Music in chapter
Harry Styles - Golden
Taylor Swift - You're On Your Own Kid
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Luna Pov
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE CLAIRE WITCHES AND THEIR HUGS.
It had only been a day since we'd last seen eachother, but maybe I missed something when we texted last night.
Davina was going to give me bruises from her affection. But did I have any help from my other friend?
Nope. Josh just stood there with an awkward look, twiddling his thumbs.
I sensed his feelings of timidness towards me. Nearly everyone I knew, in a way, stressed over me, mainly if I'd like them or what they'd said.
"Luna, I'm so glad you're here. I got a new selfie stick!"
She took a picture of the two of us intertwined and motioned for Josh to get over here.
"Christmas must have come early."
Davina got this dreamy look on her face as she put her selfie stick and phone into her bag. "With Marcel, it's Thanksgiving and Christmas all year round."
"Mmm, I'll have to come over from dinner sometime!"
Josh chuckled, "Luna, I'm afraid you'll be eating leftovers for lunch. Chef Mike's three-course specials are impossible to skip."
Davina began giggling, and I noticed her face flush with red.
"I'm guessing Mike is a cuter older guy, right, Vina?"
My friend nodded while Josh was put into a coughing fit. I hit him on the back while Davina told me about Mike.
"He's just so sweet. A single dad, human, and he's Scottish!"
"Really?"
"Yes, and before you ask, he's not a ginger. Mike's bald, but that look works on him, I swear!"
I blushed, "I have a thing for accents. It's not so much the hair I care about."
Davina sighed, looking over to the side, "Do you think the goldfish will be in the same spot as last time?"
Closing my eyes tightly, I remembered all the goldfish lives lost in my friend's care. But she seemed so excited...I couldn't stop her.
"Yes, please be careful."
She kissed my cheek and zipped away, nearly knocking over a four-year-old.
Bless her heart.
Josh stood to his full height, causing a stuffed bunny to fall from its spot.
He apologized to the disgruntled vendor, and he ended up purchasing the soft blue thing.
The vampire looked harmless holding the stuffed animal. An idea popped into my head.
"You could give that to Aiden. Write a cute little note in the shape of a carrot."
His eyes widened, and his Adam's apple bobbled. "But isn't he macho or something?"
I laughed, clutching my sides as we walked past all the decorated signs the sellers had assembled. A boy my age with round glasses waved, and I waved back...only because I discerned compassion.
"Macho is a word you would never want to describe Aiden."
The vampire's dark brows jumped up into his hairline. "He is more down to earth than anything."
He scratched the back of his head, chuckling, "I just assumed he was because of the leather."
I smiled. It was rare to come across someone so naive yet adorable at the same time.
"Judging only by my attire, Josh, what would you assume about me?"
"You're pr-pretty," he stuttered out as we stopped at a dart-throwing station, stuffed animals hung on strings.
The vendor greeted us and handed me three darts after Josh backed up.
"Everyone assumes I'm nothing more than a pretty face," I say, placing my feet in the white spray-painted square.
"But thank you, Josh."
I aimed for the red dot in the center and exhaled, launching the dart.
"Holy crap."
I smirked at my friend's astonishment. All three dots were bunched in red.
You could never go wrong with precision and accuracy.
"Bullseye!"
The old man smiled kindly at me and handed me a fuzzy, pink bunny.
"You folks have a lovely evening."
"You too," I took Josh's hand as we entered the oncoming crowd. He sighed, seemingly appreciating it.
"I didn't mean to sound so shallow back there, but even you can't deny that. You're smart, and can I say I've never met anyone who's actually hit a bullseye before?"
Laughing, I nodded, "Of course. And by the way, my bunny is way cuter than yours."
Josh chuckled.
A finger dug into my back, and I winced in pain. Turning around, I saw a guy who looked to be in his early thirties.
"Hey, baby, how's it going?"
I swallowed my growl down, and Josh tensed.
"Well, it was going great until I saw your face."
"Aren't you a sassy little lady?"
The man laughed, but there wasn't any enjoyment conveyed in his brown eyes.
He reached for me, but before I could deflect, Josh's hand appeared first.
"Back up, dude."
The Josh I knew had gone. His lips weren't curved up at the ends, and his usual kind eyes had blackened.
I felt waves of anger coming from him. Oh no, you don't.
The man laughed, and this time I could feel real enjoyment and anticipation when Josh stepped forward. I acted quickly, putting my hands on his chest and looking him in the eye. It wasn't difficult to do since we were almost the same height.
"Forget this creep, Josh. Let's find Vina. She'll never let us live it down if we missed the rides."
He shook his head a little, his entire body quivering. When I looked behind me, I noticed the man had gone, probably to torment another girl around my age.
That didn't sit well with me. Josh winced clutching his jaw, I took out a spare blood bag disguised as one of those kids' juice pals.
"Here, drink this. You'll feel much better."
Josh's eyes narrowed, "Where are you going?"
I winked at him, and he coughed, "The ladies' room. I have a business to attend to."
·𖥸·
"It's okay."
I tilted my head to the side, detecting a new voice. It was shaky, she was scared. I could feel the dread coming off in ripples.
"N-no, no, what are you doing - -" The voice was cut off. I looked a the tall yellow and red striped tent in front of me.
I walked inside and saw a bunch of gamers with headsets on. What the hell were these people doing at a carnival?
Ignoring my irritation, I pushed past them unnoticed.
Pulling open the tent, I saw that the creep had the girl against the wall. His hand was covering her mouth, and his pants were down around his ankles, exposing his colorful looney tunes boxers.
This guy has class.
I pulled him off her. I must have underestimated my strength because he ended up slamming against the brick wall, knocked out cold.
Every hair on top of her head was quivering. I knelt at her level, relieved to see that all of her clothing was still intact. I reached into my bag and pulled out a spare jacket I kept on hand.
"Hey, deep breaths, you going into shock won't help either of us."
