Novels2Search

Chapter 9

August 26th

(Ella’s POV)

“How was the drive?” Aurora asks greeting Carter and me after we get out of the car, “Kyle and Cody are somewhere around the pack.”

“I would have gotten us lost if Carter didn’t know where we were going.”

“Sounds about right. We aren’t very easy to find which is how we like it.” Aurora says as she leads us inside, “All the bedrooms are upstairs. Guest rooms are still being finished, so we don’t have beds in there. There is a tiny house about a five minute walk from here where you two will be staying. It’s mostly used by my father when he comes to visit. It is only one bedroom, so if that’s a problem for you I can ask Nicole and Jasper if they are willingly to bunch together.”

“We will talk about it.” I let her know.

Aurora leads us into the living room where Jasper is laying in the floor with books and papers around her.

“How’s the project coming along?”

“Slowly.” Jasper replies barely glancing out way, “I hate science.”

“Where are your siblings?”

“Cole is with Pen. Julian is in his room doing homework. Marie is with Ash. Why?” Jasper asks sitting up and looking at Aurora before noticing Carter and me, “Hi.”

“Just curious. You know your sister hates that nickname. Now to find your father and uncle.” Aurora says just as Kaiden walking into the living from a different door.

“Found one.” Jasper says pointing, “She’s not hear me call her it.”

“I don’t think she’s talking about me, pipsqueak. As for who she’s talking about I saw them talking with a few of the warlocks.” Kaiden lets Aurora know, “I see you two made it finally.”

“Car issues though I don’t think Ella is complaining about having to spend the night with the coven.” Carter says looking at me to which I just stick my tongue out at him in response.

“I can show you around the pack or do you want to meet Liz?” Aurora asks.

“I don’t know.”

“How about this? I show you around and if at anytime you want to meet Lizzy we can hunt her down.” Kaiden suggests.

“Okay,” I reply as Jasper says“I was going to ask you to help me with my project for science.”

“I was at science in school. Why not go find Kayla to ask her for help? According to Melody she’s getting a degree in earth science.”

“You think she would help me?”

“You won’t know unless you ask.” Kaiden tells her.

As Jasper gathers her books and paper Carter and me head outside with Kaiden.

(Marie’s POV)

“I heard Ella and Carter should be here soon.” Ash comments as we work on homework.

“I know.”

“You don’t sound happy about that. From what I remember of her from the gathering she seems nice.”

“It’s not that.” I say rolling onto my side to look at Ash better, “It’s been just about a month and a half since I learned about her. I don’t know how I feel. I’ve been the eldest siblings most of my life.”

“Have you talked to either of your parents about this? It’s a big change for your entire family.”

“No and I know.” I say moving to stare up at the ceiling of Ash’s room. It’s still painted like the sky from when they were little.

“I suggest talking to one or both of them. Now help me finish this damn project.” Ash tells me grabbing my wrist and pulling me so I’m back on my side. I hate English with a passion. Before getting back to work I lean over and kiss Ash on the cheek. Their response is to look at me before pointing to my notebook with their pen making me smile. Ash came out as non-binary and bisexual a year ago. They have gone by Ash long before that mainly because they don’t really like the name Ashley. Realizing I had a crush on them seven months ago helped me fully realized I wasn’t straight. I had already been questioning my sexuality before that, but it was than I started to try and figure it out. Currently I identify as pansexual, but I’m still somewhat questioning. Five months ago I took a chance on asking Ash out. I was so afraid of ruining our friendship or making things awkward. Luckily neither of those happened.

———

(Ella’s POV)

“There is so much space. I thought Winter Moon had a lot of open land.”

“We have less members which means less buildings. Though Kyle and Cody are working on building more houses.”

“For those from the Midnight Pack if Ro’s plan works?”

“Yes. Hopefully it works out well.” He says as a women with collarbone length light brunette hair walks over.

“Hello, Lizzy. How are you?”

“Glad it’s Saturday. I love the kids, but I wish is was fall break.”

“Not for another month. I think you’ve met Carter before and this is Ella. Ella this is Elizabeth. She mostly goes by Liz, Lizzy or Eliza. Addison’s younger sister.”

“It’s been a few years and you didn’t have pink hair.” Elizabeth says to Carter before turning to me, “It’s nice to finally meet you. While you look so much like Kyle, you have her eyes and height.”

“Now you know where you get your shortness from.” Carter tells me as he puts his elbow on my head.

