by C Zinnia
Mel could feel gunk get pulled out of her body. She instinctually did the gather qi move to replenish her body with beneficial qi. She didn’t know how long they did the two exercises, but by the end of it, she felt more centered and less fatigued.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Much better,” she said with a smile. “Thank you for teaching me that.”
“No problem,” he said. “But this doesn’t mean you should heal others yet. The best way to work on others is not to pull energy from yourself. You really need to learn how to do that, but unfortunately the hunter and Chris take precedent right now. Understand?”
“I do,” she said. Thinking about Chris plunged her into a vision.
One of Chris’ goons, Jack, rummaged through Julie Ann’s dresser. Jack found her jewelry box. Feeling triumphant, he quickly rummaged through it to find two diamond necklaces. He grinned as he admired the large stones. He never liked Julie Ann. She was an old woman in the pack who always took it upon herself to try to steer teens away from joining Chris’ group. She was like a Mother Hen who viewed Chris and his buddies as crafty foxes.
“You’d think she’d have better things to do with her short time left on Earth,” he muttered. “No matter. By the time she’s back from visiting her sister’s pack, y’all are going to be long gone,” he said to the diamonds. “And by that time, no one will be able to pick up anyone else’s scent in this room. Everyone’ll just assume she took them on her trip and somehow lost them.” He pocketed the jewelry. “These’ll get us some good weapons to use for the uprising.”
Mel became aware of her surroundings once more. She told Eli what happened.
He was visibly alarmed. “Do you think it’s happening right now?” he asked.
“It felt like it,” she said.
“Let’s go tell Bruce,” he said.
They grabbed their shoes and quickly walked to the main house.
When they entered the office, they found Silvia and Bruce going over financials with the pack’s accountant, Mary. They all saw Mel’s and Eli’s distressed faces.
“Will you excuse us for a moment, Mary?” Silvia asked.
“Sure thing,” Mary said. She left.
After Mel told them her vision, Bruce immediately called Mason. Mason confirmed that Julie Ann was out of town visiting her sister. Bruce suggested Mason join them at the match tonight. “It’s time for us to start bringing other packs into this,” Bruce said. “Alpha Stephanie is a good person to talk to and we may need her help in the future.” They spoke for a little longer before ending the call.
“Alura is going to Julie Ann’s home to see if the diamond necklaces are gone and if anyone’s been in the house. If Jack has been in there within the past couple of days, she’ll be able to tell,” Bruce said. “Mason is coming to the match tonight.” He rubbed his temple. “Now he knows to look out for thefts in the pack. If Jack is found guilty, then Jack’s going to have a lot of explaining to do.”
“He won’t roll over on Chris,” Mel said. “He’ll stay loyal to him.”
Bruce wasn’t surprised. “It’ll bring more tension into the pack because it’ll increase the distrust that already exists,” he said.
“They’re probably also stealing from outside the pack too,” Mel said.
He frowned. “You’re probably right,” he said.
“It’s a bad sign that they’re building up their arsenal,” Silvia said. “Thank you for telling us, Mel. This is all extremely valuable information.”
“You’re welcome,” Mel said. “I’ll let you know if I get anything else.” She glanced at Eli. “What next?”
“Let’s go have a cup of tea,” Eli said.
Eli and Mel went to the kitchen and Eli pulled a small paper bag out of his pocket. It was filled with tea leaves and herbs. He made tea while Mel paced.
“I’m making extra. You should drink a couple of cups throughout today,” he said. “And make sure to do your qigong exercises. You need to make sure to build your energy up because I have a feeling we’re going to be needing your abilities to see soon enough.”
“I’m afraid your right,” she said. “All of this chaos with Chris, and we haven’t gotten any closer to the hunters.”
“Do you feel like the hunters should take precedent?” he asked.
She sighed. “No,” she said.
“Then don’t worry so much about them,” he said. “There’ll be plenty of time to focus on them once we get this Chris drama sorted out.” He made two cups of tea and poured the rest into a mason jar. He handed a cup to Mel as they sat down at the kitchen table.