The girl's teary eyes meant mine, "H-how did you - -"
I only smiled, "Answering that question will put you in jeopardy. All you need to know," I gently placed the jacket on her pale, freckled shoulders.
"Is that you are safe, and that guy isn't going to torment you anymore."
She nodded, looking away from my sincere gaze. I helped her get to her feet.
"What's your name?"
"Crystal."
I smiled, "That's a nice name. I think you should head home now."
Reaching into my wallet I pulled out a slip of paper with my number on it. "If you have any more problems, give me a call."
Crystal nodded, tucking her red hair behind her ear. "That's brilliant. T-thank you...for what you did I mean."
"It was no problem."
Crystal looked at me over her shoulder one last time before she exhaled shakily, exiting the dusty space behind the tent.
The creep groaned, twitching. Getting out my phone, I dialed Marcel's number. The King of the Quarter picked up on the first ring.
"Hey, baby moon, what's up?"
I rolled my eyes at the nickname. Thanks to Jilly, it seemed to be spreading around.
"I need you to come take out the trash."
The joyful tone in his voice disappeared, "Where are you at? Do I need to call your parents?"
"Oh, that won't be necessary. The slime ball is already incapacitated. And I'm at the carnival. His body is behind a yellow and red striped tent full of a bunch of gamers. Compulsion won't be necessary. Their eyes so glazed over it probably wouldn't work."
"What happened?"
"Nothing exciting," I heard an engine rev and a door slam. "A grown man, tracking down underage girls."
"There were two?" The anger in his voice was easy to catch.
"I was one of them, but don't worry I've handled it. And Crystal should be heading home."
"Are you sure you don't want me to call your dad?"
"I'm sure. If I tell him, Marcel, he'll never let me out again."
"True, just be careful, alright, kid? I'll be there in a few."
The call disconnected, and I headed out of the tent.
By now, Josh should be feeling less angry, and Davina should have her goldfish.
·𖥸·
"Where the hell have you been, Loca?"
I laughed at the twilight reference as Davina tackled me with another hug.
The smell of orange blossoms flooded my nose, calming me. I don't know why but I felt emotional. If I hadn't been there to save Crystal...bad things would've taken place.
Sometimes it was hard...living with the fact that you couldn't save everyone...even if you tried.
Josh stood up from the wooden bench, my pink bunny; and his blue bunny together in his hands.
"To the ladies' room. That is where you went, right Luna?"
I silently put a finger to my lips. The vampire closed his eyes in understanding.
Davina would freak out if I told her. She would either cry in sympathy or go to the tent and find him with intent to harm.
Even as her best friend, I could never tell what she'd do...she was a wildcard.
Pulling away, I asked if she had gotten a goldfish. Instead of lighting up, she looked down.
"No... but I did get a guy's number!"
I squealed, jumping with her. Josh shook his head, looking lost and a little confused.
Without hesitation, I took his hand in mine and explained the situation.
"Oh, well, congrats, Davina."
"Thank you, now I'm gonna have to get you and Luna hooked up with someone so we can go on a triple date! Can you imagine how great it would be? I mean, we could coordinate our outfits!"
Josh and I glanced over at each other, equally fearful. "Umm, that won't be necessary - -"
"Shhh, I can see it now... The three of us sporting faded jean jackets, cropped teas, hoop earrings, and leggings."
·𖥸·
Four sweet teas and three carnival rides later, there was a sharp prickling ache in the back of my head.
I couldn't tell if it was from Davina's giggling or Josh's incessant whining.
The vampire wasn't a fan of rollercoasters, but I could sense he wanted to please a friend. After this ride, I would step in and offer to foot the bill for some yummy funnel cakes: getting Josh out of the safety straps and Davina's mind elsewhere.
"Oh, no, not this one, D! I'm gonna barf!" Josh exclaimed, accidentally throwing his bunny into the air.
Jumping up, I caught it before it could land in a little kid's ice cream.
Davina sighed, "Just one more... This is Luna's favorite ride." The witch gave him a pleading look. Her lipgloss-coated bottom lip jutted out.
Josh looked over at me for confirmation. I shot a smirk his way, ignoring the pain from my headache.
He sighed, and the operator gestured for us to move on in the line.
"One more..."
Davina jumped up, clapping her hands together. The loud sound made me want to cover my ears. I grit down on my teeth instead.
For the first time in my life, I was terrified to get on this ride. Not of falling but of throwing up.
There was this overwhelming pressure in the back of my head. I started to tear up as we were pulled full height.
We began spinning.
And spinning...and spinning...and spinning.
Davina grabbed my hand and whispered something I couldn't hear. My ears began ringing, and something warm and wet trickled under my nose.
I gently ran my finger above my lip. I gasped, seeing red. Black spots danced in my whirling vision... and the glare of the lights faded away...
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Davina Pov
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Anxiety made my heart beat fast against my ribcage.
I had never experienced something like this; out of the two of us I always got injured, but she never did, which irritated me.
But now I wanted to be the one hurt.
Josh carried Luna off the swing ride, and we were now in a dark alleyway, a few blocks away from the carnival.
I could still see the flickering lights in the distance. See her faint smirk... Feel the warmth of her hand.
"Lay her down," I ordered, and he did. I watched as my best friend's head lay limply to the side.
Her chest moved up and down, I was relieved to see she was still breathing.
With haste, I dumped everything out of my pack. Blue and purple vials toppled out along with some bound herbs, and a few emergency spells I ripped out of my family's grimoire.
I undid the cork to the smelling salt and stuck it under her nose, but it did nothing. Josh and I recoiled away from the pungent smell.
"What happened?"
I gently began removing the dried blood from her chin, ignoring his question. I didn't know the answer.
All I knew is that Luna was bloody and unconscious.
Josh grabbed my shaking hands.
"Let me do that. Call Marcel."
"I'm sorry, Josh."
His voice was soothing. It offered me a bit of comfort. "It's not your fault."
After watching him run the wettened rag gently across her face a few times, I shakily stood up, bile rising in my throat.