“You don’t need to remind me that I’m a foot shorter than you, Pinky.” I give him an annoyed before moving to get his arm off. Normally I would have elbowed him in the side, but I can’t due to him still healing.

“I would stay and chat, but I have to go into town to pick something up for my mom.”

“Do they know about me?” I ask unsure if I want them to know or not.

“No. Kyle thought we should leave that up to you. I’m not sure if his parents and grandparents know. You would have to ask him. I don’t think my parents would be opposed to meeting you if you want to meet them.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“If you want to meet them while you are here just have Kaiden message me.” She lets me know before walking off.

“Let’s head back to the house.“

(Marie’s POV)

“Do you have a moment?” I ask standing in the doorway of the office.

“Always for you kids.” My dad replies as he stands up and moves over to the couch, “What’s on your mind?”

“What was your reaction to learning that Ella was your daughter?” I ask sitting on the couch beside him.

“Surprise. Hurt.”

“Hurt?” I ask confused.

“That Addison didn’t tell me. I wish I could ask her why, but I know I’ll probably never get the chance.”

“What would you have done if you did know about her from the start?”

“I would have done whatever I could to keep her. It would have been hard as I had just taken over as Alpha when Addison left.”

“Would you have still met mom?” I ask unsure if I want to know the answer.

“Most likely as I probably would have still visited the clan. The only difference would you would if had an older sister from the start. How do you feel about having an older half sister?” He asks putting a hand on mine to stop me from picking at my cuticles. It’s a habit I have when I’m nervous.

“It’s weird. I’ve been the oldest for so long. Technically I’m still the oldest here as she lives in Winter Moon. Though it’s still weird knowing I have an older sister living six hours away. Do you think Addison thought you weren’t ready to be a father or didn’t want to be one?”

“We talked about having kids.”

“If you could ask Addison one thing, what would it be?”

“Why did she leave Ella outside in the cold?”

“What?” I ask surprised. Who in their right mind would do that? I may only be 15, but I do often deal with a baby and couldn’t image do that to her. Ash’s sister, Evelyn, is only a few months old and we babysit her a few days a week after school.

“According to Ella she left outside the hospital in Moonstone in November.”

“I don’t know Addison, but I don’t like her.” I say which makes dad laugh and me smile. It’s true though.

“I see you are procrastinating looking at building plans.” Mom says leaning against the doorframe of the office.

“I am not. Marie wanted to talk.”

“Well it doesn’t matter if you are procrastinating or not as dinner is ready.” She says before turning and leaving.

———

(Ella’s POV)

“It’s odd to think it has only been just over two months since we first met.” I say as Carter and me sit on the couch in the tiny house after dinner. We still haven’t figured out sleep, but I needed a break from the main house. We are both used to being around a lot of people, but not a 10 year old and two 7 year olds. Especially not a 7 year old who loves asking questions about anything and everything. Nicole is adorable, but a little overwhelming.

“It honestly seems longer.”

“Y’all welcomed me and made me feel apart of the pack from the start. I’m actually surprised.”

“I’m sure my dad wasn’t completely happy with my mom inviting you to the pack without his knowledge. Saying that he completely trusts her judgement.”

“One thing I’m happy about is that not many know we are soulmates.” I say as he plays with a strand of my hair. I took it out of my usual braid with the intention of putting it up in a bun or ponytail, but haven’t gotten around to that.

“Why?”

“Because it means they accept me for me and not because they think they have to.”

“True. We still have to figure out sleeping. I’m honest I could sleep on this couch as it’s very comfortable.”

“I agree it is, but what about your side? In two months you have injured your side twice.” I remind him.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore unless I accidentally hit it. We have had more attacks recently than normal. Luckily most injures have been minimal. Two nights sleeping on a couch isn’t going to kill me.”

“If you say so.” I say leaning against his non bruised side.

———

August 27th

“Don’t be nervous. They will love you.” Liz says as we walk to her parents house to have lunch with them.

“How can you be so sure?”

“I know my parents. Plus they told me they couldn’t wait to meet you.”

“How did they react to learning about me?”

“We were shocked.” An older lady says from where she is watering flowers in front of a cute two story pastel blue house, “You two are just in time for lunch.”

“That was the plan mother.” Liz tells the older lady, “Mom, this is Ella. Ella this is my mother, your grandma, Sally.”

