Nimara: Children of the Gods

by Patricia Halladay

  “Now all you have to do is Alpha training. It’s a yearlong training program that you have to leave for by Monday. Have fun guys! Love you, miss you already!” I say with the straightest face I can. Scott and Onyx just look shocked and are stuttering. Kai just glares at me and I burst out laughing. It didn’t help that Elder Theodore and Elder Merlin were laughing their asses off at the face they made.

  “Not funny little Firefox! Remember we will get you!” Kai says giving me his signature smile and I have some ideas of what they could do to me. Oh goddess they are going to make me train! Please no, not again! The new clan members went through the Welcoming ritual also. Everyone was excited and happy. The sounds of cheer and celebrations didn’t die down until after the last new member took the oath and added their blood to the scared bowl.

  The ceremony wasn’t as late as we originally thought, but it worked out well because that meant we could get a good night's sleep before the start of the gargoyles arrival and all the excitement of the celebration. As we all head to the snack tables, we mingle with guests and clan members. Many give their congratulations to Onyx, Kai, and Scott. We haven’t brought up that we are already expecting our first litter, but that will be something we announce soon. I stick to water for the night, and have light snacks, nothing with a strong smell. By 10:30 I am yawning my head off, and Kai keeps his arm around my waist, so I don’t fall asleep standing up and landing on the ground.

  “Wow, someone’s extremely tired, Nimara are you ok? Have you been getting enough sleep?” Queen Marilyn’s always checking in on me and has since mom passed. I have more mothers and fathers now than I did when my parents were alive. But I am grateful for it, I have learned so much from each of them.

  “Can’t get all that much with an impending war, and it was only yesterday that they attacked, and we ended the fight with my Uncle and Alpha Nickolas. So yes I am a little drained from all the excitement.” I say leaning on Kai. He decides it’s time for me to get into bed and sends a quick mind-link to Scott and Onyx. We say our goodnight to everyone, and Kai lifts me bridal to start the short walk home. By the time we get there Onyx and Scott are waiting with my p-jays, Onyx helps me get out of the dress and Scott redresses me. I crawl into bed and the guys are quick to change and get into our big new bed. There’s more than enough room for all of us and the guys can stretch out a bit.

  Morning comes quickly and again I am waking up alone. Well not quite alone, there’s a large black, SNORING Hellhound at the foot of my bed. Why is Tank in here? I get up and notice it’s not Tank, but another Hellhound altogether. Fearing the worst I mind-link Tania and within seconds Tank’s here with me. Looking none too happy, Tank picks the sleeping hound up by his scruff, like a parent does a pup.

  “What are you doing here? There was no death and no call for a Hellhound, if there was I would be the one to take up service.” Tank says fully baring his teeth and with all the growling, Kai, Onyx, and Scott come running through the door.

  “Hades sent me, he said there was going to be a death when the gargoyles get here, and that I needed to collect, since unfortunately it’s a child. I am one of 12 that will collect children, this child’s really sick and because they haven’t gotten their wolf yet, they aren’t able to heal. Hades said to bring this soul to you goddess Nimara. That you will know what to do. I didn’t see any of your mates here and thought it best for me to stay with you to protect you. I must have fallen asleep, I am sorry.” The Hellhound says lowering his head when Tank sets him back down.

  “Why is there a wolf pup traveling with the gargoyles?” Scott asks then Kai answers, when he ends the call with a sadden look on his face.

  “The wolf pup was found abandoned in the woods. The gargoyle that’s taking care of her, just had her own fledgling. Unfortunately, it was raining and really cool. The pup may have been too far gone when they picked her up and tried to help her. They are hoping to get her here for a doctor to look at her.” He says, tears coming to his eyes.

  “Ok we will deal with that when they get here. Let’s go get breakfast, Tank take this young hound, get him some breakfast and some clothes he can wear.” I say going to get ready, already feeling the weight of what this week truly is. It’s a celebration of life that was once with us, but this poor pup isn’t being given that chance and I am saddened by this.

