August 20th
(Ella’s POV)
“How was training?” I hear someone ask as I untie my shoes in the entry way. Normally I would wear them up to my room to take off, but it rained meaning they are muddy.
“Tiring and muddy.” I say looking up to see Becca, “When did you get here?”
“About an hour ago. I’m having diner with Keith and his fathers tonight. I need help.”
“Fashion is your thing.” I tell her standing up.
“Not what I need help with. Phillip is around here somewhere.”
“Probably went to look for Crystal. If it’s not fashion then what do you need help with?” I ask picking up my shoes.
“I’ve never had to the meet the parents thing.”
“Nether did I. I wonder if Alex could help. I would ask Luca, but he ain’t here.” I say as we head up to my room, so I can change, “Are you staying the night?”
“Nathan and Simon don’t want us driving back in the dark. The others say hello and they miss you.” She tells me as she looks around my room as I put my shoes in the bathroom. Over the past month I’ve made the room more me and less pastel. The walls are still pastel mainly because I don’t feel like painting.
“I’ll visit soon. I’m planning a trip to the Amethyst Pack next weekend.”
“To get to know that part of your family?” She asks as I grab a change of clothes out of my wardrobe.
“Yes and to meet my aunt. Carter is coming with me so I don’t get lost. Plus he has another week and a half before he can shift.”
“How bad was the attack?” Becca asks sitting on my bed as I change into some black shorts and a light blue t-shirt that I think once belonged to Phillip. I got a few of my brothers’ old t-shirt they grew out of. They are comfy and perfect to wear around the house.
“Many injured, but thankfully we didn’t loose anyone. The worse injury one of ours sustained was a broken femur. It’s going to be months before she can shift again.“
“I’m glad no one died and I feel bad for those who got injured.”
“It comes with being part of a pack. Now let’s go find Alex.” I say heading out of the room. Knowing Alex she’s probably over at Isaac’s house or bugging Bri.
———
August 22nd
(Luca’s POV)
“I leave for a week and come back to both of you injured.”
“There are coven members here as well.” Alex comments as she twists in my desk chair.
“I noticed that. A few arrived at the Amethyst Pack yesterday.”
“Has unknown shifters been spotted around there?” Bri asks from where she is perched on my desk. They both decided to hang out while I unpack. It’s not often we hang out and talk just the three of us now days.
“A few. I think no more than a dozen. Hopefully they will get the rest of the talismans up before an attack happens.”
“It’ll be a few weeks. Alpha Kyle told Simon to use the ones they had finished here.“ Bri lets me know before changing the topic, “How was your trip?”
“It was good. Timmy officially has a house. We did spend most of Friday looking at furniture and picking out paint.”
“So, you two are decorating the house together? Got anything to tell us?” Alex asks and I can tell she’s partly just messing with me.
Moving my suitcase out of the way I sit on my bed and look at both of them. We have always been close, but grew closer upon moving here after are parents were killed in a car accident. Alex and me were only 12 and Bri was 16. She’ll never admit it, but Bri took the move the hardest as she had to leave Kimber. She talked about moving back to the Evermoore Pack upon turning 18, but when the time came she realized she didn’t want to leave us. That led Kimber to move here instead a year later.
“You know if mom wasn’t Beta then we might have grown up here instead.”
“I do not want to think about that as that means I might have never met Kimber.”
“Speaking of her. Have y’all sat a date for your wedding?” Alex asks turning to look at Bri.
“Our anniversary.”
“That’s in December which is just over three months away.”
“We know. The plan is doing it in the backyard with just family. I’m going to wear mom’s dress and Kimber plans on wearing jumpsuit. We just want it simple.” Bri says and I get up to hug as I can tell she is about to cry. “I just wish mom and dad could be here. Next month it’ll be a decade.”
“Do you think we can go to the Evermoore Pack for a couple of days?” Alex asks.
“We will see.” Bri asks wiping her eyes as I step back, “Lets talk about something happier. Luca, you never answered Alex’s questions.”
“Yes, we are decorating the house together. I’ve been thinking and the two of us have been talking. Come spring I plan to move to the Amethyst Pack. When I do move I’ll be moving in with him.“
“Our little brother is growing up. Next thing we know he’ll be engaged.” Alex says looking at Bri.
