Jean embraces me just outside the door. "I am glad you're feeling better and I'll hopefully see you in lab on Monday." I nod and rush to reach my car and get the heat going. The temp from my car reads thirty-five. It has warmed up, but I'm still cold. I plug in the address from the clue into my phone and head out on the road. Thirty minutes later I drive into an industrial part of town, U-hauls, truck equipment, warehouses, storage units, and camper/RV sales. I pull into a warehouse whose address matches and see Rogue Gunn Works on the side. I was right! I wonder how this was going to work.

The neon sign said open so I park as close to the door as I can, there are no other cars in the parking lot. I go inside and don't see a soul. I head to the counter and begin to look at the weapons. We'd tried several different pistols, rifles and the like in class so I had some kind of idea what I wanted, but now that it came down to it, I wasn't so sure. I did tend to favor rifles like the Winchester or Browning, but I was still trying out pistols. I hear the creak of a door and an older gentleman appears. He stomps over as if in a bad mood but when he gets a look at me, he changes his tune. "Can I help you, Miss?"

I know Dean has something arranged for me but I don't want to cause any problems so instead, I ask. "Did someone leave something for me? An envelope perhaps?" He looks at me like he has no clue what I'm saying. I continue as a middle-aged woman emerges from the same door. "I think I was supposed to pick it up a few days ago. On the first... but I wasn't able to."

She saunters over in that way some women have when they know they can take care of themselves. "Torres, right?" I stare at her drawing a blank. "A. Torres?" She asks again pulling a large manila envelope from under her desk and reading it to me.

I get a glance of the calligraphed handwriting and instantly recognize it as Charlie's. It clicks. "Oh yes! Sorry, that's me. Been a little out of it today. These snowstorms always throw me. I don't know why I live here, I don't even like the snow!"

She laughs and hands me the envelope. "Kinda odd someone leaving stuff here, but I figured she had a good reason. And she paid us handsomely for it. I figured I'd at least wait and see if the said person showed up." She tugs on the older guys' flannel. "Let's leave her alone to check on the contents, Ned." He gives her a frown. "Come on! It's none of our business." As she drags him away, she yells back. "Name's Tami, call if you have questions, Hon!"

I wonder what could possibly be inside. Since there is no one else around I open it there on the counter. There's a folded note from Charlie, a smaller manila envelope, a flip phone, and a purple envelope. The note from Charlie reads, "Don't open them here, but I put in all the official cards you might need. Sorry, it took me so long. The phone has the number on all the RN cards I gave you. It's your official Torres phone. I've been forwarding any calls to mine, but you can shut off this feature by..." It went on to explain how. I pick up the manila and could feel many laminated cards inside and knew that must be what she was talking about.

The purple envelope had Dean's handwriting on it. Well, technically a giant letter A was on it, but I could tell he had written it. I open that next. A credit card slides out with Astraea Torres for the name. The card says. "You said you wanted to learn to shoot. I know your class is almost over and then you'll be one step closer to joining me. I'm so proud of you. Pick something out and customize it however you want. No mods are too extreme. No questions will be asked. Use this card, it'll cover you. Charlie set up. I can't wait to meet this Astraea Torres; she sounds super-hot! I love you so much my sun and stars. Dean." I stifle a laugh. These guys are crazy, but also brilliant.

I put everything back in the large envelope and call, "I'll be right back." In my vehicle, I sit in the back so I have some room to spread out. I open the smaller manila envelope and look through the cards. There's an FBI, CIA, Parks and Rec, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife and drivers' licenses for at least twelve different states inside. I slip my own driver's license out of my wallet and put in Astraea Torres as well as the credit card. I take out all my other cards from my wallet just to be safe, putting it all back in the envelope. I turn on the phone and take off the forwarding, stashing it in my purse alongside my real phone. I stuff the rest of the cards under the seat and head back inside.

Tami and Ned are leaning against the glass cases watching some reality TV. I'm not even sure what show it is. "Get what you needed there, Hon?" Tami asks me as I stroll over to the counter.

I take on a different persona, my Torres persona if you will. Someone who knows what the hell they are doing. "Yeah. Now, what can you tell me about handguns? I've been meaning to get a new one, but I need something more portable, lighter and easier to conceal than the ones I've got." As Tami and I get in a discussion, women to women, she pulls out several pistols for me to look at. Ned eyes us impressed by my knowledge of firearms.

He comes over to butt in, "I thought a pretty thing like you was going to come in here and ask for the brightest pinkest gun we got, but you really know your stuff, Missy." Tami elbows him in the ribs, but he continues anyway. "How do you know so much about guns?"