Seeing blood made me queasy, and Josh being a newbie vamp, was supposed to be overly sensitive. But he didn't look like he was fighting off transition. He looked calmer than he had all night.
I did this. I brought her here.
Teary-eyed and breathless, I dialed Marcel's number, and as always he picked up on the first ring.
"Hey, how's your night going, Sweetie - -"
"Luna's hurt." I couldn't help it when my voice failed me, and I broke down.
·𖥸·
Jason Matvey Labonair was a scary sight, especially when his arms were folded over his broad chest, with his eyes a dark hue of gray.
My stomach dipped, and I feared I would throw up in front of him.
I had the biggest crush on him when I turned thirteen, and four years later, I still regularly fantasized about him.
All I could say was that Madeline was one of the lucky ones.
On this night, I did not find myself to be particularly lucky.
I always stuttered when I spoke around him, but after everything with Luna, tonight was especially bad.
"What happened?"
His husky voice brushed over me like blades of grass, and for a moment, I had to recite what he asked me in my head before I responded.
"Ev-every thi-thing was fine b-before we got on the ride. And then - -"
I cut myself off, feeling intimidated under the gazes of not only Jason but Marcel.
The quote, "just keep breathing," reverberated in my head. Luna always said that when I became frantic.
"We stopped spinning, I looked over, and she had fallen limply to the side. B-blood was just trickling out of her nose. I tried to use smelling salts, but it didn't work."
Jason moved towards me, and the hard look in his eyes softened when they met mine.
I nearly gasped when his hand touched my shoulder, and he bent his tall frame down to mine.
"Everything is going to be alright, including Luna."
He sounded so compelling that I began nodding along with his words.
She would be alright.
Jason stood to his full height, towering over me, a warm smile on his face. "You should go home and get some rest. After Luna is well again, the four of us can go out for lunch or something; would you like that, Davina."
"The four of us," I whispered, excited about the thought of a daddy-daughter outing with my best friend.
"I would love that, Jason."
Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw a bush tremble; a heartbeat later, I saw big blue eyes peeking under the leaves. I spotted hints of gold.
My brain couldn't pinpoint what this thing was... Marcel was taking my arm, and the thing vanished from my mind.
Didn't shock sometimes make you hallucinate?
"Let's head home; you look exhausted."
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Third Pov
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Miles away a wolf howled, rain fell from the skies, and the air in the lavish cabin that night was still.
It was well into the night, and nearly into the next day.
Shadow, the hellhound, moped around, refusing to eat from his bowl. He was curled up by his owner, whining every so often.
The oldest sister arrived not long after the storm began. Rather than kissing her baby sister's cheek as Jilian had, she went to work in the kitchen. Brewing the awakening potion in their family grimoire.
Jilly stood behind the marble counter with her sister looking misplaced. It wasn't normal for everyone to be this quiet, she thought as she watched Hayley dice mushrooms.
Hayley and Jilly were not thrilled to be in each other's presence, but with Luna's condition, their worry was more powerful than their petty rivalry.
Jason paced outside on the porch, talking with Mary. He voluntarily went, unable to look at his youngest daughter's still form on the couch next to his tense wife a minute longer.
Madeline was at a loss for words as she stroked back Luna's curls. She had never experienced one of her girls being ill.
The odds of a werewolf catching a yearly cold have always been slim to none. With the sisters being werewitches, they still had impressive immunity from pesky viruses.
"Jilly, please pass me that ladle."
The middle sister rolled her eyes but did as Hayley asked.
"Is that the awakening spell?"
"As a matter of fact, it is."
Feeling unproductive, Jilly offered to go upstairs and get a poppet.
"That would be immensely helpful," Hayley remarked, stirring the steaming brown mixture.
In curiosity, Madeline questioned Hayley on her choice.
"This particular spell can have bad side effects. Are you sure she's sick, Hayley?"
The young woman sighed in tiredness. She had taken a three-hour plane ride to be here.
Hayley took long strides to get to the living room. Without a beat to miss, she checked her sister's forehead and nearly recoiled. She was burning up. And her skin was clammy.
"What I am sure of, Mom, is that something isn't right, and she's exhibiting what looks like a sickness."
Hayley smiled a little, looking into her mother's worried face. She bent down and kissed her forehead.
"Don't worry so much. I've got this."
Madeline chuckled, taking a sip of her mineral water. "It's my job to worry about you three."
Hayley nodded, swearing in her head when she heard the timer go off in the kitchen and Jilly return from upstairs, a poppet in her hands.
·𖥸·
Jilly shot Hayley a cocky smirk as she reached for her hand. The older sister took it, rolling her eyes, fighting the urge to smile.
It wasn't often that the two of them had moments like these. So the sense of togetherness felt nice.
"Together?"
"Yes, together," Hayley agreed with Jilian's statement.
There was a moment of silence. It lasted long enough for Jason to kiss the top of Luna's head and Madeline to pray for the spell to work.
"Troubled blood with
sleep's unease
Remove the cause
of this disease
Sleep eternal nevermore
And shift the source
of illness borne
To this poppet
who none will mourn."
As the sister's finished their chanting, the air hummed, the flames of the candles flickered, and the chandelier shook.
The family looked up in apprehension, but it did not fall.
Madeline sighed, closing the Book Of Shadows as her youngest daughter began to stir.
Luna gasped, and Hayley was instantly at her sister's side, her herbal tonic in a small serving bowl.
"Drink," Jason said in a soothing voice while his wife Madeline answered the phone.
It was their family doctor; he was asking for an update.
His youngest child did as her father commanded, wincing at the bitterness of the concoction.
"Sorry, I must've forgotten the sugar," Hayley whispered, causing Luna, Jilly, Jason, and Madeline to look at her.
"What."
Luna chuckled dryly, sitting up with the help of Jilly, who was snickering to herself.
"Of all the times you could forget to use sugar...this had to be the one..."
Everyone burst into laughter, and the stillness in the air vanished like fog.