“It’s nice to meet you dear. Let’s head inside. Hopefully Callum remembered to take the lasagna out of the oven like I asked.” Sally says leading us up the small porch and inside. Liz looks so much like her mother except for hair color. Sally has long dark brunette with streaks of gray hair.

The inside of the house reminds me of Glinda and Edison’s with the floral wallpaper. Following Sally into the next room reveals the kitchen and dinning space. Standing by the stove is an older gentleman who I’m guessing is Callum. From what I can see he had the same light brown hair as Liz, just with some gray.

“Callum did you get the lasagne out of the oven?” Sally asks as she sets the pitcher she was using to water the flowers on the counter next to the sink.

“Yes, love.” He says turning towards her before noticing Liz and me, “You must be Ella. Elizabeth didn’t tell us much.” As he says Liz’s full name she looks like she’s trying to be annoyed at the fact.

“I told you what I knew.”

“We can talk about that after lunch.” Sally says in a way that leaves no room for argument.

———

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“How long have you known about Ella?” Sally asks Liz as we move to sit in the living room.

“For certain since Kyle and Cody got back from the gathering at the Winter Moon Pack. I did suspect before that though. Kyle and me decided to leave it up to Ella if she wanted you to know.”

“Do you have any questions you want to ask, Ella?” Callum asks as him and Sally sit on the loveseat and Liz and me sit on the couch.

“What was Addison like?”

“Head strong, stubborn, and very independent. A bit rebellious as a teen.” Sally tells me.

“Was it a surprise that she just left?”

“Yes and no. It was a surprise with how sudden it was, but she had talked about leaving before. While she loved the pack and Kyle, she never saw herself as a possible Luna. I don’t know if he knew that or not.” Sally says looking at Liz.

“Don’t look at me. You can always ask.”

“I know you said you were shocked when you learned about me. Was that all?”

“We were upset that Addison never said anything.”

“We always wanted a big family, but it wasn’t in the cards for us.” Sally says looking at Liz who just smiles, “I can’t say we wouldn’t change anything if we could. If I could change something it would be knowing about you sooner.”

“What was your life growing up?” Callum asks.

“Good for the most part. It was chaotic at times. It has been hard since I learned that I was a shifter 8 years ago. Mostly trying to learn things on my own. I will say learning that I was a shifter showed me who my real friends are.”

“Do you have siblings? Not counting your half ones.”

“Five. Two older brothers and a slightly younger sister. One year ago we officially gained two step-sisters. One is a year older and the other is a year younger. The past five years has been chaotic, but very fun. I don’t know if our dads agree though.”

“You grew up in a coven, correct?” Callum asks.

“Yes. I was and still a the only shifter. We have some humans and a handful of elves along with the usual witches and warlocks.”

“Really?” Liz asks surprised.

“Yes. My step-dad is a water elf. His nieces/adopted daughters are a water elf and a snow elf. There are four or five others I believe.” I say trying to remember off the top of my head.

“What are your parents like?”

“My dad is the leader of the coven, but he has and still does make time for us if we need to talk to him. He is very supportive of all of us. After we learned I was a shifter he broke ties with some other covens after learning about their negative views on shifters. My mom…,” I start as I put my hand over my daisy tattoo, “my mom was very sweet. She cared about everyone in the coven. She’ll be gone 11 years in November. My dad met my step-dad five years ago and they realized they were soulmates. Kaiden kind of reminds me of Nathan.”

“Did your parents always plan on adopting or was it something else that lead them to adopting you.”

“Originally my mom’s brother and his husband were going to adopt me. They were killed in a car accident before they could, so my mom and dad decided to adopt me instead. I’m named after my mom’s brother Daniel. My full name is Daniella, but I rarely go by it.“

———

The four is us talked for over an hour after lunch before I left. It was interesting talking to them and I learned about Liz and Addison’s childhood. As I walk back to the main house to meet up with Carter I feel my phone off alerting me to a message. Opening I see it’s from Bastian in the the group chat.

Future Leaders

Bastian: Got some news, it’s not good news though

Bri: what’s going on

Bastian: Ro’s father is planning an attack on the Amethyst Paxk by the end of the week

Ella: @Carter are you at the house?

Carter: no

Ella: @Carter okay, I’m almost there so I’ll let Kyle know.

Kimber: @Ella @Carter it’s kind of handy that the two of you are there at the moment

Ella: what’s handy is the fact the pack is protected

Bastian: @Ella how?