I grab and chuck a pillow at her, “Between the two of us, you’ll probably be engaged first.”
“It’ll be strange not having you around everyday.”
“You are stuck with me for a few more months.” I say as I get back to unpacking.
———
(Bri’s POV)
“Alex brought up something earlier.” I say as I curl up against Kimber on our couch.
“What?”
“We have forgotten to tell the others the date we picked for our wedding. I mean besides Jared who is officiating it.”
“We can tell them at lunch tomorrow. Do you think Andy would walk me down the aisle if I asked him? I know you plan to ask Jack.”
“I think he would be honored too.”
“If my mom was here, I would have asked her.” Kimber comments and I can hear the sadness on her voice. Her mother lost the battle to breast cancer when Kimber was 14. She was a very sweet lady. Lacey was really supportive of Kimber when she came out as lesbian and when we started dating. We had only been dating two months when she passed away.
“How do you feel about one day naming our kids after our parents?”
“As long as we don’t use my father’s name I’m perfectly happy with that.” Kimber says with no room to argue. I wouldn’t anyway as I know she doesn’t have a good or any relationship with him.
“Alex wants to visit the Evermoore Pack for a couple of days next month.”
“It’s hard to believe it’s been almost ten years since they passed. I might go with y’all as I haven’t visited my mom’s grave since before I left.”
“What if you see him? We haven’t been since we first came here.” I say kind of regretting that.
“If he tries to say anything about you or out relationship, I’m punching him. I told him when I left that I never wanted to speak to him ever again. He’s dead to me. I didn’t care if he is half the reason I’m alive. Last thing he said to me before I left was that I’m no daughter of his as long as I’m living in so called sin. He can go burn in fucking hell for all I care. I’m happy and he can’t take that from me.”
“I love you, but please don’t punch anyone.”
“I love you too, but no promises.” She replies kissing the top of my head, “Remember Aiden?”
“Yes.“
“I’ll do to again. I do not care if he is my cousin. He shouldn’t have said that about you three.”
“I’m still just surprised your broke his nose. You were what, 15 and a foot shorter than him.”
“Don’t forget he’s five years older. My aunt was so mad at first until she learned why I did it.” Kimber reminds me
“Are you going to tell your aunt about the wedding?”
“Probably not. I haven’t talked to her since I left. I’ve reached out to her, but she never responds.” She says with poorly hidden sadness in her voice. Her aunt and cousin is her only living family on her mom’s side. Kimber doesn’t know anyone on her father’s side.
“To change the subject to something happier. Luca is planning in moving in the spring to the Amethyst Pack.”
“How do you feel about that?” Kim asks running her fingers through my hair.
“It’s going to be strange. The three of us have never been apart for long. I know he’ll be happy living with Timmy. What I want to know is if he would have still planned to move if I had chosen to move back to the Evermoore Pack.”
“He wouldn’t have. Timmy would have probably moved here.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I know you three. It’s how I knew you wouldn’t leave here. How’s your arm?”
“Fine for the most part. It itches a little.” I reply holding up my left arm to glare at the cast. I hate not being able to shift, but I’m glad I can still at least somewhat help with training the younger ones. Teaching new shifters how to walk in their wolf forms is challenge, but also funny.
“Three more weeks.”
“Until I get the stupid thing off then it’s another three weeks at least before I can shift and get back to training.” I say annoyed to which Kimber pats my head making me laugh. She turns on my favorite movie Ever After and all conversation stops for the time being.
(Ella’s POV)
“What did your fathers think of Becca?” I ask Keith as we wait for the coven and pack members to get to the training grounds. It has been decided to get the pack members used to being around magic. It’s just the protection and fire ones as the healing ones aren’t very helpful in fights. I want to know what Jared was thinking putting me in charge of this.
“They thought she was shy, but sweet. After she left I was asked when I was going to ask her to finally be my girlfriend.”
“She’s usually the opposite of shy. Before hand she asked Alex for advice as she has never had to meet the parents before.”
“I know. I’m meeting Nathan and Simon this weekend when I go to Moonstone to pick up my cousin. I’ve only done meet the parents once and I made a fool of myself.”
“I’ve never done it. With my ex-girlfriend I knew her parents already with them being part of the coven. Emily was the first pack member I met and I live with them.”
