by Valia Lind
"How long has he been like this?" I whisper, keeping my face turned into his chest.
"Yesterday morning. He was getting better, but then starting flashing between his two forms." I nod, moving away from him and toward Evan.
"Sweetie, I'm going to run my hands over you, is that okay?" The pup makes a noise and I glance over at Connor, who nods in response. "It won't hurt I promise. I'm going to let my magic see what's going on inside of you."
Placing my hands on Evan's side, my hands get buried in the soft fur, rising with his breathing. I close my eyes, focusing my energy and magic, weaving them together like a thread. Pushing the thread inside Evan, I move slowly, studying and learning. At first, I think that nothing is there, before a blinding pain shatters into my mind. Its intensity sends me flying away from the boy, landing on my butt in the dirt.
"What is it?" Connor is there to catch me as I stumble back from Evan. It takes me a second to regain my voice, the cave spinning around me, and I focus on the feel of his arms around me.
"There's something inside of him. I wasn't prepared.” Pushing away from Connor, I take a few deep breaths. I move to touch Evan again, but Connor stops me.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'll be prepared this time."
I dive back in, looking for the bright spot. The moment I find it, the pain comes, but I push past it, like squinting at the sun, to see. What I find are intricate webs of magic, unlike anything I've seen before. They’ve attached themselves to Evan, molding to his magic. I try to tug it back, but it stays put. When the pain becomes too much, I have no choice but pull back. Removing my hands, I breathe heavily, before turning to Connor.
"There's magic inside of him preventing his control in shifting."
4
“Can you remove it?" Connor asks, after a tense moment of silence. Evan shifts over to muzzle his nose against my hand and I run my fingers over his fur again. The wolf pup seems to relax under my touch, sighing a little.
"It's not anything I've seen before, Connor," I say, keeping my voice light and quiet. I can feel the weight of the others watching me, half caution, half hope. "I think Mama needs to..."
"No. We can't bring her into this."
"We have to. We have no other choice. It's magic much older than I am and if he doesn't..." I leave the sentence hanging, but Connor knows what I mean without me having to say it. After another small pat, I stand. "Connor, he needs real help. Help I can't give him."
A growl sounds behind me and I twist to find the biggest wolf I've ever seen just a few feet behind me. He's black all over and he does not look friendly.
"Dad, it's okay. She's here to help." I glance back at Connor and when I turn around, a man stands in front of me, wrapping a cloth over his midsection that another gives him. Automatically, I take a step back, bumping into Connor. His arm reaching for mine, his strong fingers entwining with mine. The man in front of me doesn't miss a thing, as his eyes flicker down then back to my face.
"She doesn't seem to be helping."
"Sir," I say, before Connor can defend me again. "Evan has magic inside of him that's preventing him from shifting properly. It's not a magic I know and I believe my mother would be the best person to help."
"Does your mother know you are here?" When I don't immediately reply, he nods his head. "That's what I thought. Connor should've known better than to bring you into this."
“I apologize, sir,” I take a step forward, while Connor tries to tug me back. "I'm not trying to invade your territory," I bow my head briefly in tribute, "But I am giving you the best option in helping your son. I understand that things have been strained between our communities lately, but if I can help, then you should want me to do whatever is necessary."
When I meet his eyes, I find respect there and it's difficult to keep the smile off my face. I impressed a pack leader. Krista would never imagine me in this situation. I’m not exactly a pubic speaker of any kind. Bri could stand up to anyone, and will have to when she becomes the coven leader, but I've always been the quieter one. I guess I've just needed the right motivation, and now that I've found it, I'm not backing down.
"I am Jefferson," the pack leader finally speaks up, his eyes never leaving my face. "You are granted the permission to enter our territory, as long as it is to help Evan." The last point is delivered as his eyes shift to Connor and then to our still entwined hands. Understanding perfectly, I drop Connor's hand, missing the contact instantly. I’ve never experienced the kind of pull I do with Connor, and while it breaks all the rules, all I want to do is explore that connection. But if keeping my distance is what it takes to help Evan, than so be it. A slight growl comes from behind me, but I don't turn, keeping my eyes on Jefferson. The alpha moves towards his youngest son, crouching down to run his hand over Evan’s head. Then he stands, nodding to me, before moving away, a group of men following him out.
Turning, I drop to my knees beside Evan, running my hand over his fur. He's becoming hotter by the minute, radiating enough heat to warm my own skin. Connor kneels down beside me and I can feel his eyes on me, but I won't look at him just yet.
"Evan, sweetheart, I'm going to do my best to help you, okay? Try to rest a little." I smile, as his sad eyes meet mine and he whimpers once more, before finally settling down. Standing, I start rambling off directions, as I walk toward the opening of the cave.
"I need to get some herbs from the forest. I saw a few patches of rosemary outside. I can't reverse whatever is happening, but I can ease his pain and slow down the magic. Until we can get my mother here. ”
"Harper," Connor is right behind me, stopping me with a slight pressure to my arm. When I look at him, I find my own conflicting emotions staring back at me. Never have I had such an intense reaction to another individual, and the amount of feelings rushing through me while I'm near Connor is making my head spin. I need to concentrate on helping Evan. And on keeping Jefferson happy. Even looking at Connor breaks that rule, because when I look at him, I want him. But everyone knows witches and wolves don't mix in any romantic capacity. We're oil and water.
