Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyers, my OCs belong to me
This chapter is dedicated to Alphabloodwolf, WriterNMomma Anonymous Guest and Noble
Leda
I sat in the practice hut, Magda still at my side. Perhaps she was guarding me now until Loki returned. Perhaps she was making sure I didn't fall asleep after bumping my head. Either way I was thankful for her presence, although I admittedly felt too drowsy to truly appreciate her advice on the houses.
"It's still two hours before Loki gets out of work. Do you wanna go for a stroll? Maybe the fresh air will help rouse you a little." Mags suggested.
"If we're trying to keep me awake then perhaps it's for the best. It's rather warm and stuffy in here and concentrating on the papers isn't helping." I admitted.
"Then come on." Mags said as she stood up. "We'll stroll down to First Beach and back. Unless you want me to give you a lift home?"
"I'd rather Papa not know of this for fear he will ban me from coming down here." I murmured.
"You can't keep this from him." Mags pointed out.
"Perhaps not the entire incident, but I would rather underplay the outcome." I said glumly.
"You sure? Things have a tendency to come out and it'll be worse in the end."
"Perhaps, but by then I will have been down here after this incident and the GT have done nothing further." I explained my reasoning.
"I guess you know your father best." Mags said as she stood up.
"Once we have a place of our own we won't be under their feet so much." I said as I stood too.
"You still need to come down here to practice." Mags said as we stepped outside. "Loki built this hut for the Freaks, you can't relinquish your territory because my sisters are idiots."
"I suppose." I said and winced a little as my back pulled.
"You ok?"
"You do not realise the muscles you use in your back merely to walk until they are injured." I said sadly.
"You wanna go back to the hut?" Mags offered.
"No. I want fresh air. Besides, do they not advise light exercise when you have backache?"
"Well for backache, but you could have a spinal injury." Mags said, as she looked concerned.
"If that was so I already exacerbated it the moment I sat up after my fall." I replied.
"I don't think that helps your argument since you're only making it worse."
"If I collapse you may call Portia to attend me with a spinal board." I stated.
"Ok. But even if you don't collapse but you're seriously struggling, let me know and we'll head back."
"I will." I promised.
"Bur otherwise we'll take it slow. Like I said, we got two hours."
"Yes." I replied.
"So how did you and Loki actually get together?" Mags asked.
"Should I speak of this with you?" I asked, feeling embarrassed.
"Well it was before that time I saw you down on the Ranch right?" She theorised.
"How did you know?" I asked, feeling myself blush.
"Well, you blushed as red as you are now and was a little rude to me. You're never rude, so I got the feeling you wanted to avoid me." She explained.
"Well yes. We weren't together at that point. We'd hooked up, but hadn't had time to discuss it. Papa was very adamant that I go to Wyoming immediately for an appointment with Carlisle if I was determined to explore my sexuality."
"Oh man!" Mags exclaimed in empathetic embarrassment.
"Yes. And worse still I left my phone behind so I couldn't even talk to Loki that way. I tried phoning from my personal line on the Ranch, but he didn't recognise the number."
"And he doesn't answer unknown calls." Mags said as realisation dawned.
"Exactly."
"You could have borrowed my phone." Mags stated.
"And tell you what exactly? That on witnessing Addie imprint on Robyn I ran straight to Loki to mend my broken heart by seducing him?" I demanded.
"Oooh kay." Mags said. "You let a little more through than I think you meant then. You more or less ran out on him."
"I was ashamed with myself for leading Loki astray." I said sadly.
"Yeah, but you were also embarrassed that you'd let yourself go like that. You'd always pictured your first time differently, like after a nice date or something, but you can't plan life like that." Mags said with a shrug.
"You did." I said.
"No. I didn't." Mags said with a snort. "You had it a lot better. It might have been out of the blue, but it was with a guy you knew well and you knew liked you a lot."
"I took advantage."
"Loki didn't see it that way."
"No." I said, and sighed.
"You still should have come talk to me." Mags said and tapped my shoulder. "We're friends right?"
"Yes. But you are also Loki's big sister."
"All the more reason for me to want to put it right. I wouldn't have given you any agro if you came to me and I would have lent you my phone immediately."
"It would have put his mind to rest, but our reconciliation was well worth it." I conceded.
"And you've been together ever since?"
"Yes. I've hardly slept in my own bed." I admitted.
"I'm glad you got a cosy little place you can go to." Mags said sincerely.
"Yes. It's adequate for now." I replied.
"But you'd like a bed." Mags stated.
"Yes."
"Yeah, I can understand that." Mags said, nodding her head.
We were silent for a moment as we reached the head of First Beach and I looked out along the shingles.
"You wanna stick to even ground?" Mags asked.
"Yes please." I replied, sounding relieved even to myself.
"You want something from the store?" Mags suggested as a destination.
"Not particularly."
"How about walk along the road to the resort then head back to the hut?" She asked, gesturing in the vague direction.
"Yes." I agreed.
We adjusted our course slightly.
"Am I allowed to ask you about Zeke?" I asked.
"Depends on what it is."
"How goes everything between you?"