“Is it weird?”
“Living in the same house as my soulmate that I’ve only gone on one date with? Honestly, not really.” I say as those who are part of this training session finally arrive. I roped Keith into helping me since the others are busy.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“Okay. I think there is an even number of y’all, so I want you to pair up. Two pack members with a coven member. The aim of these sessions is to get everyone used to working with each other.” I say as loud as I can without actually yelling so everyone can hear me.
“I was told before hand what to say, but I have forgotten.” Keith says before looking at me with an innocent smile.
“The coven members with fire magic will only be using fire that produces light not heat. We don’t need anyone else getting hurt. I want one pack member in each group to stay unshifted.” I say after giving Keith annoyed look knowing for a fact he didn’t forget.
“Having one unshifted member in each group will be helpful to the coven member. The groups need to stay spread out just to be on the safe side. Listen to the coven member in your group as they know their magic.” Keith finishes.
———
As everyone leaves the training session I just lay on the ground staring up at the sky. I don’t know how the normal training leaders do it especially those who run more than one group a day. While I help with the new shifters training it’s mostly watching to make sure no one gets hurt.
“Please never rope me into this again.” Keith says sitting down beside me. He doesn’t sound much better than I do at the moment. We both ended up having to yell at times for everyone to hear us once the groups spread out.
“No promises.” I reply finally sitting up. We both just sit in the grass for a few minutes before finally getting up. We walk together until we get close to Keith’s house and part ways.
Walking into the main house I head for the kitchen to make some tea. In the kitchen I find Carter making something.
“How was leading training?” He asks upon seeing me enter.
“I don’t want to do it again anytime soon.” I say as I grab the kettle and fill it with water, “How’s you side feeling?”
“Leading normal training is better.” He tells me as I put the kettle on the stove, “Sore as I accidentally hit it. Want a muffin? The ones in the oven are almost done.
“Why are you making muffins?”
“Mom was going to, but she’s now in a meeting. Dad and her are talking to the Alpha and Luna from another pack we have never met before.” He explains as I get to work making two cups of peach tea once the water is ready. Emily keeps s stock of many different teas. My favorite is Celestial Seasonings County Peach Passion.
“What kind?”
“Double chocolate chip are the ones currently in the oven. The ones I’m working on now are blueberry.”
———
(Emily’s POV)
“That was not what I was expecting.” Andy says as Jared hangs up the phone. It’s rare all four of us are in a meeting with other pack leaders as it’s usually just Jared and Jack.
“I wonder if Oscar knows his niece has started her own pack.” I muse.
“Who knows. Hopefully Alpha Dirk won’t find out about them.” Jack says standing up and stretching, “I offered to help with training with one of the leaders being sick.”
As Jack heads out of the office Jared says, “I’m going to reach out to Simon to see if they would be willing to make talismans for them. With them being so small….” He trails off, but we all know what he means. If Alpha Dirk learns of them it wouldn’t be long before he attacked them. It’s because of him and his father that many new packs never got the chance to grow. Most of those packs were started by those in their mid twenties and some already had kids. Any pack they attack those with a known Alpha bloodline never make it out alive unless they are extremely lucky. It’s one of the ways they have made sure members can’t leave their pack.
“To not think about that I’m going to see how Carter is doing on the muffins.” I say before standing up and heading out of the office.
(Ella’s POV)
“How’s your throat?” Carter asks as he puts the second batch of muffins in the oven.
“Better. I have to lead training again tomorrow with a different group of shifters.” I say annoyed before taking a sip of my tea. Just then Emily walks into the kitchen, “Thank you for getting start on the muffins.”
“You are welcome. How was the meeting?” Carter asks as he starts in the third batch of muffins. We go through a lot of muffins in this house. Emily always tries to keep some on hand for those who have early training. They also make for a good snack after training or after a late night patrol according to Carter.
“Good. There is a new pack forming just a couple of hours north. They are just a year older than you Carter.“
“Should we let Ro know?”
“Let’s wait. We told them about Ro’s plan and they are open to taking members in. They don’t have many members at the moment. Currently they are trying to keep their existence quiet. Only their two former packs know and now us.”