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Luna Pov
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Love reminds me of a hug; it can squeeze the life out of you or leave you with a warm feeling in your belly.
I believed it left an impact on everyone's lives.
It certainly left an impact on mine.
My parents huddled near the corner of the couch, and Hayley and Jilly were on either side of me. Shadow was below me, a puddle of drool collecting from under his head. The five of them had passed out around two-thirty a.m.
This couch was hardly comfortable but they stayed on it for me. My parents were ridiculously stubborn, I watched them fight sleep for hours until their eyes drooped. Hayley and Jilly fought often but when we were watching reruns of the hit series Friends, they remained peaceful, even laughing together.
As disjointed and wonderful as my night had been I knew I had to get up soon as the morning light was beginning to pool out of the windows.
·𖥸·
A shower was necessary before I officially began my day, ugh I could still smell blood in my hair from last night's nosebleed.
The minute I unlocked my phone it began ranging, I smirked seeing Jackson's name.
...One phone call wouldn't hurt...
"Hey, cutie."
"Luna, are you alright? Mary told me what happened..." I rolled my eyes, removing my socks as I placed the call on speaker. Multi-tasking was needed if I was going to beat my dad to the stove to prepare breakfast.
"Jack, I'm perfectly fine."
I felt surprised by his concern. "Are you sure, have you hit your head recently?"
"For your information, I have not recently hit my head."
Placing my cell on the counter I turned to turn on the shower.
"You called me cutie," his tone sounded questioning.
I drenched my hair before squeezing a quarter-sized amount of my vanilla bean and coconut shampoo into my palm.
"Arguably you are one," I replied, rubbing the fluffy aromatic suds into my scalp.
There was silence on the other end, and I wondered if he had hung up.
"I think you are cuter than I ever could be."
My shoulders shook as I laughed, "Are you in the shower?" He sounded aghast and I had to admit this was all very amusing.
"You should come help me out, I can't really reach this spot on my back - -"
"Luna."
He spoke my name in an authoritative tone and I giggled. "Yes, Jackson."
"You do know that your father would skin me alive."
"And so would Hayley...who is home by the way. I expect your cute ass to be here buttering up my sister later. Why are you calling me again?"
Hot showers felt like summer rains. I leaned my head back, enjoying the feeling of the water rolling over my body.
"Well, I have some info on the Calder pack, and I couldn't get ahold of your dad so I figured I'd just call you."
I smiled gleefully, this was another great opportunity to prove to the pack that I could handle things like this.
"Smart boy."
·𖥸·
After finishing up my shower, I wrapped a fluffy towel around myself and made my way to my room.
Everyone was still asleep, well besides Shadow but I had let him outside to play. He was happy to go having developed the recent habit of chewing rocks.
"I was looking over some of their transactions these past months and they took out over one hundred thousand dollars."
Jackson went into more detail about Calder's recent spending activity, as I hummed going to my closet and picking out a yellow dress. I planned to wear it with a sage green cable knit cardigan because it felt a little chilly today.
"Which doesn't exactly sound fishy because of all the renovations that are being made."
"But there's a paper trail leading to another pack, Blair."
I sighed, taking in the new information, as I did my hair up in a low bun. "Those two, in particular, envy eachother. It's gotten to the point that I can't recognize them as individuals. It's like their subconscious twins or something."
Jackson chuckled, "You should see their cabins now, I swear every color is identical."
"So, why would Calder pay Blair if they despised each other's guts?"
There was a creaking sound and Jackson laughed, "Well, if Calder didn't kidnap the alphas of the Timber and Lockwood packs maybe they paid someone to do it for them."
"It's smart. Maybe they're assuming we'll go after just one of them."
I could hear the smile in his voice, "When in actuality we're going after both of them."
"We make a great team you know. Maybe you should come over later, so we can talk more about this development."
Laughing I replied, "I bet you'd like that."
"You would win that bet."
·𖥸·
After making arrangements to meet up with Jackson tonight, Davina started blowing my phone up.
Are you awake yet?
What the hell happened?
That guy who gave me his number turned out to be not worth it.
I shook my head, cracking a dozen eggs into a bowl before answering her messages.
Just got out of the shower, and off the phone with Jackson.
I have no clue.
Hayley theorized that I could've had a vision and it was so intense that I blacked out from it.
Do I need to take out a hit on him?
Seconds later she responded with two laughing/crying emojis.
I'm glad you're better, and have I ever mentioned that Jackson is kinda cute 3
Stretching, I laughed quietly as I reached for the whisk. My phone dinged again, I could never comprehend how she was able to text so fast.
Josh and I are hanging out at the park later, you should come :D
I smiled as I typed my reply: I'll be there :P
·𖥸·
Five steaming plates of cheezy scrambled eggs with a side of bacon rested on the table. Shadow huffed happily at my side, he had already had his serving.
Not one of them was up. That was going to change.
I put my hand on my father's shoulder, and his kaleidoscope green and gray eyes snapped open. Dad was always a light sleeper unlike the rest of the people in this household.
"What is it, little wolf?" His cheek was red and lined from using my mother's legs as pillows. "Are you alright?"
"I'm great! Breakfast is up."
He chuckled and I placed a kiss on his scruffy cheek before walking over to where my sisters lay.
"Hayley... Jilly... get up, I made breakfast..."
They remained dead to the world.
"Jilian, Hayley, your sister was nice enough to make us all breakfast. I expect you to be at the table in five."
Hayley sighed, blinking heavily as she lifted her arms over her head. "How are you feeling? Did the tonic work?"
"I'm feeling better thanks. I hope you slept well."
She glanced at Jilly, who was yawning loudly. She didn't like talking much in the morning, she required at least an hour of alone time before making contact with the world.
My oldest sister smiled at me, putting her hand on my knee and using it to stand up. "I'm glad."
"Oh, would you guys go do that somewhere else," Jilly finally cracked.
Hayley bent down and picked up a pillow from the floor. I winced as she hit Jilly with it.