"Is that something you ask all your customers, Ned? Because it's kind of rude to perpetuate stereotypes of women. Especially since I grew up in a hunting and fishing state. I was out with both my parents hunting deer before I was even ten. Hunting is like breathing to me." It was only partly true. I did go fishing when I was a kid but not hunting. But I had to make it sound legit right? "My job now requires a bit more finesse than say hunting peasants, rabbits and buck. It's not like I can carry a Winchester rifle around now, can I?" Ned stands there a little shocked, "And well actually I've already got me two of those and a bow in my vehicle out there so see, I need something that I can carry on me at all times. Small, light. What would you suggest?" I didn't want to antagonize him further, so I added in that last part to get him included and smooth the waters.

He clears his throat. "I apologize... Ms. Torres is it?" I nod. "Well Tami knows her stuff bout as well as I do and what she's got here looks like a fine selection to choose from. These Sig Sauers and Rugers are definitely more popular... but I have a feeling this CZ P-01 Omega convertible is more your style." He picks up the last one in the row of five guns.

I had been leaning toward that one, but I wanted to see why he thought I should pick it. "Any particular reason?" I asked him with interest.

"Well, out of these five here it's the lightest, comes with the coolest mods, because I just know you need a little extra flair for your weapon." He winks at me. "It has a magazine count at fourteen and is perfect size for a conceal and carry, especially if you have to have it on you at all times. That's why I'd pick it." Another customer comes in and Tami nods for Ned to get it. "Anyway. I'll have Tami help you decide. Just voicing my opinion is all." He smiles, seemingly satisfied giving his two cents and leaves to help the man with some ammo.

Those were all good points and was why I had been leaning toward it. "Show me what sort of mods you're talking about here, Tami. I think I've narrowed it down to the Sig and the CZ." We spend a good fifteen minutes talking about the differences between the two and looking at the mods. After taking them both out back to their small range to try, I decided to go with the CZ P-01. I like how it feels more natural in my hand then the Sig and that it can hold more bullets. They both have the same sort of mods and fancy grips so that didn't deter me one way or the other. I order one CZ P-01 convertible with engraved filigree along the barrel with plum and silver swirl grips. Nothing to flashy. Well some would say it has definite flair and that's all I wanted. You could pick it out that the gun was mine in a pile of weapons, that's for sure. I pull out the credit card to pay for it. My heart skips a beat when she asks for identification, even though I know I have the proper ID. "Thanks for asking. So many people don't nowadays." I say nonchalantly hoping I'm pulling off a cool vibe.

She rings me up. "I think you're going to really like that weapon. It'll be here in a couple of weeks, three at the most. We'll give you a call you when it's in."

"Great Tami. Thank you so much for all your help and expertise. Ned's too." I smile and wave at him as I head towards the door. "See you next time!" I call as I open the door and leave. It's warmed up some more and I'm not totally chilled by the time I hop in my car.

I hear a beep from my bag and see the burner phone is blinking. There's a text from Charlie. "I see you picked up the package. Happy Birthday!" I give a quick reply then head back into town towards my place. About fifteen minutes later and I remember Dean's gun is also engraved. I guess we both have good taste. I giggle. I stop at a drive-thru to pick up a green tea latte and then head back to my house. I am in need of some more R and R. Maybe a phone call to Dean to thank him.

I'm heading up the stairs when Mina comes rushing out her door. "Thank goodness you're home, I was getting a little worried. Sorry I haven't been to see you since your party." She rushes to give me a hug. "Why do you have so many layers on? Are you cold?"

"Not so much now, but I have been today," I tell her.

"Oh no, Rosemarue mentioned this might happen. Come on, get inside." She ushers me into my apartment.

"What do you mean Rosemarue mentioned this might happen?" I splutter out as Mina pushes me down on the couch covering me with blankets, thankfully not spilling one drop of my latte.

"It's part of your transition. The wolf runs a little hotter than a human so you have been cold as your body incorporates the magic into your body. She said I need to make sure your warm." She explains as she pulls the tiny fireplace closer. "You should even back out in a few days and will now run a few degrees higher than most people. More like one hundred then the ninety-eight. It's perfectly normal though, no need to fret."

I laugh at her. "I was not fretting, you're fretting!"

"Well, yes, I suppose I am. You comfy?" I nod. "I'll be right back," She says and glides out the door. I put my tea down and take my coat off throwing it at the hall closet. I hear a faint meow and Midnight and Mingho jump in my lap and under the covers to snuggle. Mina returns a few minutes later with her backpack. She closes the door, whispering an incantation under her breath.