“Two former packs?” I ask confused. How packs are formed and all that is still a bit confusing to me.
“The Alpha is the oldest child of the Alpha of her former pack, which is the Starfall Pack. Her husband and Luna of the pack was the eldest son of an Alpha of another pack, the Silver Frost Pack. They are like you and Carter.” Emily says before pausing and from the look on her face it seems she’s trying to figure the simplest way to explain things, “As you know only those with an Alpha bloodline can form a new pack. There are three options if the eldest children of the Alpha of two different packs are together.”
“You choosing to be the Luna of this pack and giving up being the Alpha of the Amethyst Pack is one option.” Carter joins in the explanation, “Another option is we both could leave and create our pack. Both of these options rely on both either having younger siblings or a cousin that can take over their place. Example is Peter taking over as Alpha in your place. If we formed our own pack then Ember would take over as Alpha of this pack.”
“The last option is merging both packs. It’s not always the best option. Saying that if both packs are small and neither have someone else who can take over it’s a great option. Merging our pack and Amethyst Pack would not be a good as we are a medium to large size for a pack.” Emily finishes.
“Okay, let me see if I understand. Option one is one giving up being the next Alpha of their pack to become the Luna of their partner’s pack. Option two is both giving up being the Alpha of their respective pack and forming their own. Both are good if one or both packs have someone else that can be the next Alpha. The third option is merging the two packs. Works the best for small packs and those without someone else to take over as the next Alpha. Is that right?”
“Yes. I know a lot of this is confusing. 24 years on and I still get confused from time to time myself.” Emily says as she gathers up the dirty dishes Carter no longer needs to put them in the dishwasher.
“Most of what I’m learning is confusing. I feel like I’m trying to play catch-up and failing. There are kids who know more than I do about being a shifter and they aren’t old enough to shift.” I say trying to the keep the frustration out of my voice.
Carter walks over and wraps his arms around my shoulders from behind, “You are not only learning fast, but you are also having to learn things normal members don’t have to. Saying that though you can put that off a few years if you wish to.“ I can feel him talking as he has his chin resting on my head. Leaning my head back I give him a smile.
(Emily’s POV)
As I gather the ingredients for banana nut muffins I watch as she leans her head back to smile up at Carter. Just from watching them you can tell how much they already care about each other. I know the pack will be in good hands with those two as Alpha and Luna. Tuning the two of them out I get to work on making muffins.
By the time I get ready to the banana but muffins in the oven I notice Carter and Ella are gone. When they left the kitchen without me realizing I don’t know. As I take out one pan of muffins and put another in the oven Jared walks in.
“Simon said he will see about getting some members to make talismans for them.”
“That’s good. How do you feel about helping me prepare dinner?” I ask as I put dirty dishes in the dish washer and starting it.
“With what? As you remember you won’t let me near the stove.” He says kissing my cheek.
“You can chop things.”
———
August 24th
(Zachery’s POV)
“What about this one?” Damien asks showing me this ring he was looking at. It’s a silver with stars and moons engraved in it with a few small stones in blue and green.
“It’s pretty. I found something similar in gold, but it doesn’t have stones.” I reply showing him the one I found.
“I think they would go well together.” He comments leaning against me as we hold our phones up next to each other.
“I think they will as well. Which one for who?”
“Want to order them?” He asks as I wrap my arm around his waist, “The one I found is perfect for you as you prefer gold over silver and like simpler designs.”
“Does this mean we are getting engaged?” I ask. We have talked about it and both agreed we didn’t really want to make a big deal out of proposing. That led us to deciding to look at rings online.
“Yes.”
“Then yes.” I say kissing his head.
“I love you.”
“I love you too. When are we going to tell the others?” I ask grabbing my wallet and throwing him his.
“Let’s wait until we get the rings.”
“Okay. Anything else we should talk about?” I ask as we order the rings.
“Like what? Wedding plans? The future?”
“If I knew we could get away with it I would elope.” Not that I would ever do that.
“So not likely. We will be the first kids and grandkids to get married. What date should we do?” Damien asks putting his phone away after ordering the ring he found.
“Want to aim for Valentine’s Day?”
“That’s about five and a half months away. Probably closer to five depending on when the rings arrive.”
“I know.”