  “Momma, there’s a home for her already! A life just created that needs a spirit and soul and it works out because her daddy’s a very strong wolf. When the hound brings you the child, call for Mac. You will know what to do. Promise!” My girls tell me, they have so much hope in me being able to do this. The rest of the morning went as best it could with having the Hellhound here. It’s not his fault, but it’s heartbreaking. It isn’t long before the first of the grounders get here, and of course the pup. Who unfortunately died just before they did. The Hellhound collects her and brings her to me, I made Mac and Brody stick to me like glue. I gave the excuse I had something very special for them. We went to the stage and everyone came to see what was happening.

  “Thank you to the gargoyles for seeing the value in life, that unfortunately someone else didn’t. A pup was abandoned in bad weather and passed shortly before arriving. This Hellhound was sent with the purpose of collecting the child’s soul and bring it to me for rebirth. Mackenzie and Brody, the fates have finally blessed you with each other. You have created a new life that needs a spirit and soul. I am giving this soul a second chance to be loved by someone who will teach them to be strong, true to their heart, to have grace and patience.” I say taking the soul from the Hellhound and use the energy I feel flowing around Mac to help the pup come back again. As the soul absorbs into Mac’s stomach, many of the clan are humming. I have heard them do this before in the old pack, when a she-wolf was with child. It’s almost like giving of themselves to strengthen the pup, and the parents.

  Soon after the pup is laid to rest in the new Memorial Cavern. Children, Elders, and others lay flowers, cards and one mom lays a bear and blanket with the child. I remember she lost her only pup just a few months ago. Her mate was killed in an attack before it happened. This week has taken on so much more meaning and I hope it continues to evolve and grow for everyone. I stop the she-wolf and give her a hug.

  “I know it’s not the same, but there’s a gorgeous little lynx shifter, that his mom unfortunately didn’t make it out of the cells at Northern Lake pack. He hasn’t been adopted yet; I think he’s waiting for you. He will not bond to anyone that has tried, he knows where he belongs, and who he needs to help heal. It’s going to be a lot of late nights; he’s only 3 months old though.” I tell her. She smiles, something I have not seen her do for so long. Once we leave the cavern, she runs to the children’s living den. Draven spends most of his time there, he’s the only one that this little lynx doesn’t try to claw to death. I watch as the she-wolf walks over, and the little guy reaches for her. Draven and the staff have huge smiles, as the little one snuggles into her and falls asleep. Quickly, paperwork is handed to her and she’s signing to adopt him.

  “Did you see that Nimara? That little guy took right to Laura! I am happy for both of them, they have both suffered a lot of hard times, it’s time for them to gain some happiness.” Draven says, after walking over to me, he too is radiating pride and happiness.

  “You know what Draven; I couldn’t agree more! A little birdie told me that you are going to have a full house too! You’re going to be an amazing dad! You’ve had practice already!” I say bumping him with my shoulder.

  “True, but not with 4 children under the age of 3. The two boys will be 3 in January, and the girls are just 6 months old. I knew the family. They brought the pups to me a few months ago, asking if we could keep them safe. That was just days before your Uncle killed them. Said they were traitors for coming here. I was hoping other family would come for them, but sadly they didn’t. It’s ok though Tilly and I finished signing the papers yesterday. Onyx came by and renovated the living den for all the c
ubs and pups that are going to be running around. Tilly’s expecting twins!” Draven says and his happiness grows. I can’t believe the amazing start to this celebration already and I hope that it continues throughout the week.

  Chapter 20

  ~ Nimara ~

  The week flew by, all the little ones at the children’s living den, were adopted. Many are not staying with our clan. Their amazing new families are already spoiling them with love. I can’t believe my birthday came and went. We let all know why my parents told everyone a different date and that the 13th was actually my birthday. Some of the mates were a little upset, but this was when I chose to tell everyone of our expectant litter. To say they were happy is only scratching the surface. Since they weren’t able to buy a birthday gift, many of the ladies said they would send baby gifts. One of the Lunas, who has triplet boys, said to have different outfits. That none of the kids will want to dress the same as the others. That is a sound piece of advice.