"I'm...I need to get the rosemary."
Turning, I rush out of the cave, happy to have a moment alone. Without hesitation, I walk over to the rosemary plant, plucking a few of the strands off the ground. I know Connor followed me outside even without having to look.
"I need a piece of leather and some string," I say, reaching for a necklace I always wear around my neck. It's filled with a few charms and crystals, and I look through it to find what I need. Connor comes up to me, offering me a small piece of leather skin and some rope.
"Thank you," I say, before placing the rosemary leaves inside. Then, taking the clear quartz I just pulled off my necklace, I hold it in my right hand, while I hold the leather and rosemary in my left. Closing my eyes, I pull on my magic, pushing the healing intention at the objects in my hands, infusing them with my power. Quartz is a perfect conductor for healing energy, and the rosemary intensifies the intention. When I open my eyes, Connor is staring at me with what I can only say is awe. Ducking my head, I place the crystal inside the leather, before folding it and wrapping it with a string.
"Let me place this by Evan, before I need to head back."
"I'll take you back."
"Oh, no it's not necessary."
"It is," Connor closes what little space there is between us, forcing me to look up at him. "For my piece of mind and for your safety. Please." There's no way I can argue with him when he looks at me like that. I nod, before slipping past him and towards the cave. Placing the small pouch under Evan's blankets, I push some of my soothing magic at him. I’m not strong enough to do more than just calm the raging storm inside of him. Just for a bit, so he can sleep. I hope I can convince Mama to come before anything else happens to this sweet pup.
When I meet Connor outside the cave, I don't hesitate, but walk past him and towards my house without a word.
"Harper, please wait up," Connor calls after
me as I almost sprint through the forest. I don't have any special sight to see in the dark the way he does, and I stumble a few times before I'm unable to catch myself. However, before I can face plant, Connor is there, spinning me around and catching me up into his embrace.
The feel of his hard body against me sends my head spinning, and I grip his shoulders for balance. We're close enough that I can see the flecks of silver in his eyes, even in this near darkness. He smells like the forest around him, but with a distinction that's purely his.
Masculine. Protective. Fierce.
"You don't have to be afraid," Connor whispers, his breath caressing my skin. He holds me as if he wants to cherish me forever, and for a second, I allow it. Then, everything I've been taught my whole life crowds back into my mind and I push him away.
"You don't understand," I say, smoothing my clothes back into place.
"I do understand."
The way he says it, there's so much fire behind his words that I have no choice but to meet his eye. He watches me steadily, all kinds of emotions written on his face. He’s being the braver one out of the two of us, refusing to hide it.
"You're not the only one who was taught the ways of her people," he continues, keeping his voice low, but urgent. "I know, just as well as you do, what it means for shifters and witches to interact. But if you tell me right now that you don't feel this pull between us, then I will walk away. I will help you any way I can to save Evan, but I won’t overstep my bounds, I won’t tell you how I feel, and I won't push you into something you don't want."
He moves away then, giving me the space I need to make a decision, but I already have. The emotion behind his words, the look in his eyes, I have never been so directly attuned with another person. It's not only that we have history together, there is an otherworldly pull between us that I would be foolish not to explore. But I have to be careful. For my own heart's sake, I have to be careful.
But I also have to make the first move.
He has laid his cards on the table, so now it's my turn.
When I reach my hand toward him, he doesn't hesitate. Folding my hand in his, he watches me as I try to figure out what I want to say. His proximity is making it difficult to come up with any coherent thoughts. Clearing my throat, I begin.
"I don't understand what's between us, but I do feel it. I trust you on a level I have never trusted anyone and I don't know what to do with it. But I, very much, would like to find out."
Before I'm even finished speaking, he sweeps me up into his arms, holding me close. I bury my face against his chest, feeling more safe than I have in a very long time. When he pulls back, I think he's going to kiss me. He bends a little, before placing a small kiss to my forehead and I exhale in contentment. The soft touch of his lips on my skin ignites my blood, sending my head spinning. We both know we're not ready for anything else, but the soft gesture still makes my heart soar.
"Let's get you back home."
This time when he takes my hand, I allow him to lead me through the forest. We don't talk, content in the silence and my mind fills with a million ways this can go wrong. Wars have been fought over the dealings of our two communities. We’re risking so much just by walking through this forest together. But I can’t lie to myself and say that I don’t think that it’s worth it. Something inside of me says that it is.
However, I have more pressing matters at hand. Pushing the selfish thoughts away, I focus on how I'm going to bring this up to my mother. She works with shifter communities, she works with all the communities in this part of the world, but it's always on her terms and on the terms of the council. I offered her help before I've spoken to her and it won't sit well.
I’m so lost in thought that when we stop, I realize we're back at my backyard. Connor waits patiently, as I turn to face him.