Ella: talismans made by protection witches and warlocks from a few different covens. They finished putting up this morning

Carter: don’t forgot the coven members that are staying with the pack

Bastian: good. I’ll let Ro know next time I see her. As a protection warlock I know how well those talismans work.

Ella: how do they work? I might have grown up in a coven, but I know very little about witch magic

Bastion: they create an invisible barrier to keep those no permitted out. The coven leader or in this case the Alpha can pick who can enter. Covens usually do their members plus members of covens they are very close with and trust. my coven, Evermoore, has it where Moonstar Coven members can also enter. Those who are not permitted to enter get a mild shock at first, but if they continue to try the pain gets worse. That’s the gist of it. Would say more but I have to go for now

Kimber: this was very interesting.

Leaving the group chat I lock my phone before putting it back in my pocket. Reaching the house I head inside and to where the office is in hopes of finding either Kyle or Cody. Just as I turn the corner I nearly walk into Kyle.

“Careful.” He says as I step back and almost trip over my own feet, “How did lunch go?”

“Good. Got news from Ro, technically her soulmate. Alpha Dirk plans to attack here by the end of the week.”

“It’s a good thing the rest of the talismans are up. I’ve been told how they work and it doesn’t sound pleasant.”

“Yeah it doesn’t.” I say before deciding to ask, “Can I ask you something?”

“Anything and you don’t have to ask.”

“Did you know that Addison never saw herself as a possible Luna?”

“Yes. We talked about a few times leading up to me officially taking over. I had planned to talk to her the day she left to see if she wanted to end things. She left in the middle of the night without a word though. All she left was a note saying she was sorry.”

“Don’t forgot you agreed to lead a training session, uncle.” Melody says walking out of the sunroom.

“I remember. I was on my way before I got to talking with Ella. Want to join?” He asks looking at me.

“I’ll pass.”

“Carter is over at Peter’s if you want to bug them or more accurately remind Peter that he has training.” Melody lets me know as she passes by to head wherever she is going.

“I will do that.”

(Carter’s POV)

“How are things in Winter Moon?” Peter asks we sit in his tiny house just talking, mostly about the packs.

“Training has picked up for those that can still train. The coven members have joined in and Ella has been leading those.”

“Knock. Knock.” We hear from the open doorway. Peter likes to leave his door open on nice days when he’s home.

“Come on in.” Peter says before Ella walks in, “What brings you to my place?”

“Your sister. Melody said to remind you about training.”

“Shit.” Peter says before getting up to grab his shoes, “Shut the door when you leave.” With that he’s gone.

“Did you let Alpha Kyle know what Bastian said?” I ask standing up to slip on my shoes.

“I caught him right before he left to lead training.” Ella says as we leave Peter’s house shutting the door behind us.

“Did you see the last thing Bastian sent in the chat?”

“No. What was it?”

“He was letting us know how the talismans actually work. That’s not what interested me though. He’s from the Evermoore Coven.”

“That’s the coven you were headed to when your car broke down, right?”

“Yes. Where is the Midnight Pack located?” Ella asks curiously.

“It was originally located 8 hours North East from Winter Moon. With how big it’s gotten I’m not fully sure.”

“That’s about five hours from Evermoore if they are still in the same area.”

———

August 28th

(Timmy’s POV)

“How’s the house coming along?” Katlyn asks as we put together cupcake boxes. My mom and Kat’s step-mom own a bakery together. Often times the two of us plus Kat’s twin, Garret, help when they have big orders to pack.

“Finally got all the painting done.”

“That’s good. I thought Garret was suppose to help us with these.” Kat complains.

“He’s on his way.” My mom says coming into the back of the bakery carrying an empty tray.

“He’s not anymore.”

“What do you mean, mamma?” Kat asks Charlotte as she hangs up the phone that hangs on the wall and mostly used to take orders.

“He’s been roped into training. Apparently the usual leader is sick.” Charlotte lets us know as she gets back to work on making cupcakes.

As my mom fills the tray she was carrying with finished cupcakes she says, “Sky offered to come by once he was done with patrol to see if we need help. He should be done in about an hour.”

“Good. I have to leave in an hour and a half for work.” Kat reminds us.

“How’s the hunt for a shop going?”

“Slowly. At this rate I might just see if I can open a salon within the pack.”

“That’s not a bad idea. Some of the older members like getting their hair done, but it’s hard for them to get to the salon.” Charlotte says.

“Talk to Kyle and Cody about it. I’m sure they would be okay with the idea.” My mom tells her.