“It’s going to be bad, isn’t it? With Chris?” she said softly.
“It looks to be that way,” he said grimly. “But the future can always change. Mason hasn’t announced Bubba as his successor yet, so that announcement alone could shift things. Mason catching and punishing Jack for stealing can changes things. There’s so much potential for the future altering for the better. We just got to keep trying to do our part to make things better.”
“I hope we are able to make it better,” she said.
He smiled. “One day at a time,” he said.
She smiled back.
Eli left after they finished their drinks.
Mel cleaned up before she went upstairs and crawled into bed with a slumbering Viola. She closed her eyes and tried not to worry about the future as she fell into a restless sleep.
~ * ~
Chris launched his glass through the air. It hit the wall, bursting into tiny shards. He scowled at the mess as though someone else had made it. He turned and looked at Zack. “You’re sure Jack didn’t mention our plans?” he said.
“Positive,” Zack said. “He’s a lot of things, but he ain’t a snitch.”
Chris nodded. “This puts a damper on our plans,” he said. “We won’t be able to steal from any more houses here because everyone’s going to be on high alert.” He balled up his fists. “How did that bitch know? Alura never checks houses when someone’s gone. Why now?”
Zack shrugged. “Maybe Jack wasn’t as careful as he pretended to be. She could have seen him walk into the house,” he said. “He did do it in broad daylight. I had told him to wait until it was dark, but he obviously didn’t listen.”
“That’s a fair point,” he said. “Jack never truly understood the concept of stealth. At least we still have other houses outside of the pack we can take from.”
“What about Tish?” Zack suggested. “It would be helpful to have a witch on our side.”
Chris was astounded. “Are you an idiot? Have you forgotten what she’s capable of?” he said. He shook his head. “We leave her alone and hope she never looks our packs way.”
“So, what should we do now?” he asked.
Chris grabbed a dustpan and broom. He swept up the glass. “We come up with another way to get our weapons.”
Chapter 26
Mel forced herself to sit tall even though she wanted nothing more than to hunker down. Everyone from Stephanie’s pack kept looking at her. They all knew Mel was Viola’s mate but couldn’t understand how. Mel was grateful for the barbeque event the night before, otherwise Bruce’s pack would have probably been staring just as much.
Mel sat between Dana and Silvia. Viola was warming up with Daren. Viola had given Mel a kiss before she left, causing an eruption of whispers. Mel felt like it had been for show than for her, but she still greedily accepted the kiss. “Don’t mind them,” Viola had said to Mel. “They don’t have anything else to talk about. And when I win, we’ll celebrate at home.”
Mel smiled. She could hardly wait.
Mel wished Viola could have stayed and watched the matches with her, but Mel understood she was a distraction for Viola. “You can’t think lovey-dovey things when you’re about to fight,” Dana had said.
Mason and Alura were sitting in front of Mel, Dana, and Silvia. Mason had turned back once to nod to Mel and mouthed “thank you.” He i
gnored Mel the rest of the time as he spoke with Silvia. Mel understood Mason didn’t want anyone to know he had ever communicated with her.
Someone waved to Dana, getting her attention. “I’ll be right back,” she said to Mel. She got up and left.
Someone immediately sat down beside Mel. It was Alura. Even though Mel had had multiple visions about Alura, seeing the scars on her face startled Mel at first. She reminded herself that true beauty comes in all shapes and forms. I don’t need to fall into the brainwashed, society-pushed version of beauty, especially since it’s fickle and changes by the decade, she thought.
Mel also quickly understood why Chris didn’t want Alura in the pack. Alura was a natural leader. She would have risen to Beta status even if Mason had not been her father. If the pack got over their bigotry, Chris wouldn’t stand a chance being picked as Alpha over Alura. Within minutes, Mel no longer saw the scars as menacing, but as a feature of Alura’s handsome face.