"I'll have to talk to Mama. I don't know...I'm not sure what to say, but I will figure it out. Give me your phone." Connor doesn't hesitate, pulling it out of his back pocket. I input my number, before handing the phone back to him. Then, on an impulse I can't control, I stand on my tiptoes and place a quick kiss on his cheek. Without a word, I turn, rushing back to the house, a smile on my face. To tired to bother with my magic, I head to the front door instead of my window. The moment I slip inside, I know something is wrong.
Light blazes on around me and I twist to find my mother seated on the couch in the living room, Brianna by her side.
"Mama," I breathe out, a hand to my chest. I'm not prepared for this conversation, not yet. I thought I had till morning.
"Where were you?"
"Mama..."
"Don't lie to me, Harper. Krista's mother called."
Instantly, I understand why my family is up and waiting for me. Krista's mother has premonitions. Not always clear ones, but she can see pieces of what's to come. Resigned, I have no choice.
"What did she see?"
"You, in the forest. With a pack of shifters."
Closing my eyes against the words, I take a deep breath. Sometimes having magic is the most inconvenient aspect of our lives. When I open them, Mama stands, as does Brianna.
"Harper."
"I went into the woods."
Brianna's sharp intake of breath rattles my nerves. I think she's condemning me, but when I glance at her, it's worry that I find there. Her concern gives me a boost of confidence I need. If my older sister can keep an open mind, there’s hope for me yet. I give her a reassuring smile before focusing back on my mother. "You needed an order filled and I thought that I could be in and out before anyone noticed. But instead, I stumbled upon a hurt wolf pup. He was caught in a trap, the kind I've seen set up in different parts of the forest. He's hurt, Mama. That's why I went back. There's magic in him that's stopping his ability to control the shift."
I don't mention Connor, because now is not the time. Taking a step toward my mother, I reach for her, pleading.
"Please, we have to help him."
"And this has nothing to do with the shifter boy?" My mother's voice is low, but no less fierce. Confused, I watch as she flicks her arm in the air. The next moment the door opens and Connor stumbles in. I catch him in my arms, moving my hands around his face as he looks around confused.
"Mama!"
"You think I don't know when a shifter crosses my boundary? How can you underestimate me so much?"
I want to give her a piece of my mind, but my attention is on Connor. Sometimes a boundary spell can wreak havoc on a person's mind, but Connor seems fine.
"You okay?"
"Yes, that was just a bit weird. When I turned to leave, I turned around and walked to the front door instead."
"The boundary spell. It usually confuses an individual to protect the caster, but I guess it's been modified." I throw a look over my shoulder to find my mother shrugging.
"I like to face my enemies head on," she says, running a hand over her hair. "It's nice to see you again, Connor. I hope your education travels went well."
"Thank you, ma'am. They did."
I'm not surprised she knows exactly who he is. But I'm no less angry. Standing up straighter, I take my place in front of Connor, only if obscure her view of him. She doesn't miss my actions, her eyes narrowing.
"You blatantly disregarded my orders," she says. She doesn't have to raise her voice to get under my skin. Her quiet anger is so much worse. But if I'm to back down now, I will never have her respect. Or anyone else's. In order to help Evan, I have to take a stand on this. There's no going back now. Taking a calming breath, I utter the words I never thought I would.
"Mother, I had no choice. And now neither do you. You have to help him."
"There's a system for a reason, Harper," Brianna finally speaks up, moving up to stand by my mother. I can tell she’s not trying to be cruel, but the fact that she takes my mother’s side gets under my skin.
"This is none of your concern," I snap, glaring at Bri. Inwardly, I cringe at my words and my attitude, but I won't stop. "There's so
mething in the woods. And whatever it is, it's killing a little boy. Please, I can't let him die. I need you."
She watches me steadily, and I meet her gaze head on. Connor is at my back and his quiet encouragement is felt in the air around me. It’s as if he’s pushing his presence towards me, offering himself as my backup.
I look away from my mother just long enough to glance at my sister. I’ve offended Bri, but when I meet her eye, I see that she's on my side. She’s looking at me with new found respect and maybe a little surprise. I’ve surprised us both. Focusing on my mother once more, I drop my voice and take a step closer.
"Mama, you have raised me to look out for this community. I may not be the next coven leader, but I will stand beside Bri as an advisor. I would be negligent in my duty if I didn’t fight for Evan. If I didn’t argue that Evan is part of that community and he needs our helps. Will you help him?"
5
“Do you think she'll really help?" Connor asks, as I walk him out the door. The only response Mama gave us was a small nod, before turning and walking over to her workshop. Bri gave me a long look, but didn't comment, before following Mama.
"She'll help," I say, before growing quiet. So much is changing so fast. In the last few days, I've broken more rules than I can count, and speaking out against my mother is the biggest of them all. I never thought I'd be in that position, but here we are.
"Hey," Connor stops in front of me, peering down into my face. When I look up, his eyes are full of concern and it makes my heart squeeze in awareness. "You were brave."
His words shoot straight into me, bursting into flame over my skin. It's one thing to think of yourself as brave, it's another to have it spoken to you with such conviction. Even though I don't feel brave right now. I just feel...uncertain.
"I'm not brave. I'm rebellious. There's a difference."