  With it getting late in the afternoon, we started the New Beginnings ritual. For most of the week Tania enjoyed herself and learned about our new members and how their casters are more based in the elements. She made connections and was able to help some of the young gargoyles learn to start with the basics in practical magic, there weren’t many, but her teachings were welcomed. For the New Beginnings ritual though, she appeared in her true form beside me on stage.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the end of our Life Celebration week. Today we are saying our goodbyes to clan members that found their mates in other packs, clans, and covens. Normally we don’t have as many leaving as we do this year. So I am in need of a more experienced magic caster to help me protect those leaving until they are accepted into their new families. The Great goddess Hecate has graciously come to my rescue to help with this task. Thank you so much for giving us this honor! Will all that are leaving, except for Mackenzie, Rilyn and the yeti clan, please come forward!” I say, almost 300 come forward and Hecate and I start the ritual.

  “It’s with hopes held high, wishes for the best and the blessings of the God’s for health and happiness, that I, Luna Nimara, hereby wish you a safe journey to your new pack, extend my protection to you on your travels and safeguard your soul until you reach home. Here’s to old habits, constant change, the gain of knowledge and to new beginnings. I say my goodbyes and send my love, so that you always know you have a home here.” I say as Hecate and I draw energy from the earth and send it in waves over the clan members that are leaving. The energy that marks those leaving is blueish purplish silver energy. After the last of the people are hit with the protection, they move to their mates, so they can all leave together.

  Then Mac, Rilyn and the Yeti clan come forward. I can see tears already in Mac’s eyes, we have been together so long, that her leaving never felt like a possibility.

  “For those who don’t know, Mackenzie’s leaving us to become our next Luna Queen! As is with tradition, the Yeti clan will be leaving with her. We are also losing Rilyn, as she has accepted her mate Royal Gamma Jake. Unlike Mackenzie though, The Golden Hind are leaving for different territories, to help protect those living there. Natalie will be staying with us as our Golden Hind, and she’ll be taking Rilyn’s place as Weapons Master and Trainer. She has proven herself more than worthy in the field of battle. Please join me in the New Beginnings Ritual, to send them and all our family off on their new adventures!” I say starting the ritual with the Yetis and Rilyn, once done everyone who’s leaving come back in front of me. All clan members new and old help perform the ritual this time to send them on their travels in safety.

  Once the rituals are finished, new members start to move into their new living dens, while others say their goodbyes and leave in their packed-up cars and trucks for their new lives. I stand there waving as my family leaves one by one, tears are streaming down my cheeks. I feel like a parent saying goodbye to their children leaving for college. As the last of the visitors leave with their new members I am left with just my goodbyes to Mac, Rilyn, Arthur and Marie. Natalie comes to join me; she wraps her arm around my shoulders as we walk in silence. This is going to be harder for her, than it is for me. Being so used to having your family never leave home and their mates moved in makes this really hard. We reach their living den, and it already seems too quiet and empty.

  “Ok you two girls! Make sure you call me every night after dinner. We will eat at our usual time of 6 pm, so call around 7. I want you to come for a family dinner every three weeks on Saturday, unless there’s clan business. When the babies get here, make sure you call me, so I can come and help get you settled into a routine. Make sure to talk to your father also, he needs to speak to you. Nimara, make sure Natalie eats properly and doesn’t work too much. Natalie, make sure you are at Nimara’s house for dinner every night! I mean it you two! I already went over everything with the boys, and they know to make sure you do as you're told!” Marie says pointing a finger at us. Oh goddess, she gave that list to Kai, Scott, and Onyx! They are going to be on my ass even more now! All the brothers, uncles and aunts are there laughing, as Marie gives us our instruction. They each come and give Nat and I a hug and kiss. All the aunties give me gifts for the babies, all are handmade blankets, mitts, hats, and booties.

  When Arthur finally stops nitpicking over seating arrangements, he comes to give us hugs and kisses too. He reaches into the cab of his truck and pulls out two boxes. When we open them there’s a handmade leather necklace and pendant.