“Everyone will assume I’m here to see what all of the gossip is about,” Alura said to Mel. “Goodness knows Viola and you are the topic of the night. I’m pretty sure no one will even pay attention to any of the fights.”
Mel knew the real reason Alura had come over and it had nothing to do with Mason’s pack. Alura was happy for Viola and it gave her hope that someday she could find her mate. Alura just wished it was sooner rather than later.
“Most packs never talk about homosexuals and our soulmates. The majority of the time our soulmates are not found because of individuals denying their sexuality,” Alura said. “Most homosexuals fear banishment from their packs.”
The fact made Mel sad. Mel couldn’t imagine how many werewolves missed out on a lifetime of happiness with their mate because of brainwashing. Then again, it happens with humans all of the time too, she thought.
“It’s just nice to meet you to know that it is still possible for me?” Alura ended it as a question.
It dawned on Mel that Mason must have told Aura about Mel’s gifts. Alura wanted to know when she would meet her mate and hoped Mel would see Alura’s mate.
“Keep your head up. You’ll find a new jogging trail soon enough. When the first snow comes, you’ll be amazed by what you find in the cold,” Mel said automatically. “Make sure to carry a warm coat.” Mel didn’t quite understand the riddle, but she knew that was all she had to tell Alura. “That’s it.”
“A new jogging trail and a warm coat,” Alura repeated. “I can do that. Thanks.” She sprung up and joined Mason, looking more relaxed than before.
Dana came over and sat back down beside Mel.
“How is the bakery going?” Mel asked Dana as she affectionately leaned into her.
Dana smiled and leaned into Mel. “Spectacular,” she said. “I love it there. I’ve met so many nice people and Nana is fun to work with. I think Lee and I will stay in the village. There’s a piece of land we can build our house on in the village. I’ve decided to work at the bakery part time as I train with May. There’s an online course I’ll be taking too for my counseling degree.”
“That’s fantastic,” Mel said. “Congrats. You’ll help so many people.”
“Thanks,” she said. “How about you? Are you and Viola going to move into a house? Are you going to live here or go back home for a while?”
Mel hadn’t thought that far ahead. “I don’t know. We haven’t talked about that,” she said. “I’m going to go back in a few weeks because I still have my job up there and it gives me a perfect excuse to grab some clothes. But regarding moving here, I want to, but everyone is encouraging me not to make a decision just yet.” She didn’t want to mention Viola was vehemently opposed to her moving back to Arlington.
“It’s good advice. Enjoy your time here but wait until you get back home to see where is truly best for you. No need to rush making a decision. You two have plenty of time,” Dana said. “I’m sure Viola would go up with you.”
“Dana, you know as well as I do that you don’t think about those sorts of things when you first find your mate,” Silvia said with a sly smile. “Have you noticed how often they disappear upstairs?”
“All the time,” Dana said.
Dana and Silvia’s teasing was cut short when Bruce and a woman entered the center of the ring. It was the same woman Mel had seen in a vision. They greeted everyone and spoke about the importance of unity. Stephanie introduced a group of singers from her pack.
The performance was an amazing a cappella medley that was a blend of humans and wolves. Everyone was on key and kept the rhythm. An alto and soprano sang a duet in the middle of the piece that bathed the crowd in love and awe.
At the end of the song, Mel was clapping the hardest.
Eli stepped into the center and thanked the singers as they left. “It’s time,” Eli said. “All of you should know the rules by now, but I’ll state them anyway. Each fight will last thirty minutes straight. The only way a person can win is by knock out or submission. If no one accomplishes either by the end of thirty minutes, then it is declared a tie. You are only allowed to fight in human form. Bring out the first fighters!”
How did I miss the human form comment last time? Mel wondered. Because I couldn’t hear him and even if I could, I was too busy looking for Viola, she reminded herself.
“Why do they only fight in human form?” Mel asked Dana.