It wasn't long before Jilly attempted to throw our family's ancient grimoire at Hayley's face.
Muttering a spell the book zoomed out of her hands and into mine. She glared, "What the hell?"
"What is going on in here?"
I smiled hearing the smooth, honey-like voice of my mother. "I won't ask again."
Hayley shrugged, pointing to Jilly, "That one started it - -"
"Ah, but I am the one who is finishing it." My mother beamed as her two oldest headed for the dining room, no longer squabbling.
Even separately my parents could handle the three of us well.
Her hand came down to my shoulder, "Are you sure you're alright? You feel a bit cold."
I laughed, " I feel great, Mom. I really do. Last night was amazing."
A confused expression crossed her delicate features, "Honey, you were passed out from a nosebleed."
"Yeah, but when I woke up Hayley and Jilian weren't fighting, and we all watched reruns of Friends."
She nodded, taking my hand, and leading me in the direction of the dining room. "Ok, that does sound pretty amazing."
·𖥸·
For the most part, breakfast went well, Hayley and Jilly did glare at eachother but the food I made wasn't thrown which was a good thing.
"Heading out?"
I nodded, slipping on my cardigan. "Mom's going to drop me off at the park to hang out with Vina and Josh."
"Sweet, hey your best friend and I came up with something great."
I raised my brow as I replied to Thierry's texts.
Are you alright?
Don't worry about me, everything's great I promise
Listen, I was told by Marcel to come with Davina and Josh /
I'll be happy to see you there :)
"What's that, Dad?"
"Well, we both thought it would be a good idea if we had a daddy, daughter brunch."
I giggled at my dad's eagerness, I felt the same way. "Really."
"Really, little wolf."
He chortled, as my mother rounded up on him planting a kiss on the tip of my dad's nose.
I turned away from the sweet scene giving them privacy. Shadow clawed at the door and I let him out.
My siblings stood in front of me, hair up, wearing jeans, tube tops, and minimal make-up.
I had seen Phoebe and Paige sport similar fashions when they went out to hunt demons. Piper and Pru never seemed to get dressed up for a fight so they never did.
Damnit, I still have to call Paige and ask for her to mail my apron!
"Where are you two going dressed like that?"
They both looked at eachother before they answered, "A stakeout. There's a witch that runs a club a couple of miles back."
"When will you be back?" Jilly and Hayley asked in sync and my eyes widened in shock.
Since when were they so synchronized?
"Around dinner time. Vina wants to make up for all that hangout time we missed out on."
"Sounds great because before you go to sleep we need to find Kelly Delane if we haven't."
"I'm actually going to have a late night, Jackson and I have plans."
Hayley's hazel eyes lit up at the mention of him and I knew she would be calling him later. I gasped, Jackson, smiling at my father at the dinner table took over my sight.
Looks like he's coming to dinner.
Jilly wagged her brows and I rolled my eyes, thankful Hayley didn't notice as she still had that wistful look on her face.
"Why is this chic so important again?" I wondered aloud as I powered off my phone.
"Belthazor is after Kelly. And before you ask, Cole contacted us."
That was a useful little trick of his; being able to sense who his other half was going to attack.
It gave us enough time to try and save innocents from the demon's grasp.
"What could Belthazor be up to now?"
They both shrugged, and Jilian snorted. "I'm willing to bet that the Triad has him wrapped around their grubby fingers."
"Haven't we killed them once already?"
Hayley groaned, "Mom and the sisters did once...but remember they regenerated when the Source came back."
"Oh, yeah, sorry it's been a while since I've read up on anything."
·𖥸·
"Have you been talking to anyone?" My mother asked as she drove me to Woldenberg park.
The city was crawling with supernaturals and humans. As always, the traffic was going to take some time to get through. There was a pile-up on Peach street and I was thankful that we were on Elm despite my aversion to the name.
I hated that word ever since I watched Nightmare on Elm Street with Davina.
"I had an outing with Thierry a couple of days ago, and Jackson called me this morning," I replied yawning. I released my hair from the band that held it, hoping for the wind to dry it.
"How did it go?"
"Well, he's a great friend, very supportive and kind."
"What about Jack?" She nudged her shoulder with mine, and I laughed. "I flirted with him."
"Pray that Hayley doesn't find out."
"We have plans later to talk about the Calder investigation and I don't like him, like him, he's just - -"
"Nice to look at, and fun to tease" my mother interceded and I nodded as she made a left turn.
She gave a sigh and for once I couldn't decipher the meaning behind it. The only thing my empathetic powers could pick up was pride.
"You're getting to that age, sweetheart."
I groaned, "Please don't tell me this is part two of the talk."
She frowned, "I thought it went well, do you remember - -"
"Yes! I remember everything...there's no need to rehash anything!"
She laughed and poked at my sides as we stopped at a light. "Ok, ok it's not a part two I'm just telling you to be careful. Jackson is a grown man, you are still a child in your father's eyes. He would not approve."
I sighed and she held up her hand, cutting my words off, "I'm not saying I do or that I don't. You are going to make your own choices, I can't stop you. What I can do is remind you that anyone you mess with can get hurt just as easily as you can."
"Even if I wanted to mess around with Jack I couldn't do that to Hayley."
My mom was quiet for a moment. "What your sister doesn't know won't hurt her... and what about this other guy?"
"Thierry's definitely in the friend zone... But there is this other guy."
"Oh..."
"Yeah but the thing is, I only ever see him in my dreams. I know you'll probably think I'm insane but I like him."
"Is he blonde?"
I blushed, shaking my head, "Umm yes, and why does this matter?"
"The other day when I went over to Marcel's he introduced me to his friend, Nik I believe. He was quite charming. Did I mention that he was blonde?"
Excitement sparked up in me and I stopped breathing. "You didn't, but maybe it's just a coincidence."
"That's also a possibility, but from my understanding, Nik came down for business affairs, I'm sure he's returned home by now..."