  “Make sure you always wear these! They are enchanted by the monks of Shangri-La, Uncle Henry brought them back. He said the monks saw great things in your futures and they want to help safeguard you on your journey. Please do as mother asks, and Nimara I have already given Kai and Onyx my blessing, Scott hasn’t asked me though. Have him call me in 3 days, we should be settled by then. I will talk with him also. Natalie, the boys are looking out for you when it comes to your mate. They will put him through his paces to prove he is worthy. So don’t get angry at them, they are doing as I told them too. Also Natalie, Onyx is building you a living den near Nimara’s. Kai and Scott said your ass is to stay with them until he finishes it. Be good and if you are going to get into trouble, be good at it! Love you my girls!” Arthur says, giving us another hug and kiss. Just as they finish loading into the vehicles, Scott comes running past and talks to Arthur. He gets a tearful nod, a handshake, and a pat on the shoulder. Scott comes to stand beside Nat and me as we wave at everyone leaving. As the vehicles disappear, I grab Natalie hugging her. She’s crying, this is her first time being completely without her family.

  “Let’s go kid, the guys have dinner ready for us and I think your stuff has been brought over to the house for you to stay with us. Rooms are soundproof, I would never do that to you, I know you heard it enough with Mac, Brody, and your brothers. I will not traumatize you any further.” I said, causing her to laugh and say thank you while wiping her cheeks. We walk back to the house, with everything that has happened in the last 2 weeks, it’s way too quiet for me. When we get back, Onyx and Kai are waiting out on the deck and Onyx is looking really proud of himself.

  “What’s up buttercup?” Natalie says getting a chuckle from Scott and Kai.

  “Natalie, I got your living den finished, but for the next little while you are staying here, whether you like it or not. We still need to get you furniture though.” Onyx says, Nat smiles and says thank you. We walk in to see dinner being put on the table by Tilly. Draven and the kids are playing in the living room. Each of us grab a baby and help get them into their highchair for dinner. Of course Kai and Scott are making noises at the boys and they are squealing with cute baby laughter. Draven and I have the girls and we get them situated, the boys are between Kai, Scott, and Onyx, while the girls are between Tilly, Draven, and Natalie. This will be messy!

  No sooner did I think it, did a spoon full of mushed peas go flying at Onyx. Natalie starts howling with laughter because it landed in his hair and on his forehead
. We hear the cutest laugh and see the little guy between Kai and Scott with his spoon covered in peas. His brother starts laughing too and instead of using his spoon, he uses his hand and sends tomato sauced pasta flying everywhere, getting everyone close by. Natalie’s still laughing hard and I am trying not to but failing miserably. Tilly’s trying to get the boys calmed down, but just gets covered in food instead. Draven just shakes his head and continues to feed the girls when both of them spit their baby food back at him. Everyone but Natalie and I are covered in food. I am smart and move over to the breakfast island to stay out of the line of fire. Natalie laughs at me and calls me a chicken, when she then gets covered in food, it’s not the children that are guilty this time. It’s Onyx and Draven. Scott and Kai are actually trying to act as adults and get the children fed and cleaned up. Just as Scott comes into the kitchen to get more paper towel, and wipes for the kids Kai’s phone rings.

  “Hello? Oh hey Emily, what’s up?... No we are trying to have dinner, the kids thought it a better idea to throw it at people. Is everything ok?... Are you guys alright?... A dragon?... Ok I will have Kai and Nimara come right away.” Scott says coming back with a weird look. “Ok so Emily says there’s a dragon that keeps circling the Great theater and won’t let any of them out of it. Why would a dragon be there?” Scott asks looking at me funny.

  “Oh don’t worry I have this, you guys finish, don’t worry if you hear a loud thump. I will be right back.” I say getting up from the breakfast island. I get out of the house and into the clearing and call to Jax. Soon there’s a loud roar and the sound of massive wings beating hard. The breeze has picked up, the setting sun’s completely blocked out and all I see is the silhouette of a large dragon. He landed this time, instead of a sudden stop, drop and somersault ass over tail move, he’s getting better.