“It is viewed as our weaker form,” Dana answered. “It’s also harder to maim or kill someone as a human. Too many died when the fights occurred in wolf form. For some, being in wolf form brings out their animalistic side. They seem to have a harder time controlling their impulses when they get into a fight.”
“Oh,” Mel said.
Two men appeared in the ring. Both were small framed and muscular.
“Fight,” Eli said.
Both males sprang into action. They jumped and kicked and flew through the air effortlessly. The crowd cheered for their favorites. Silvia was passive throughout the fight while Dana was yelling.
An energy pulled Mel’s attention from the fight. It caught her attention because the person was thinking intensely about Viola.
Mel suddenly got a vivid image in her head.
A person was changing into a wolf. The wolf tackled Viola to the ground. That would show her who’s tougher and stronger. How dare a female think she could fight males and win. How dare she think she could possibly compete with him! The wolf had no problem ripping out her throat if necessary. That would teach her. That would show her her place.
The image disappeared.
Mel was scared. She knew Viola’s opponent would kill Viola if he had the chance. “Silvia, we need to talk to Viola and Bruce now,” Mel said. “I need to warn Viola.”
Silvia could see Mel’s anxiety. She didn’t ask for an explanation. “Dana, take Mel to Viola. I’ll grab Bruce,” she said.
Mel and Dana walked out towards the woods. They found the spot where Viola and Daren were joking as Viola warmed up.
Viola saw Mel and froze. “Amor, what’s wrong?” she asked.
“You need to be careful,” Mel said.
Bruce and Silvia joined them.
Mel told them her vision.
“That would explain Stephanie wanting to cry,” Bruce said.
“What do you mean?” Mel asked.
“Turning into wolf form during a match shows disrespect to the opposing pack. Naturally, it is interpreted as being threatening in nature. The punishment is death,” Bruce said.
“Why risk it then?” Mel asked. “Why plan it?”
“He may think his position makes him immune,” Bruce said. “There are fools in every pack who feel they are above the rules. They have never had to face the repercussion of their actions. If he does turn during the match, then he will suffer the consequences tonight.”
Mel bit her lip. She hated the thought of someone dying.
“Dana, will you take Mel home?” Viola asked. “She doesn’t need to see a death.”
“N
o, Mel can’t leave,” Bruce said.
Viola was angry with Bruce. “You can’t force her to stay and witness someone possibly dying. She’s already witnessed enough death. She isn’t used to such violence. It’s not right,” she said. Because it was her mate, Viola was willing to challenge her alpha on his decision.
Bruce didn’t get upset with Viola for questioning his authority because it involved Mel. He knew he would have reacted the same way. “I’m sorry Viola, but Mel needs to stay for the match. It’s for her own safety,” Bruce said. He turned to Mel. “I don’t want you to have to witness the possible occurrence of a death, but it will stand out to everyone if you’re not there to watch your mate. They’ll start asking why and we don’t need everyone to know the extent of your gifts. It could get back to Chris and that is dangerous. You’ve already foiled their plans once today. Even they will be able to put two and two together. And they already think you cheat by performing magic, Viola. Now is not the time for people to know about Mel because they do not know her well enough to know if she has integrity or not.”
Viola couldn’t argue with Bruce’s logic. “I’m sorry, amor, but Bruce is right,” she said to Mel.
“Just be careful, okay?” Mel said to Viola. She kissed Viola. “As long as you’re safe, that is all that matters.”
“I will be, amor,” Viola said. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Mel said. She kissed Viola again.
“Let’s go back to our seats before people start trying to find out where we are,” Dana suggested.
Dana, Mel, and Silvia went back to their seats.
The third fight had just finished. The two fighters had run out of time. There was no winner.
“And now, for the final fight,” Eli announced. The crowd cheered, drowning out everything else Eli said. Some in the crowd even chanted Viola’s name. Mel was grateful for all of the positivity and enthusiasm surrounding Viola.
Viola came out to one side of the circle.
Viola’s opponent entered the other side of the circle. He was already bouncing from anxiety.