“I’ll think about it. Payton and me are going to look at a place tomorrow.”

———

(Ella’s POV)

“Damien!” I call out upon seeing him walking with Zachery after I get Patch to calm down. She bolted over as soon as I got out of the car.

“Yes?” He asks as they change course to walk over.

“Do you know a Sebastian? He’s a protection warlock in the Evermoore Coven. He has a merlin falcon familiar named Pepper.”

“Tall, ash blonde hair with hazel eyes?”

“I don’t know what he looks like.”

“There is only one Sebastian in the Evermoore Coven. Sebastian Agreste and he’s the nephew of the leader. I lived with his family while I was living in the coven. How do you know him?”

“We plus Bri and Kimber are in a group chat with him.” I say gesturing between Carter and me, “We met his soulmate back during the gathering. Ro?”

“I’m an idiot.”

“Don’t say that.” Zachery tells Damien.

“I’ve met both Ro and Lexie before. For some reason I just didn’t put two and two together as I knew they were from a pack that’s between four and a half to five hours north east of the Evermoore Coven.”

“It’s fine.”

“You two staying long?”

“Maybe just a couple of hours. We want to get back to the pack before dark if we can.” I reply before Carter and me head inside to see my dad. Zachery and Damien walk off carrying on whatever they were doing before.

———

“As much as I enjoyed getting to know my biological family and the Amethyst Pack in general, I’m happy to be home.”

“This is home?” I hear Ember ask from the other side of my room as I lay on my bed. She’s sitting in the wicker chair I have in the corner while Alex took the desk chair.

“Yes.” I say sitting up to look at them, “Where is Nina by the way?”

“Parents house. They had a family dinner. I opted as I have plans with Emery. I’m helping her with something, but I don’t fully know what.”

“It’s going to stay that way.” Emery says from the open doorway as none of closed the door when we came in, “I’m planning something for Haley is all I will say. I heard some interesting news from Bri.”

“Does it have to do with Sebastian?” I ask as Emery sits down beside me.

“Yes.”

“What about him?” Alex asks spinning in my desk chair.

“He’s from the Evermoore Coven. I wouldn’t be surprised if he made some of the talismans as he’s a protection warlock. That reminds me I need to text my dad tomorrow as I forgot to ask him something when we stopped by. Bastian’s last name sounds familiar, but I can’t place it as to why.”

“What’s his last name?” Emery asks picking up the black wolf plush I have sitting on my pillows.

“Agreste according to Damien.”

“There is an Agreste here. She’s a half elf half witch, I think. I know she’s at least moon elf. She moved here about two years ago after getting engaged to one of the pack members.” Ember says.

“What’s her first name?”

“Annie.”

“I don’t think I’ve met her. It might have been a member of a vampire clan that passed through the coven where I’ve heard the last name before.”

“How many clans pass through?” Emery asks.

“Depends. Most years it’s just yours and one other, but there have been years were up to five have passed through.”

“Is it common for vampire clans to passed through covens?” Alex asks Emery.

“Depending on the region. We only pass through covens we know and have treaties with. The original leader of my clan knows the founder of Ella’s coven. Before you ask when a new clan leader is chosen is different for each clan. For the part it happens if the leader is just tired of being the leader or wants to leave the clan. The current leader is actually training her successor currently so she can settle down in a twin close to where some of her family lives.”

“It’s not by blood?” I ask intrigued.

“No. The next leader will actually be a made vampire. Something unique to our clan is we alternate made and born vampire leaders. Most other clans are only ever led by born vampires.”

“What’s the different between a born and made vampire?” Alex asks looking confused.

“Like the names suggest, a born vampire is born while a made one is a fellow supernatural or human that’s been bit with the purpose of turning them. Born ones can have kids while made ones can’t. Another different is born vamps can hide their fangs while made vamps can’t. Made vamps also can’t be out in daylight for the first two years. Both drink animal blood and ruled by the vampire council.” Haley says from the doorway. When she got there and how she’s been there none of us know.

“Ella mentioned the council before.” Ember mentions.

“When?” Alex asks spinning to look at her.

“Back in June. I think it was her third day here before she joined officially.”

“The council is overseen by the Royal Family. There are six members on the council, two made and four born. The youngest member is 19 and only recently joined after her father was killed. The made ones pick from someone from three chosen clans when their term is over. Each member is part of the council for 250 years while the King or Queen rules for 600 years.” Emery says as Haley walks over it sit by her.

