Corviticus University: Void

by J. E. Cluney

  Scared of what this all meant. I’d spent the last week or so trying not to think about the fact that I was being hunted. To pretend everything was okay.

  But now it was all out in the open. Everyone knew.

  And we now knew why.

  I sighed as I wiped my face and stood up, letting the droplets of water slide down my body as a numbness washed over me.

  Derek was going to die, and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it.

  I guess I’d have to accept this shitty power of mine.

  But there was more, and if I was stuck with all this, I’d use the rest. I’d learn what else I could do, and I would not let that thing get me.

  I was not going to hide behind my guys. They all wanted to protect me, but it wasn’t on them to do that for me.

  I needed to be able to defend myself.

  I climbed out of the bath, wrapping my towel around me before letting the water out.

  Dinner was ready. Marcus had murmured into my mind to inform me.

  My grandmother had cooked.

  I focused on the fact that I was not alone.

  I had my guys, my family.

  I wanted to get to know them, to learn about my parents. I could not focus on their death, there was no fixing the past.

  I could only move forward.

  I sat down at the dining table, finding myself smiling as my grandmother commented on how grateful she was for the gorgeous man who’d helped her cook.

  She’d really taken a liking to Skip. It was hilarious.

  “I hope you like creamy carbonara,” she declared as she began serving us up.

  Skip was perched on the counter, content to eat there as my grandmother served him up.

  She even made a sound of approval as she checked his chest out, and Lucas chuckled while Ollie snorted.

  Marcus was standing in the doorway, content to just be with us since he couldn’t eat. Natalie, Dixon, Ollie, Lucas, and I, were all seated at the table at the six seater table.

  “So, Skip tells me he tends to not wear a shirt, that must be nice,” my grandmother mused as she served up my plate.

  I just rolled my eyes as the others caught onto her soft chuckles, and they giggled and snorted.

  “I don’t mind it,” I answered, and Skip winked at me as he dug into his pasta dish.

  “Oi! I haven’t put the cheese on yet,” Trish grouched on him, and he froze with the spaghetti hanging out of his mouth.

  She finished serving everyone up before bustling around with shredded cheese and sprinkling it on everyone’s meal.

  She even gave Skip’s cheek a pat when she reached him.

  “Need to keep looking fine, so not too much cheese for you, handsome,” she cackled, and Skip just grumbled as she moved back to the table.

  “Drinks?” Natalie offered.

  “Allow me,” Lucas said before she could stand.

  He magicked some glasses from the cupboard, and I watched in delight as they floated over to the table as he took everyones order.

  I went with orange juice, as did most of the group, except for Skip, who went with his coke.

  “So, what has my granddaughter been doing all these years?” Trish asked once everyone had started digging into their meals.

  “Well, working mostly, I guess,” I shrugged.

  “And now you’re studying to be a vet. Following in your parents footsteps,” she nodded approvingly.

  “I googled their business. It’s changed hands a few times now, but I found a photo of them when they first opened it. They looked happy,” I remarked, remembering the photo I’d saved to my phone. They did look quite happy as they posed out the front of the business.

  “Your father always wanted to be a veterinarian, ever since he was a pup,” Trish smiled, her eyes lighting up as she thought about the days long since gone. “He used to hang out with my husband on the farm, followed him around everywhere and helped him tend to the animals. I remember when one of the goats cut its leg up badly, Warren, my husband, allowed him to bandage it up. He just had a way with animals. Even though they sensed what he was, he worked hard to gain their trust.”

  “Your mom worked as a receptionist for most of her life,” Natalie said as she sipped her juice. “So it was the perfect match, she handled all the book-work and office duties when they started up the business.”

  “How’d they meet?” I asked, trying to squash the lingering dread inside me.

  “Your father moved here for work. He knew there was a need for veterinarians in some areas, and he was able to get the Council to allow him to move here despite being a wolf. He moved to a warded area, and began looking for a building to buy.