·𖥸·
Woldenberg was always nice this time of year. The trees were dressed in the rich, fiery colors of autumn, and the birds sang their melodies and rested on slim branches as the breeze moved through the area, rustling the leaves. Couples walked on the pavement while some ventured past the concrete, onto the lush grass with woven picnic baskets and plaid blankets around their shoulders.
It was easy spotting Davina in her hello kitty crop top and pink hightops. While she happily did cartwheels, Josh and Thierry sat on the bench chanting her name and cheering her on.
"Whew! I was starting to think you weren't coming, babes!" She yelled over the roaring wind and I smiled, sensing her genuine surprise.
"I said I'd be here!"
Josh turned in my direction, "Do all Halliwells keep their word?"
"It depends but you can always trust me, Josh," I planted my butt down between Thierry and Josh.
"How are you today?" I turned to the vampire wearing the hat.
"Good, now that I know all my friends are alright. I have news."
"Did you finally ask out that artist from Cloud Nine?"
That was the hottest artist hangout in the Quarter, it was a fairly new business that brought a lot of people joy. He had met a girl there, she was an ordinary human girl. Thierry was trying to move on and I looked forward to seeing him happy with someone again.
Theirry's cheeks, reddened, "I did, apparently she likes me."
I slapped his arm and he chuckled, "See! I told you this would happen. I'm so happy for you."
He beamed at me, "Me too."
For a moment I appreciated the wind wafting my curls around before I nudged my shoulder with Josh's.
He laughed at me, "What's your problem? Haha, I'm kidding, you look a lot better today."
"Thank you. Did you send that carrot note to Aiden yet?"
He blushed, "Not yet...I've been struggling with what to say..."
Grinning I pulled out a pen from my purse, "Don't worry, Luna's here to save the day."
·𖥸·
After helping Josh with his love letter, I ran off to Davina and we did cartwheels until the sun set and the wind died down. We talked of many things, my dream guy being one of them.
I told her what my mother said about that Nik guy, she promised to look into it. When it came to finding people, Vina was the one you came to.
Currently, I was seated at the dinner table with Hayley, Jilly, Mom, Dad, and Jackson.
Stabbing my fork into a piece of broccoli, I stuck it in my mouth chewing it slowly waiting for the next kick. I was playing a childish game. It would have been infantile to Hayley and silly to Jilian but I enjoyed it.
Jackson was sitting beside me and he had been nudging his foot with mine.
He kicked me and I swallowed my food before I got him back, unfortunately, I misjudged the force behind it and he was pushed closer to Hayley.
I blushed and busied myself with cutting Shadow a piece of steak. Thankfully no one seemed to notice...except for Jackson who was now talking to my older sister...
"Dad, how is Linden pack doing?"
He chuckled, subtly tossing Shadow one of his charred brussels sprouts (Mom had tried to cook again tonight).
"I think that's a question you should ask Jack, he's been pouring over the records all day."
Turning to Jackson he smiled down at me, "Well, princess since you asked they are renovating the east side of their community. There was a fire. But out of Blair, Calder, and Linden, they are the nicest."
My father narrowed his eyes at him.
"You assume they had nothing to do with it?"
Respectfully, Jack bowed his head, "Yes, sir."
"Enough about politics, Jack, have you met anyone you've liked recently?" My mother smartly asked, winking at me and taking a bite of her steak.
Jackson scratched the back of his head, and I sipped on my tea.
"I like everyone here."
"Aw," my mother's brown eyes glinted, "Isn't that the sweetest, don't you think, Luna?"
"Mmhm."
I tried to envision a similar situation, only with my dream guy instead of Jackson. There was a warm fluttery feeling in my chest, it faintly reminded me of butterflies.
·𖥸·
"You girls be careful," dad said from the porch. Hayley, Jilly, Shadow, and I loaded up in the jeep. The three of us waved at him.
"Alright, let's do this," Jilly muttered, as she pulled out of the driveway.
"Speed it up, I have plans remember. The last thing we want to do is fight Belthazor in the dark." My sister grinned, doing as I asked.
Placing my hair into a low bun, I caught Hayley's peculiar attitude. "I thought you and Jack already talked about pack stuff."
"We're going to go more in-depth."
"Oh, ok. Did you see how cute he looked when he got the mashed potatoes on the side of his face?"
I chuckled, picturing it in my mind. "I would have paid to see that."
"Luna! He was right next to you, how did you not see?"
"I was sorta thinking about something."
"Like what?"
It had been a minute since I had spent time with my oldest sister, Hayley was known for her inquisitiveness.
"There's this guy I've been dreaming about, and I have this huge crush on him. Please don't laugh at me."
She got this disgruntled look on her face, "I would never laugh at you, I'm not her," she through a pointed look to Jilly who was headbanging to some ACDC.
"What does he look like?"
I stuck a loose curl behind my ear, and my insides for some odd reason felt warm. "All I know is that he's got blonde hair, sunkissed skin, and cerulean eyes."
She laughed, "Well, he definitely sounds attractive."
I nodded, "Yeah but it's more than that. I feel - - "
"We're here!" Jilian shouted, clueless to the fact that Hayley and I were trying to have a conversation.
Hayley rolled her eyes, and waves of annoyance hit me, "We'll finish this conversation some other time, ok?"
"Sounds good to me."
·𖥸·
"Hey, we're trying to find someone, could you help us out?"
The girl turned and I immediately recognized her. "Crystal?"
"Luna," she cried, wrapping her arms around me. "It's so nice to see you."
I would have replied to that remark had Hayley not cleared her throat. "Oh, could we talk another time? My sisters and I are looking for someone who might be in trouble."
Crystal sighed, sticking a hand on her hip, "Give me a name and I'll do my best."
"Kelly Delane," Jilly said and Crystal's eyes widened as she drew her long red hair into a ponytail.
"That's my aunt."
I looked over at my sisters to make sure we were thinking the same thing. "She is in need of our help."
Her eyes remained wide, "Like you mean when you helped me?"
