"Explain who is Richard?" Sam asked Elena as they all sat in a Emily's kitchen. Every member of the pack was keeping their eyes peeled now for magical beings that could transport like Elena.
"Richard is an extremely powerful warlock, evil and greedy. He has made it so my kind can not be in packs like yours. He makes the rules and punishs the rule breaker. Which I would currently be considered one...especially because I believe I killed one of his right hand demons today," Elena took a small sip of the tea Emily had placed in front of her. Embry first bumped Paul underneath of the table, he loved nothing more then hearing about how much of a badass this girl was.
"So, what? He's going to kill you now?" Sam was not taking this threat lightly, Elena was one of them. Mess with one and you mess with them all.
"He'll put me on trial soon I believe but he'll declare me guilty of exposure no matter what and burn me," Elena didn't want to admit what was most likely her fate but she knew in the end she'd lose it all. How dare she thought she could just settle down. How foolish.
"How will you know when he'll come get you?" Sam asked before making eye contact with each pack member. Silently telling everyone 24/7 guarding of Elena was put in place from here on out.
"He most likely won't. He'll send one of his lackeys to take me to council. If I have one of you around me when that happens though...they'll take both of us and we have a good fighting chance of getting out alive," Elena was praying it would be Sam or Paul at the time due to their strength instead of one of the younger wolves.
"Well...we'll stand by with you just like you did for us," Sam declared before he stood up and laid a hand on Elenas shoulder. Even placed their hands on top of his as a solidarity moment before everyone parted ways.
"I have you the rest of the night. Tomorrow you'll have a Embry until I get off patrol. No matter what, you'll be with one of us," Paul tucked a long piece of her hair behind her ear. She nodded not sure what to say. She knew what was coming. She could only hope though that she could talk her way out of it all somehow. They both got up to leave, taking Paul's truck back to her house.
"You're coming to mine. It's not safe for you here," Paul told her as the pulled into her driveway.
"And why not? They'll be able to find me anywhere," Elena shook her head. Now was not the time to get all savior on her.
"Yes but out here you're isolated. My place is closer to the others which we'll need just incase. Pack what you need," Paul made a good point as he walked behind her up into the house. Elena didn't argue. Instead she just pulled a few important spell books down off the bookshelf, her family photo from her room and her holy water that she kept on top of the fridge. She had learned a spell to change her clothes from the ones she was already in so she didn't bother with any of that. Paul looked around and made sure he got his small stuff he needed, phone charger and his protection chain that Elena made him a year ago.
"Ready?" Elena asked while holding all of her belongings in her hand. Paul nodded before opening the front door for her.
"Nova, guard the house," Elena whispered to her cat as she walked back to the truck. She could only hope that Richard was not coming to get her anytime soon, she needed to soak up as much time as she could with Paul.
The next morning Elena was in the shop finishing up the potion she put on hold yesterday while Embry sat near her playing on his phone. They stayed quiet and left each other alone, knowing this sucked for everyone. Around noon though a smiling Quil walked in with two brown paper bags.
"Lunches from Emily. Also, Elena I heard Claire stopped by yesterday," Quil flashed his new memory watch on his wrist with a smile.
"Ah, yes she did," Elena took her lunch and opened it before peeling the banana to eat it. She hopped up on the counter and crossed her legs. Embry didn't even bother sitting before starting to inhale his food.
"She's not moving anymore," Quil told them happily while leaning up against the counter running his hands through his hair.
"Oh, she might have mentioned moving. I'm happy it's not happening," Elena had a knowing look in her eye. Quil would be forever grateful to Elena for keeping Claire around him. Elena took a few more bites out of her banana before realizing that neither guy was talking now. Also, there was no bag rustling from Embry or loud chewing. Elena pulled her dagger out quickly and looked around the room. It was like time had frozen. She only knew one person who could freeze time, Richard. Elena saw him standing in the middle of the show room floor while an evil grin on his face. He was handsome, that was a fact. He had slick back black hair and a perfect pale complexion with no blemishes what so ever. He had perfect straight teeth and beautiful baby blue eyes. He was taller, not taller then any of the pack members o course but tall, about six feet when standing straight. He wore a black suit with a red tie and had his hands folded in front of him.
"Hello Miss Elena," Richard took a giant whiff of the air, like he was smelling for something specific. He turned his eyes on the boys around Elena with a grimace on his face. Warlocks hated wolves, tried to make them not exist centuries ago but the witches took a stand and refused to let the wolves go extinct. They had a feeling they'd come in handy when called upon.
"Richard," Elena slid off the counter still holding her dagger out. She knew she wouldn't be able to attack him but she did believe he didn't come alone, he had his demons lurking near by to possibly jump her. She knew she could take them.
"I see you made yourself a little home. Now, why is that? Could it be because one of this dogs fell in love with you?" Richard started walking around the shop slowly looking at all the items on the shelves, his dress shoes echoing around them. She knew he was observing all the things she had for sell. The potions, the charms, the soaps. He was seeing how much she has really exposed herself to the small town. He wouldn't understand that this town was protecting her the same it was protecting their beloved wolves. He thought everyone outside their species should be exterminated.
"One did imprint on me yes and I did fall in love back. I'm protected here Richard," Elena wanted nothing more then Paul to just walk through the door but she knew that wasn't going to happen. That the whole world was frozen still for a moment while they chatted.
"Oh, love? Such a strong word. I never hear a witch say that about anything. Now, Elena, you know you must come to council and speak in front of them," Richard stopped when he reached the counter where Elena positioned herself shielding the boys but having her back lightly pressed against Quil. She knew he was to take her to council now then Quil would come with and unfreeze when they got there. She would have some sort of protection while being prosecuted.
"I'm aware," Elena tried keeping her answers short. She knew if she said too much then he could use it against her. Richard smile seemed to have gotten bigger, taking over his entire face. Next time Elena knew she was being pushed forward aware from her spot where she was touching Quil and into a firy portal. She had been taken to council with no help. No warning. No protection. This was definitely no good.