  ‘Your mother was the receptionist at the real estate office he went to. She helped him look through potential buildings, and, well, the rest is obvious,” Trish grinned.

  “They fell in love so quickly, I remember him calling me up, telling me about this wonderful woman he’d met, how beautiful and sweet she was. She had a love for music, played some instruments, and wanted to go to a local music festival with him. He wanted some pointers on how to win her over,” Natalie chuckled.

  “That’s so sweet,” Lucas smiled, catching my eye across the table.

  “What instruments did she play?” Skip asked through a mouthful of food.

  “You should swallow before talking,” Trish roused on him. “You’re not going to win my granddaughter over behaving like that.”

  I rolled my eyes as I snickered at this, and Skip mumbled as he swallowed. I could feel the heat rushing to my cheeks at my grandmother’s obvious push for me to be with him.

  Although, she understood what was going on with us all. They’d accepted it quite well, considering it was not a normal concept for them.

  Hell, I barely understood it, but at least my attraction to them all finally made sense.

  Didn’t mean they were all on the same page with it.

  “She played piano and guitar, but couldn’t sing for the life of her,” Trish said, winking at me to let me know she meant no harm.

  “She chose instruments to express herself since her vocals were not what she wanted,” Natalie said quickly as she shot her mother a look.

  I just locked eyes with Marcus, hearing his inner thoughts. He wasn’t fussed about this mate thing.

  He believed that perhaps ours was already somewhat sealed. And he was okay with that. As for the others, well, if they were meant to be my mates, then what could be done.

  ‘We always have a choice,’ I thought to him.

  ‘Supernaturals can have destined mates,’ Marcus argued.

  ‘There’s no such thing as destiny. You make your own. Same with your partners,’ I said. But I wasn’t sure if I did fully believe that. The way I felt for him, and the others, was stronger than anything I’d ever felt for anyone before.

  Maybe there was some truth to the destined mates or whatever. But I wouldn’t pin my hopes on it. I always believed in choice.

  Marcus just smirked and shook his head.

  “Do you play any instruments?” Dixon asked, having already polished off his meal.

  “No, never had the chance to try really,” I shrugged.

  “Oh, but you should, everyone needs a hobby,” Natalie beamed.

  “She takes photos,” Ollie offered.

  “Speaking of, I’ve been meaning to give you something,” Lucas spoke up as he waved a glowing purple hand.

  I frowned as I glanced around the room, but then spotted the box floating in from the hall.

  “For you,” he smiled warmly at me as the box drifted down onto the table beside my plate.

  I frowned at him as I set my fork down, and I gingerly opened the box.

  “No, I can’t accept this,” I murmured as I stared at the Canon camera. It was not a cheap looking one either.

  “I don’t use it, it’s a gift,” he shrugged, and I managed a smile back.

  “Well, if you’re sure, thank you,” I said, my heart p
ulling as I took it out and inspected it.

  “You can try it out after dinner, take some photos. We can take some too, get some family photos for you,” Lucas said as he continued eating.

  It was such a thoughtful gift. I could only assume it was because of Marcus. I’d taken photos on my phone as much as I could, but I’d never gotten a camera. Too expensive and the money was better spent on bills and food. But I had been interested in it at times. Now I could give it a proper go.

  “We’ll get you a guitar too, see if you like to play music,” Skip said as he slid off the counter, having now finished off his plate.

  “Guys, you don’t need to get me things, I have my own money,” I scolded them lightly.

  “Let them,” my grandmother waved me off playfully. “Let them spoil the girl of the house.”

  I just shook my head at her. She was loving this whole thing it seemed.

  “What sort of kid was my father like?” I asked, wanting to take the focus off me a bit.

  “Oh, that boy was as wild as they come. Always getting into mischief,” my grandmother chuckled. “As soon as he was old enough to shift, Natalie and he would head off with other young wolves and race through the woods. They loved the shift.”