I nodded, and Jilly cut in. "Except she is in trouble with a demon."
Crystal's freckled nose wrinkled, "A demon? I thought those stayed in hell."
Hayley hit Jilly's shoulder, I watched as the two of them got into a fight.
I separated them, growling, "We don't have time for this."
"Well, I don't bloody understand any of this but I'll take you to her apartment, we just moved here two weeks ago."
·𖥸·
Something wasn't right.
I felt that as soon as I stepped inside the apartment. I told my sisters to watch over Crystal who was a nervous wreck as I inspected the small minimalistic space.
Nothing had been knocked over and I couldn't smell any - -
My hair stood up on the back of my neck, that was the only warning I got before I was thrown against bookcases.
Taloned hands gripped my throat.
My eyes flew open, and Belthazor stood before me. His red skin shined under the lights, with the black markings on his face he looked like some Star Wars villain.
"It's good to see you too," I said, hoarsely.
The demon tilted his head to the side in what looked to be confusion. Lifting up my legs, I kicked him off me.
He flew back and his head went through the glass coffee table and his acidic blood oozed out singing the carpet.
"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be hunting my sisters and me down?"
He offered me no reply as he roared, running towards me. I moved to the side just in time, and he hit the wall, groaning.
I gasped, there looked to be a secret space if I could just move him out of my way...
Muttering under my breath, I gripped his shirt getting ready to remove him when he pushed me into the wall.
Just where I wanted to be.
I winced, the bricks digging into my skin. Bruises were never fun to deal with.
Sticking my hand in the hidden space I was shocked to draw out rolled parchment that was most likely a map and a crystal necklace...simple components required for a locator spell.
He threw me to the side like a rag doll, and I winced landing in the glass and his blood.
Belthazor reached inside the secret hidey hole but came back empty-handed. His black eyes stared me down and I stood bracing for an attack.
But the oddest thing happened.
The demon shimmered away. Leaving me alone in the apartment.
·𖥸·
"Bloody hell, are you ok? Is that awful thing gone?" A woman with red hair identical to Crystal's asked as she clutched my shoulders.
This must be Kelly.
Jilly and Hayley were calming Crystal down in Daisy, Shadow was of course aiding them.
"I'm alright and for now yes. Since you are a witch," I held up the roll of parchment and the crystal necklace. "I suggest you put a boundary spell around that apartment. I'm sure he will return."
But she didn't take the items from my hand, "I don't practice the craft anymore. Please take them."
I saw Crystal and my sisters making their way to us, better make this quick.
"Do you have any idea why that demon is after you?"
"Oh, he wasn't after me, in fact, he shoved me out of the way. He was after those things you've got in your hand there"
Hmm...the crystal did seem odd, it was iridescent. And the parchment felt ancient.
"Did you hit your head?" I asked, noticing the blood on the side of her neck. "Yes... I-I think I did..."
There was a funny look in her eyes, she grunted and fell into my shoulder.
I panicked, this woman's life was now in my hands.
"Someone call 911!"
·𖥸·
The drive home was silent. The paramedics said that Kelly Delane was in critical condition now that she was unconscious. Crystal promised to give me updates on her aunt's condition.
Hayley and Jilian sent sympathetic glances my way, but I focused on the road trying not to let my emotions get the best of me as I drove us out of that part of town.
Kelly could've died if we hadn't been there.
That put a heavy weight on my shoulders.
Being a witch, especially a Halliwell was harder than it sounded.
We were supposed to protect innocents from evil and keep the Underworld in check. Melinda Warren my ancestor was the first, and she deemed it our sacred duty.
"Honey, there was nothing you could do," Hayley murmured, as Jilly rubbed my shoulders.
"You did all you could," Jilly voices correcting Hayley's assertion.
Taking one hand off the steering wheel I touched their hands, "Thank you both for the support I appreciate it."
Hayley gave me a hard look, "I'm fine just a little sleepy."
"You want me to take over?"
"Don't worry, it's not that kind of tired."
They said nothing else, Shadow who was in the front seat turned to lick my face. I chuckled, feeling better at his attempt at affection.
It was the simple things that brightened my nights.
·𖥸·
"Are you sure about this?" Jackson asked as he pulled up to his house. It was a nice-sized cabin, he had built it with the help of the pack. Pretty soon I would be stepping into an 800 sq ft area that Jackson ruled over.
I rolled my eyes. "Dad's totally cool with me spending the night, I already talked to him about it." I hopped out of his truck, slinging my bag and cardigan over my shoulders.
He came to unlock the door, humming something under his breath. I smiled recognizing it.
"Jack frost nipping at your nose," I sang the next line of the song.
Jackson chuckled, turning around as he opened the door and let me in. "You know that song."
I nodded as I closed the door behind me. "For some reason my dad really likes him."
"He's good."
"I believe you."
He was the first to break our eye contact, grabbing a few logs to set in the fireplace.
I found myself in the kitchen, I smiled seeing a picture of him and Mary over the sink.
"Would you like some?"
"Mmm, my Dad would never let me over again if he knew what you were offering me." I stared at the amber liquid in the pitcher.
Jackson flushed, and his Addam's apple bobbled. "I just think you deserve it."
"Really?"
He nodded, pouring some liquor into two glasses. "You always put everyone before yourself. Hayley, Jilian, your parents, the pack...even your dog."
I caught the glass when he slid it towards me, sipping the aromatic liquid I winced, feeling my throat burning.
Jackson smirked noticing my reaction.
Leaning on the counter, I winced preparing for the burn. The taste wasn't awful, it was the burning that made it bad.
"Slow down." He placed his hand on the glass, lowering it.
I cleared my throat brushing past him, "Where do you normally work, cutie?
He chuckled, "Anywhere... Why don't you pick for tonight?"
"The fireplace," I suggested, taking off my cardigan and tying it around my waist.