“I think we can make it work. Especially if we get our families to help out.” He says and knowing our families they would agree in a heartbeat.
“I’m sure Glinda, Becca, and Sophia will all be glad to help.”
“What about the future?” I ask running my fingers through Damien’s short hair.
“What about it?”
“The biggest thing is kids.” I say though I think normally the biggest thing is where to live. All leaders and their families have lived in this house.
“How many do you want?”
“At least two, but no more than four. You?”
“Two is fine with me unless its lets say a set of three siblings than I wouldn’t want to separate them.” He says sounding like he is about to fall asleep. Though he will probably never admit it he finds it relating to have his hair played with.
“Same. Baby or an older child.”
“An older child first. Also if possible at least a half witch or warlock.”
“I really don’t want to change diapers. Makes sense so they could be the next leader if they chose to.” I would never make them be the next leader if they really didn’t want to be it.
———
August 25th
(Ella’s POV)
“I’ve missed you.” Della says hugging as soon as I get out of the car. Carter and me are headed to the Amethyst Pack for a visit. Due to some car troubles we left far later than planned, so are spending the night in the coven. I’m not complaining though as I miss my family.
“I’ve missed you too. How’s school?” I ask as she releases me from the hug, so I can shut the door.
“Good. I’m also starting skating lessons again. Finally found a new coach.” Della is working towards a degree in ecology and plans to her masters in science in it. Before moving here Della competed in figure skating competitions, but stopped upon moving here. She didn’t stop skating though and recently decided to look for a new coach to hopefully get back into competitions.
“When you have your first competition let me know as I want to watch.” I tell her as the three of us head into the house. I’m not surprised to see a fox, two dogs, a crow and a cat all curled up together asleep. What is surprising is seeing Starlight in the living room.
“Is that a unicorn?” Carter asks walking up behind me and I can hear the confusion in his voice.
“That you be Starlight. She’s my grandma, Glinda’s, familiar. Unicorns are one of the three rarest familiars a witch or warlock can have. The other two are a phoenix and griffin. Starlight has been her familiar since my grandma was 16.” Damien tells him walking out of the kitchen with Zachery.
“Where’s dad?”
“Over at Pierce’s. They are having a meeting with contractors. Nathan is in town and as you already know everyone else is still at work.”
I look at Carter silently asking if we should mention the Star Frost Pack. He looks at me before saying, “I might get in trouble for saying this, but there is a new pack forming. It’s close to where the new coven will be. They are trying to keep their existence very quiet.”
“Do they have a name?” Della asks sitting on the back of one of the couches and trying not to fall backwards.
“Yes. Not telling you. Have Hazel and Amber come up with a name?”
“They have three ideas. Silver Moon, Moonlight, and Silver Falls.” Zachery says as Della lets out an eep as she falls backwards onto the couch.
I laugh a little as I walk over to Della to help her up as she says, “I’m bunking with Becca tonight so you can have my room. Nathan is finally getting new cover your room so Carter actually has cover.”
“It’s been a month and a half since I left. I find it funny that you say you are bunking with Becca.”
“Why?”
“Knowing the four of you all of you will end up in one room.” Zachery comments sitting on one of the other couches.
“Most likely.” Della says before heading off to her room.
“One question. Why is Starlight in the house?” I ask as Carter and me sit down.
“She followed inside. I’m watching her while grandma and pa are in a neighboring town picking up plants from a nursery.”
———
“How are the talismans coming along?” I ask Kelly. She’s one of the five that are in charge of keeping the coven safe during attacks. They are the ones who round help those that are helpful in defending the coven and keeping things organized. They are similar to the pack’s patrol leaders.
“The ones for the Amethyst Pack were sent earlier today. It’ll be another few weeks before we have enough to fully cover the Winter Moon Pack. The Evermoore and Dawson are focusing on those.”
“I’m guessing y’all have been given another task?” Ella asks knowing Jared messaged my dad about getting talismans done of the Star Frost Pack.
“Yes. They should be done in about a week and a half. I’ll be delivering them myself along with Zachery. First we will be stopping by the Winter Moon Pack.” She lets me know as she sorts the items needed for the talismans, “How’s training going?”