  “Back in the States, we had a Pack. A community of ‘wolves who would always look out for one another,” Natalie explained. “Moving away was hard, as your Pack becomes like your family. You’d do anything for them. We protect and care for our own,” Natalie said as she smiled softly, as if she was reminiscing. “I grew up as a part of the Pack, but when I became a young adult, I went off on my own like many young ‘wolves do to find their place. Some find their way back to the Pack, others meet their mate and join new Packs, or even start their own.”

  “Your father, after losing his mate, chose to travel and pursue his passion for animals. And then he met your mom, so it all worked out for him,” Trish said as she sat back, having finished off her meal.

  “Except he died,” I murmured, a pang of pain twisting in my chest.

  “He had a good life. A family that loved him, and that he loved more than anything. That’s all he ever wanted,” Trish said firmly as her stormy blue eyes settled on me.

  I just looked at her, knowing I couldn’t hang onto this guilt I had. I had to move forward.

  “So, my cousin Hayley, what’s she like?” I changed the topic as I turned to Natalie.

  “Oh, she’s eighteen now, so she’s just started college. She’s studying childcare, wants to be a teacher,” Natalie beamed. It was clear she was proud of her daughter.

  “She’s still dating Daniel. He’s not too bad of a guy from what I’ve gathered. He’s studying business and working as a tradie for his father. Wants to branch off into his own work,” Dixon added.

  “He’s a coyote shifter, but I’m not sure they’ll last. Especially not if she finds her true mate,” Natalie sighed. “But she’s happy. I told her about you and what you’re up to. She says hi, and that you should add her on Facebook. She doesn’t really remember you too well, but I’m sure you’ll get along great!”

  “I’ll do that after dinner,” I smiled, loving how lively she’d become while talking about her daughter.

  “Do I have any other family?” I asked.

  “Just cousins on our side, but they’re mostly international. Not many of us came to Australia. Not sure about your mom’s side, she wasn’t too fond of her own family really, and they were spread thin and international too,” Natalie said as she sipped her glass of juice.

  “Right,” I nodded. Seems I only really had all my family in this room right now. That was enough for me.

  “What was my grandfather like?” I turned my attention back to my grandmother. The boys were remaining quiet, listening in to our conversation.

  “Oh, he was a proud, strong man. You would’ve liked him, and he would’ve loved you,” my grandmother said with the tenderest of smiles. “He was a family man, all he wanted was the best for his children, and he instilled those values into his children. He worked as a laborer, and a tracker for the Pack. He had the best nose of all the Pack males. When someone went missing or anyone needed finding, he was the one they called in,” she said fondly. “He passed away in an accident with a drunk driver. I’ve since let go of the hatred for the driver that survived. I learned he’d just lost his daughter in a swimming pool accident. Not an excuse for taking away my husband, but I can understand his pain. Forgiveness is a rare thing, but it allows us to continue our lives in peace. We can’t change the past,” Trish said, her wise words ringing true. I had wondered how he had passed away. It was sad that it was so abrupt and out of the blue, and I felt sorry for the driver. To have lost his daughter then be the cause for another man’s death. That must have ruined him.

  “Dad was incredible, taught us so much. From riding a bike to showing Gerard the basics of being a man around the home, he wanted us to know how best to live our lives. His marriage with mom was beautiful, and I hope that ours can be just the same,” Natalie murmured as she turned and held Dixon’s arm, giving him a loving kiss on the cheek.

  I could feel Skip watching me, and I caught his eye as he stood over at the counter now.

  He was smiling at me, just a small, soft smile, but the tender affection I saw there made my heart squeeze.

  “We had our ups and downs like any couple. No one is perfect. But we compromised and worked through any issues that arose. That’s what true love does,” my grandmother said modestly.

  “What are you talking about? You guys never fought!” Natalie laughed, shocked at the thought.

  “We did, but mostly when you children weren’t around. Fighting is not something children need to see. They need to feel safe and secure in the family environment,” Trish said with a brisk nod.

