches in the sitting room as we passed through it.
“I’m glad.” He replies kissing my right cheek just above the scar. I smile as he takes a step back. It’s a bit hard looking in a mirror because of the scar. I know it’ll take time to get used to seeing it as it hasn’t even been a full month yet. I’ve been talking to Andy as he was just a little older than me when he got the scars on his face. It’s been helpful.
“What are you thinking about?”
“The scar. When I got the scars on my side I refused to wear anything that would show it for months. I can’t hide it like could those unless I want to change my hairstyle.”
“Scars are never fun. I have scars across my chest from an attack about a month and a half beside we met.” He tells me leaning against the counter.
“I didn’t know that.”
“It’s the first major scars I’ve gotten. I don’t go without a shirt now unless I have to. A lot of pack members have scars. Most are small and not very noticeable or can be hidden by clothing.“
“I’ve been talking to Andy.”
“If you want someone else to talk to, I would suggest Nikki.”
“Andy mentioned she might be a better help as she’s closer to my age than him. For now though I’m going to head to bed.”
“I’ll walk you to your room.” He says holding his arm out to me causing me to laugh. Taking his arm we head out of the kitchen to head upstairs. When we get upstairs he kisses my cheek one more time before walking across the hall to his room.
———
August 19th
“You wanted to talk?” Carter asks walking into my art room.
Turning in my chair I see him standing in the doorway, “Yeah. I don’t like thinking about what I’m going to tell you.”
“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” He says sitting on the only other chair I have in the room.
“I feel like it’s something you should know.”
“Okay.”
“It’s been just over three months since I broke up with my ex-girlfriend. Fate works is strange ways.”
“Why you say that?” He asks twisting in the chair.
“The day I met you and the pack would have been mine and Lilliana’s two year anniversary. I love my family, but I was starting to hate being in the coven. When my dad asked me if I would go to the Evermoore Coven, to try and talk to the two shifter that showed up, I was excited. It was a chance to get away from the coven even if it was for just a few days plus I would have gotten to see Damien.” I tell him turning to fully face him.
“I’m guessing Lilliana is part of the coven. Is that why you started to hate being in the coven?”
“Not anymore. She moved not long after I broke up with her. It was my so called friends that was the reason. Lilliana has been cheating on me for almost half our relationship and they knew. The people I thought were my friends, those that still called me their friend after I shifted for the first time, knew about the cheating and never said anything. A few tried to act like it was no big deal after I learned the truth. I cut them all out of my life, but being in the coven meant I saw them every day. Some tried to act like nothing bad to change.” I say as he leans towards to put him hand on mine.
“Is that the reason you decided to move here?”
“Honestly no. I decided to move here because I felt for the time in eight years I could be myself. You all made me feel so welcomed here. You were also part of the reason.” I admit, “I never felt like I could be my true self around Lilliana, but with you I can. I feel nothing towards her not even anger because it’s not worth it. It’s the same with my ex friends, but seeing them hurts as it brings back those memories.”
“If we weren’t soulmates, would you have still gone in the date with me yesterday?” He asks rubbing his thumb over the back of my hand.
“I don’t know. I never planned on dating anytime soon. There is just something about being around you that’s comforting and I don’t know if it’s just because we are soulmates or not.” I tell him honestly because I truly don’t know.
“What would you say if I told you that I wanted to kiss you last night when we said goodnight?”
Instead of replying right away I roll my chair closer to him, “I wouldn’t have been against it.”
Carter leans closer as he asks, “Really?”
I pretend to think about it for a moment before closing the gap between us leading to our first kiss.