“That’s a long time.”

“A made vampire can live forever and born vampires can live a thousand or more years. The current Queen is the first non-vampire queen in the history of the Royal Family meaning their son will be the first hybrid king.”

“You know a lot about the council and vampires.”

“It’s because of Haley and her clan.”

“Will you turn her one day?” Alex asks Haley out of curiosity.

“I do not plan to. It’s a long and tiring process to get approval plus being half elf means Emery live between 300-500 years. Due to the fact I am a half witch I will live between 700-900 years. We know she will most likely die before me, but we have hopefully hundreds of years together before that. I mean we are only 18 and 19 years old and neither of us plan dying anytime soon.” Haley says grabbing Emery’s hand.

———

Sept. 1st

(Ro’s POV)

“I’ve missed you.” I say as Sebastian picks me up and spins making me laugh.

“I’ve missed you too.” He replies kissing me as he sets me back on my feet, “How long can you stay?”

“No more than two hours.” Lex answers reminding me that she tagged along, “Did you pass along the warning?”

“Yes. According to Ella the pack is protected with talismans. Now I know why we were asked to make them.”

“That’s really good. They left this morning around 6 meaning they won’t reach the pack until later this afternoon. Maybe around 3, but no later than 6.”

“Give me your phone.” Lex says to, more like demands, Bastian holding her hand out, “I’m going to text the group chat while the two of you be sickeningly cute out of my view.” Once he hands her his phone she walks a little away.

“How do you put up with her?” Bastian asks as we move to sit on a park bench. We rarely meet at the coven as the local park is easier.

“I’ve known her my entire life. Don’t forget one day you will also have to put up with her daily.” I reply laying my head on his shoulder. It’s not easy not being able to see each other often or have an easy way to talk when apart. We do our best to make it work and that’s all I can ask for at the moment. I don’t want to know what my father would do if he found out.

“I have months before that’s the case. How do you think the pack will feel about having a warlock as the future Luna.” He replies running his fingers though my hair.

“They will have to get used to it. Lex and me have already been compiling names of those who wish to leave. It’s not easy as our fathers rarely leave the pack.”

“Be careful.” He tells me.

“We are.”

“Good. What are you going to do about your father once you take over?”

“Lex and me have talked about it. We more than likely going to force them out. They will be rogues after that. We don’t want to kill them, but we can’t let them stay in the pack.” While they have done terrible things to other packs they are still our fathers. Making them rogues is the best option.

“I understand.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Rosie.” He says kissing the top of my head.

“I told you not to call me that.”

“At least I don’t call you by your full name.”

“My father only does it if he’s in a bad mode which is often lately.”

“He’s probably going to be pissed when they can’t attack the Amethyst Pack.”

“I wish I could run away, but I can’t. Someone needs to change things in the pack.”

———

(Ella’s POV)

“What does the group chat say?” I ask Carter as I don’t feel like opening it as I’m talking to Hazel and Becca in one.

“The Midnight Pack members that are going to attack the Amethyst Pack will arrive between 3 and 6. I’ve already messaged Peter. Lex has been jokingly complaining on how lovey-dovey Ro and Bastian are being.”

“I understand with them not being able to see each other often. Zachery and Damien were rarely apart the first week after Damien moved back.” I reply before focusing back on the chat I’m in.

Moons Chat

Haze: I’m bored.

Bee: I thought you were at work?”

Haze: I don’t work until 1 and it’s only noon. I’m in town though.

Dani: why not get lunch?

Haze: I might plus I can bug Phillip

Z: he would be in lunch himself

Haze: dang it

Phillip: techicnaly she can still bug me as I have lunch at the diner

“What’s going on with your siblings?” Carter asks as I put away my phone.

“The usual. Hazel is trying to figure out something to do before work. I’m not looking forward to training later.”

“You leading it or is it a double length one?”

“Double length. I lead one tomorrow morning with Bri.” I say laying backwards in the grass.

“Better than having a double length yesterday afternoon and again this morning.” Alex says from the rocks around the lake. Our little group is just hanging out by the lake. Carter and me packed a picnic for everyone.

“I don’t know how you do that some days.” Ember comments.

“It’s not easy. Isaac was in the same two training sessions and went for a run this morning with Ella.”

“He’s insane.” I say to which I hear Isaac laughing as I close my eyes. I listen to the conversation continue as I lay in the grass under a tree in shade.