“Do you think maybe it’s not that at all, and your sadness, your discontent is somehow marring the gifts? You have so much of a changed life since you woke up. It’s normal to experience mental backlash at everyone you lost, that’s changed.” I have heard that emotional state can weaken any kind of supernatural gift and it’s a strong possibility.
“Perhaps… maybe. I guess time will tell.”
I’m deflated by her tone, but I don’t want to dwell on things that seem to upset her. I know she can still use her magic for the time being and I hope we figure it out before she does lose what she has. Sierra’s magic is a gift that should be treasured. It saved us from so much and it would be wrong on all levels to see her lose it.
“Are you really not worried about the witches in the woods?” I ask derailing our conversation and heading back to what brought us up here so bright and early this morning. I know to Colton she said she wasn’t, as long as we stay in the boundaries, but my gut says she isn’t being entirely honest.
“No, and yet… yes. Witches are a whole other breed, and in my time asleep, I don’t know what changes there have been in the world. There are so many forbidden forms of dark magic that most avoided. I can’t say I know they still do. We should be ever more aware and play it safe, more so than before.” She looks me deadpan in the eye and I nod, a sinking wariness hitting my gut and for the first time since our life began here, I begin to feel afraid.
The Mountain
I stroll down the stairs of the main sweeping staircase after I am done eating with Sierra, feeling heavy with everything we talked about. It’s almost noon and the house is eerily quiet, but noises of the busy village outside are filtering through the now open windows on the light breeze. It’s still raining, but it has promise of a brighter day again and the schoolhouse is getting its first proper use today, now it’s almost complete. No more children in the great hall at all from now on and I squint that way as male wolves begin streaming out of the double doors at the far end of the hall as I step the last tread.
It’s where Colton has convened the sentinels from patrol, his best packs, and they have been discussing everything to do with continuing to maintain our peaceful and safe existence. Supply runs, financials, as we still have to bear the weight of our pack, even with severance from the main Santo millions. Luckily Colton had his own inheritance and his own trust fund that Juan couldn’t touch and with some of our adopted packs from the mountain, they too brought in funds to help keep us afloat for a very long time. We have investments and shares in the human world, and we seem to be ticking over nicely, despite the loss of Colton’s rightful wealth. Wolves don’t need the things humans do to survive, but it’s easier to feed and clothe a pack than it is to hunt, forage, and live like wild animals.
I yawn and stretch out as I make my way past the flood of departing Lycans, receiving the lowered nods and mumbles of ‘Luna’ in passing. Showing their respect and I smile and wait until the passage is clear enough for me to proceed. I will eventually get used to this change in how I’m treated but it still sits kind of funny in my stomach. I’m getting better at taking hold of my role and accepting it now, but always forever will be that unworthy girl with her doubts circling in my stomach. The awkwardness at the respect shown my way is still strange.
I push into the now partially empty great hall, with its multitudes of military straight seats, all facing the front podium where our sub pack are lounging around in various positions. On seats, on the floor, and Colton is sat on the edge of the podium with his legs hanging free, looking like a teen boy hanging out at lunch break in high school. They’re huddled close enough that I can tell they’re summarizing their meeting and discussing something further. I wander closer and pick up on their lowered tones easily.
“We limit supply runs to daylight hours, mid-day, only. We have to be alert more than before as we don’t know what they are capable of.” Colton carries on, glancing my way with a quick smile to acknowledge me and it’s clear they are talking about the presence of the witch or witches in the woods.
“Does daylight really help?” I ask with a smile as I hop up next to him on the ledge and he instinctively slides his arm around my shoulders and kisses me on the temple.
“No, but it means they aren’t any straying vamps, and we might hold our own against witches with a little more effect.” He smiles and shoulder nudges me with that cheeky gorgeous smile of his and I wrinkle my nose back at him. Always melting at his briefest of expressions and I sigh at how lovestruck I still am for this boy.
“Good morning,
Hermana.” Meadow cuts in, pulling my attention to the only other wolf in the pack that I love spending all my time with equally. Her usual title of sister warms my heart, as does her loving smile, and I beam her way with my obvious affection for her.
“Good morning. So, what was so important that you had to kidnap my breakfast partner from me this fine day?” I lean into Colton’s neck, nuzzling snugly under his chin as I watch the uneasy shift in my pack. The instant change in tension and atmosphere as Cesar and Jesus both glance to Colton with a subtle flicker of apprehension. My stomach plummets, my chest tightens, and my suspicion is instantly piqued.
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