  “I never would have guessed,” Natalie frowned.

  “Don’t worry, child. It was never anything big. Mostly small quarrels or financial stresses when he lost his job for a while. He didn’t want me to return to work, so we struggled for a while until he found another job,” my grandmother admitted.

  The table fell silent as we all finished off our meals.

  “So, this one is a true shifter?” my grandmother broke the silence as she eyed Ollie.

  I could feel him stiffen beside me, and Lucas shot him a glance from the foot of the table. My Grandmother sat at the opposite end to him.

  “Yes,” I said, but I glanced at Ollie carefully. “Sort of.”

  “Why sort of?” my grandmother frowned.

  Great. Just what I wanted to get into detail on. Poor Ollie didn’t need to be reminded of his issues.

  “He’s cursed until he turns twenty. A witch got upset with him when he was a young teen,” Lucas jumped in for us.

  “Oh, that’s frustrating,” was all my grandmother said. “Oh well, not too long now.”

  “No, not too long,” Ollie agreed, grateful that it hadn’t become a big thing.

  “So, will my granddaughter be having a party for her birthday in April?” she focused back on me. I was surprised she remembered my birthday, and it made me smile.

  “Maybe, just something small. I haven’t had a party in a long time,” I admitted.

  “Well, I’d love to come and see my granddaughter on her birthday,” she gave me a toothy smile as the corners of her eyes crinkled.

  “No, I’ve seen the cost of flights internationally, it’s too much,” I said with a shake of my head.

  “Nonsense! You can’t put a price on family. I’ve been kept from you long enough!” she said with a fiery look. “If you will allow it, I will come to your party.”

  I just shook my head with a grin. There was no arguing with her, I could see that already.

  “Okay, I’ll keep you posted on what I’ll be doing,” I said as I accepted defeat.

  “Well, I brought some desert that Natalie and I made last night. We’ll take some photos first though,” Trish beamed.

  “Damn, her apple
crumble is to die for,” Dixon practically drooled. “She puts macadamia nuts on top, and along with the custard, it’s perfect.”

  “Don’t give it away,” Natalie gasped as she hit his arm lightly.

  He just beamed as Lucas stood up.

  “Ally, do you know how to use the camera? It should be charged and ready to go,” Lucas asked.

  “Yeah, I’m a quick learner, and they don’t differ too much. I played around with photography at school and on a work friend’s camera before I moved here, so I’ve learned a bit,” I said as I stood up and reached for my new camera. I was beyond grateful that Lucas had thought to give it to me. I’d always wanted to get into photography, and now I’d have the time a bit more. And it would keep me occupied.

  Dixon went to begin gathering up the plates as he stood, but Lucas stopped him as he clicked his fingers and all the dirty dishes launched into the air. They rinsed themselves off in the sink, before the dishwasher opened and they stacked neatly inside it.

  I loved the electric spark in the air as the magic worked, and I shivered with the usual excitement it gave me as everyone began moving around the room.

  I got myself adjusted to the new camera quickly, then asked my family to stand together so I could grab a photo of them.

  Once done, I asked Ollie to take one of me with them.

  I moved and stood in the center, with Dixon wrapping an arm around my shoulders as Natalie slid an arm around my waist and Trish leaned forward. I loved her goofy expressions she was pulling, and we all laughed as we took a few more group photos.

  “We need some with you and your boyfriends!” my grandmother declared as she reached for the camera from Ollie.

  He shot me a look, and I just rolled my eyes.

  Marcus was enjoying it all, smiling as I laughed and savored the moment with my family.

  “Now, you guys all get together. Allison, you’re in the middle,” my grandmother instructed as she beckoned us to all take our positions in the kitchen in front of the window.

  Ollie took up his spot on my right, and Marcus stood on my left, both sliding their arms around my waist.

  Skip came in behind me, standing behind Ollie and wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

  While Lucas stood beside Marcus, giving me a wink as he smiled at the camera.