"Why the extra security today Mina?" I question and she scoots over to me plopping herself on the other side of the couch.

"Um, I might have pissed off a warlock last night and I'm just taking precautions. He was not happy that I rejected him," She tells me a little anxious.

"Really?! From one of the covens here?" I ask.

She nods "The leader of one of the covens here. I mean I've met him loads of times and he's never given me a second thought. Last night at the festival, he did. He was all over me like white on rice. Because now I've come into my power, he can sense it and I think he wants it. It just pissed me off ya know. Who gives him the right?!" She puffs angrily.

I reach over and pat her arm. "Wow, I've never seen you get so worked up about someone before. I guess you are human." I tease her.

"Yeah well, I have my moments!" She scoffs back. "So, what have you been up to? The place looks great BTW. Sorry about that, I should have helped."

"YES!" I holler and proceed to tell her my embarrassing story about Max and the underwear. "Luckily, we got it all cleaned up and I had some time to myself. I opened Dean's card and he sent me on a mini scavenger hunt. Did you know about this? Did you help?" I asked her.

"No! I had no idea! How fun!" I told her about the Haiku's that were clues and told her how I figured it out and that I was just getting back from picking out my present. "Charlie left some stuff for me too. I dumped the cards out on the table to show Mina. Did Sam make you any of these?"

"No, I don't need them with my magic. I can glamor them or make them forget." She picks up one of the FBI ones, "But looking at how great these are is making me suddenly jealous. I want some!" She cries. "I'm going to text Charlie!"

I examine them further while she does. Charlie did a really good job on them. When Mina sets her phone down, I gather them all. "Hey, Mina?" I bite my lip. I wasn't even sure I should bring it up but decide now's a good a time as any. "I know you had said something about helping me out with Max and the whole Mormont thing, but I was also wondering if you could maybe help me out with Ben?"

"I knew something was bothering you the moment you got back." She pulls her backpack towards her, "That was why I went and grabbed this." She pulls out her grimoire and several other leather-bound books. "What exactly do you have in mind, for either of them?" She asks me.

"I don't know! That's why I'm asking you!" I whine.

"Okay! Okay! Don't stress. Explain what your problem is exactly with each guy and we'll find a solution. I know we will." She says confidently. "Let's start with Max, as he was the one I originally intended to help you out with.

"Well, I just want him to be my friend. I don't want to have to worry about him hitting on me all the time or that something will happen one night when we get drunk. I already keep trying to make him out to be Tyrion. I know he's not they don't look anything or act anything alike, but this Mormont thing is too much for me to deal with. It keeps taking me back there. I need to not be reminded all the time or I'll never be able to move on with Tyrion's death..." I finish with a sad sigh.

"I get that. Continue." She indicates.

"And then there's Ben. He's annoying, almost bordering on stalkerish. I've already explained to him several times that I'm not interested in him, that I have a boyfriend. Or I did anyway. That was before I went into the 'hospital'. Now I'm pretending I'm too heartbroken to even think about having another relationship. And won't before I graduate. He says he doesn't care that he just wants to be in my life. I know he means well but come on. I started deleting his texts, ignoring his calls. But he still can't take a hint. Get a clue. I'm not into you. Hey! I made a rhyme!" I laugh at that.

I start again. "But maybe it's me you need to do the spell on, not the guys. Something to make me repel everyone but Dean? I don't know, is that too extreme? What if I never make another friend again? No that won't work either. All I know is I need some help with this since traditional tactics aren't working. I sort of feel bad about using magic, but I don't know what else to do." I finish absentmindedly stroking Midnight a little too roughly as she squirms to get away.

"Alyx." Mina leans over and removes the kitten from my grip. "I know this is stressing you out and there is a simple fix. At least for Max. A spell so simple a drunk 6-year-old could execute it. It's barely even a spell, more of a suggestion really. For Ben, I might have to do a bit of research."

"You already know what to do about Max?" I ask, "That was a little quick."

She nods, "I've been thinking about it ever since I told you I could help. I've seen the way he looks at you and acts around you. Fawning over you all the time, mooning about you at school."

"Mooning over me at school?! How do you know that? Do you hear him?" I question.

She nods. "I've seen him around campus and boy is that guy loud." She points to her head. "It's one reason I don't like to spend time around him. He's so deafening. I always get a headache and can't concentrate on much else when he's around. Hopefully, this spell will help with that. Maybe if he stops thinking about you so much, he'll be quieter. I've got all you need to do it here in my bag."