·𖥸·
About an hour later the fire was crackling away and I was feeling hazy from the cup of liquor I had drunk. Jack offered to pour me more but I declined, this buzzing feeling would last until the morning I was sure of it.
If I drank anymore I would surely be sick in the morning.
It gave me a funny feeling. Neither good nor bad...just weird.
Jackson was bent over his five-star notebook, documenting his theories. I was already done with mine, but to be truthful I only had one while he had several.
Biting my lip, I nudged my shoulder with his. "So, who do you think the father of Kate's baby is?"
Jackson's expression was filled with bewilderment. "Does it matter?"
I shrugged, "It could. Think about it." I sat up on the blanket he had laid out for us to share.
"If things ended badly with Tony or some other high-ranking pack number belonging to the Calder pack where would that put Kate?"
Jackson frowned, "In a really bad position even if she was alpha of her own pack. Folks down there hate to see a woman in charge." I noticed he had stopped writing.
"Exactly and we won't know anything until we actually go investigate. All of this speculating get's us nowhere in the long run."
He groaned rubbing his forehead. "You're always right, Luna."
The smile slipped from my face, "Sometimes I wish I wasn't. Someone almost died tonight. If I hadn't gotten there in time - -"
I cut myself off, tearing up.
All the liquor was getting to me.
"You can't control everything," his hand came to rest on my own. I never noticed it before but there were gold and green flecks within his brown irises.
"And that's frustrating as hell to hear..."
He chuckled, "Our lives were written in the stars before we opened our eyes for the first time. I think it's perfectly ok to not be ok with that."
Getting the chills I unwrapped my cardigan from my waist and placed it around my shoulders.
I sighed, "Everyone in my family makes it look so easy, carrying all this weight on their shoulders. I don't know how to balance it all."
A sad look passed over his face. "One day, you'll figure it out."
Not liking that answer, I narrowed my eyes at him and he opened his arms in response.
Leaning forward into the hug, I inhaled his woody scent. "You really think I will."
"Oh, I know you will - -"
My unexpected sneeze cut him off. I sat back, horrified that I had sneezed on him but he looked unbothered.
"Bless you."
"Thank you, Jack."
He started gathering the files up and I followed suit. We had been doing this for four hours straight, now was a good stopping point.
"It's my fault, there's so much damn dust in here from all these files."
I giggled, "Don't worry about it. The only thing you need to worry about is how you're going to ask out my sister."
He turned to me, a perplexed expression on his face. "You're right, aren't her favorite flowers daisies?"
"Mmhm, you have an obstacle in your way though."
He tilted his head to the said, "And what might that be?" My legs curled beneath me as my hands reached for a pillow. I was really tired tonight... Being thrown through glass and demon blood hadn't been fun.
"You are awfully cute tonight..." I yawned loudly, and I sensed he was waiting for me to elaborate.
"The obstacle is my father silly."
·𖥸·
At six o'clock in the morning, Jackson passed me a black cup of coffee with a genial greeting.
Unlike Jilian, he seemed to be more of a morning person
.
I smiled sprinkling sugar and french vanilla creamer into my cup. It lightened considerably the more I stirred.
"Have you come up with a plan of action? Getting her attention won't be easy... Hayley's the groggiest in the mornings..."
He hummed, sipping on his pipping hot cup of Joe.
"I was planning on running down to that meadow, picking her some nice daises."
"Make sure to get some nice ones... they might be for your funeral."
He laughed, but I heard his voice go up an octave.
"Thank you for that vote of encouragement."
I gave him a thumbs-up as I went to the bathroom to get dressed for the day.
·𖥸·
I couldn't explain why but I was feeling uneasy. The moment I stepped out of Jackson's truck, I ran, leaving him the dust and asking where I was going.
There was a harsh and harrowing chill that hung in the air.
Only one entity left behind such a feeling.
It was Death.
·𖥸·
"Is there a particular reason you're here?"
His bone-white face was painted with disgust and his usually vacant eyes were fiery.
The Angel snarked, "As if you didn't know... You Halliwells are vexing souls!"
Hayley and Jilly stood at my sides, this was the pose we picked when faced with trouble.
What did we do to piss off the Angel of Death?
"That woman you saved...her soul belonged to me." His hand twisted around empty air.
"I noticed you used past tense," Jilly ventured forward, fearlessly staring Death in the face.
"Meaning that her soul doesn't belong to you anymore," Hayley finished crossing her arms over her chest, a determined attitude emitted from her defensive form.
"Fools! Every choice you make, and every action you take has consequences!"
As the wind picked up, his cloak flared in the wind.
"When the time comes we will face them head on...together..." I glanced over at my sisters who nodded in affirmation.
"Mark my words, for rescuing Kelly Delane's soul you have only caused misery to another."
His eyes were filled with so much fury that - -
My sisters and I grasped hands, standing our ground, but no blows ever came.
Death was gone into the wind... His warning rang in my ears...
𖥸
Dictionary: Grimoire - is a textbook of magic, typically including instructions on how to create magical objects like talismans and amulets, how to perform magical spells, charms, and divination, and how to summon or invoke supernatural entities such as angels, spirits, deities, and demons. Book of Shadows - created by Melinda Warren and was passed down the family to the Charmed Ones. Belthazor - is Cole Turner's demon half that Phoebe Halliwell siphoned out. Innocent - someone who is blameless. Triad- second in command to the Source of All Evil. The Source of All Evil - known primarily as the Source, is the title given to the most powerful demon and ruler of the Underworld. Shimmering is an energy-based method of teleportation that allows users to appear at and disappear from the desired location. Underworld - one of the eleven planes of existence. The Angel of Death- is commonly referred to as Death and is an ancient, powerful being that is neither nor, but simply neutral
A/N: Omg, have you guys listened to Taylor Swift's new album, it's incredible! I just had to use one of the songs for this chapter I couldn't resist mentioning Nik, aka Niklaus this chapter, I can't wait for Act II! Let me know if there's anything you'd like to see more of ;) I hope you all enjoyed it, this is the longest chapter yet