Instead of replying right away I lean back in the chair I’m sitting and look up at the ceiling. I almost lost my voice the other day yelling. “That bad?” I hear Kelly with a slight chuckle. She knows how well some of the coven members don’t listen as she’s a mentor.
“Three days in a row and lots of yelling on my part. I’ve drank so much tea. Your younger brother is the worst listener.” I let her know as I look at her.
“Trust me I know.” Kelly’s younger brother is four months older than me. When it was first revealed I was a shifter he tried to bully me. Upon learning their mother sent him to live with their father in a different coven, he moved back at 18. While his opinion on shifters has changed, he doesn’t think he has to take orders from someone younger than him.
Kelly is the same age as Zachery. Both Kelly and her brother have their mother’s fiery red hair and Kelly has her golden almost yellow eyes. Darrel has dark blue eyes which I’m guessing their father has. Their parents divorced when Darrel was just a baby and he moved away not long after. Kelly is short like their mother at around 5’5” while he brother is just shy of 6’0”. The two of continue to talk while I help her sort the things.
———
“I wish I could tag alone.” Keira as she lays backwards on Della’s bed. Becca, Keira, Della and me are hanging out in Della’s room as all the familiars are in the living room. Hazel is still at work, Violet and Amber are off in town and Sophia is feeling a bit under the weather.
“Your mom won’t let you.” I guess as Becca messes with my hair.
“If it was only overnight she would. Rose has my car at the moment, so I’m stuck here.”
“Why not invite Melody to visit instead?” Della asks as she rummages through her nail polish. The drawer she keeps it in it a hot mess.
“I thought about it, but with everything going on I’m not sure she would leave the pack. What is Carter up to?”
“Zachery, Phillip and Damien took him into town. I have no idea what they are up to, but I’m not overly worried.”
“The worst they are most likely to are threaten to hurt him if he hurts you.” Hazel comments walking in just then surprising us all.
“I thought you still had work for another hour.” Becca says.
“My mentor had a family emergency. Something about her daughter falling and breaking her arm. I think she said she fell out of a tree. Becca, what are you doing to Ella’s hair?” She asks sitting in the bed next to Keira.
“Whatever I want.”
“All long as you don’t make it a tangled mess as I have to wash it later.” I remind her.
“Have some faith in me.”
(Zachery’s POV)
“How are things in the pack?” I ask as Carter, Damian, Phillip and me sit in a booth at the diner Phillip works at.
“Training has picked up a lot for those who can still train. While Ella doesn’t seem to like leading training she good at it from what I’ve heard.”
“She’s never liked being in charge of things even if she’s a natural leader.” Phillip comments a waitress walks over.
After she takes our orders and leaves Carter says, “It might due to her bloodline.”
“What about it?”
“The Thorne family is from a long line of Betas with one to two Alphas marrying in. Betas are often natural leaders, but don’t like being completely in charge unless they have to. It’s why they can take over a pack if there is no one from the Alpha’s family that can.” Carter explains.
“How do you know that about the Thorne family?” Phillip asks.
“Our two packs have known each other since the start. Both packs were started around the time shifters started settling down in packs. Carter and Ana Moon were good friends with Jane and Nym Thorne. Back then anyone could create a pack, but not many actually flourished. Those that did are mostly still around. Any new pack are related to an existing pack. Ember can go start her own pack if she wants. Not that I think I she will.”
“Jane and Nym Thorne? Are they related to the current Thornes?” I ask intrigued.
“Yep. Jane was the Alpha while her twin, Nym, was the Beta. Ella is a descendant. Nym’s line stayed as Betas until Alpha Kyle. The previous Alpha was the last of Jane’s line. Continuing on the both the Alphas and Betas will be from Nym’s line.”
“That’s interesting. Was Carter or Ana the first Alpha for your pack?”
“Ana while Carter was the Luna. He is the first recorded male Luna. It was his choice as he knew she would be a better leader.”
“I didn’t realize males could be Lunas.” Damien comments as our food arrive.
“It’s rare, but it does happen. Not many packs care what gender the Alpha and Luna are. Same with the Beta.“ Carter says before conversation basically stops as we eat. What conversation that does happen is just mostly boring stuff. I do plan on letting him know by the time we head back that if he hurts Ella he will regret it. Though I don’t think we have to worry about that as it’s clear from just watching them how much he already cares about her.