"Really?! Were you planning this all along?" I tease her.

"Sort of. I've actually gotten used to carrying some basic spellcasting things around with me and some hard to find ingredients. I figure it'll come in handy when I'm out on the road. Ready?" Mina explains pulling out some pillar candles.

"Oh wow! Um. I don't think I can do this Mina." I tell her truthfully. "It's all so sudden. I mean we were just talking about it and now we're going to do it!"

"Alyx, you got this! I promise. Nothing is going to go wrong. Max isn't going to know a thing and you will have peace of mind, knowing he will never push for your relationship to go further." Mina tries to reassure me.

"Are you sure that I have to do it?" I whine at her.

"Yes. It's you that wants it to go away, so you have to say the spell." She tells me and I pout. "Look, I'll call the corners for you and make a sacred circle. Then you'll light these four tea lights in a clockwise fashion as you say the first four words of the spell. Finish saying the spell facing North. After they've burned out, voila! You're done. Easy as pie." I look at her again. "I promise, you can do it." She encourages me.

"Ok then," I say trying to sound confident.

Mina grabs some more pillars from my guest room and creates a circle with them. She lights the first one in the East.

"Welcome East, power of Air!
Intuition, knowledge, and wisdom,
Come and send forth your inspiration,
And be here now."

She gives a little bow then walks slowly toward the South lighting a few more candles along the way.

"Welcome South, power of Fire!
Energy, heat, and flame,
Come and send forth your passion,
And be here now!"

I watch her as she leans down. I notice a slight purple glow in her eye, but it's not scary this time, it's actually kind of comforting.

"Welcome West, power of Water!
Emotions, love, and courage,
Come and send forth your tranquility,
And be here now!"

The four corner candles are fatter and taller than any of the other candles being used in the circle, I notice. That Mina thinks of everything.

"Welcome North, power of Earth!
Stability, structure, and growth
Come and send forth your strength,
And be here now!"

As she lights the last one the circle is complete and I can feel the magic in the air. Mina murmurs a little something more under her breath then nods for me to proceed.

I get off the couch and take a deep breath before stepping into the circle. I unfold the paper she gave me. She hands me the lighter. As I say the first four words, I light the tea lights, clockwise. "Thoughts, ideas, truths and images." I stand in the center, facing North to say the rest. My voice wavers but as I feel the magic swirling around me, I feel more certain that this is the right path.

"These things you hold make a beautiful visage.

But what I mentioned you will release.

You do not live to make me pleased.

Max, the bond you wish is not to be done.

My heart is not something to be won.

Max, your romance for me shall be no more.

Make your feelings only light and pure.

Max, all I want is to be friendly,

Not to be your complementary.

I invoke the four elements you see

to hear my call and so mote it be."

I watch the tiny flames slowly burn themselves out, concentrating on what I just said. In all, the whole spell took only about five minutes. I want to call Max immediately to see if it worked but Mina said to wait until Monday. Spells need time to take root.

I carefully step outside the circle and Mina steps back inside. Thanking the elements and watchers of each direction she releases the magic from the circle, moving in the opposite direction she did calling them, starting with the North. Each candle goes out one by one, seemingly with no help from Mina. When all the lights are out, she gathers the candles so the kittens don't knock them over and spill the wax. I was surprised they didn't interfere with the whole process. Now that I think about it, makes sense. They are familiars so I'm sure they are familiar with witches practicing. I chuckle at that little nugget. "What about Ben? When do you think we can take care of him? Tomorrow?"

Mina chuckles. "Yeah. That should give me enough time to get a spell together. But we're doing it at my place. I don't want the energy of Ben's spell interfering with Max's spell here." I look at her confused. "Don't try to understand it. I'll call you when I'm ready for you."

"Alright then. I trust you know what you're doing." I say.

"Great!" she grins. "My job here is done." She starts packing up the books and putting away the candles. "Now no texting Max! Get some more relaxing in. Take a bath. Maybe call Dean?" She waggles her eyebrows at me. "In all seriousness though, if you start to get cold again, I need to know about it. Promise?"

"I promise," I reply. "Thanks, Mom!"

She crinkles her nose at me. "Yeah! Yeah! I'll see ya, toots." She kisses my cheek and heads toward the door. She quickly deactivates the ward and pops her head out. "Good." Then she prances over to her place. I giggle and head back to the couch. It is time to call Dean to thank him properly for my present.