"Good. More than good." Mags said happily, as if she was relieved that was the direction I was taking our conversation. "I mean I thought I'd blown it big time thanks to that incident on the battlefield, but I should have had more faith."
"He was really worried about you in the hospital tent." I said, remembering how many times he was told to remain in the bed, but he had wanted to go to Mags despite the state of his face.
"You were there too." Mags said, then put her arm around me and hugged me into her, more for her comfort I thought. "I should have talked to people."
"Did you do something you regret?"
"I can't tell you because I don't want Loki to know." Mags stated.
"Yes. It would not do for me to keep things from him." I conceded. "When will you see Zeke?"
"Next weekend. I won't be able to travel out there this weekend, but I can next weekend. I need to do some home hunting of my own, but I need to find somewhere big enough for my entire pack."
"That does make it more difficult." I conceded.
"Yeah." Mags agreed.
"Perhaps I could talk to Lilly, ask if there's room for you at the Stables?" I offered.
"Nah. We don't wanna be crashing on the oldies." Mags said, and she snorted.
"Yes." I agreed with a chuckle.
"Well here's the resort, let's head back."
I nodded and we turned and headed back toward her house.
"This walk has done me no end of good." I said. "It has taken away the drowsiness."
"I'm glad. I was worried. That was some fall."
"I wasn't that high in the trees." I scoffed.
"Yeah, but like most falls it's the landing that matters most." Mags said in a serious voice.
"It's passed and I'm alive and mostly unharmed, I wish to forget it." I stated.
"Well you can for now." Mags said in a rather specific way.
"Others will want to speak of it later." I realised.
"Yeah. But you're not the one in the wrong."
"I'll try to remember that."
"You wanna change the subject?" Mags offered.
"Yes please." I said with feeling.
"Ok. How's the band going?"
"Quite well." I replied, happy to be on a subject I could discuss freely. "We had a concert at Tregarran on the way home. We sounded good, I merely wish I had the foresight to pack our costumes, but that was unimportant on our rush down to Wyoming."
"You have costumes?"
"Yes. Going along with the Victorian Freak Show idea, we are after all The Eternal Freak Show."
"You'll have to give me and my girls a concert while we're here." Mags said.
"Will do. Although we do need to practice a little more, we have been sorely lacking with everything that's happened this summer." I admitted.
"I bet you're still better than most the bands out there today."
I shrugged.
"Seriously. I think you guys would already be big news if Addie and Robyn had already graduated."
"Perhaps, but it matters not how good we are if there's not enough people who like us." I pointed out.
"You're unique. You'll get the likes." Mags said as if it was certain.
"I hope so." I said emphatically.
Mags tapped my shoulder gently.
We arrived back at the practice hut.
"Guess we just wait now." Mags said.
I checked my watch.
"Half hour to go." I said.
"Not long then."
"No." I agreed.
We stepped into the practice hut and I sat down.
"I think I'll check how Mom is doing with the GT." Mags said.
"Very well." I replied, to be honest I wished to be alone.
Mags left me and I decided to set up my drum kit while I waited. At least I would have it ready when the others arrived. Once I was happy I returned to the sofa. If truth be told my back was hurting somewhat as I balanced upon the stool and sinking into the cushions of the sofa felt wonderful.
The door burst open and I realised I'd been drifting off once more. I jumped up into an alert position as Loki dropped to his knees in front of me and put his hands to my cheeks, looking deep into my eyes.
"Did they hurt you bad?" He asked.
"I think I did more damage to myself." I said, playing it down.
Loki frowned then sat beside me, but encouraged me to turn until my back was to him. Loki began lifting my top. I obliged him by removing it altogether.
"God! That had to hurt." He said as he ran his hand gently over my back.
His hand was warm and it felt good against my sore muscles.
"Yes, but it feels better now." I sighed and leant back against him feeling the warmth of his chest through his t-shirt.
"This is serious Lee, my sisters hurt you." Loki said firmly.
"Perhaps I overreacted." I said, I really did not want to be the cause of bad blood between Loki and his sisters.
"No. You didn't." Loki said firmly. "I felt how afraid you were and I got their, well not guilt, they knew exactly what they were doing."
"What did they plan?" I asked, feeling truly frightened.
"To rough you up a little. Though I don't know how they thought they could achieve that with their teeth and claws." He growled as he placed his arms around me and I melted back into him, savouring in the comfort he projected.
"Then I did well to run." I observed.
"Yeah." He said and kissed behind my ear. "You knocked them for six."
"I defended myself the best I knew how."
"Yeah. They were out for a good five minuets before their senses came back." Loki said with a hint of satisfaction.
"Oh dear." I gasped as I realised the situation in which I had left the GT.
"Hey, don't feel bad. They attacked you." Loki said gently.
"But what if something happened to them when I left them so vulnerable?" I asked.
Loki was quiet for a moment.
"Well nothing did happen and they were on wolf territory anyway." He said firmly.
"I don't want you to be angry with them because of me." I said sadly.
"I'm angry with them because of them." Loki said. "So don't you go worrying you're creating a rift. There won't be one, I'll forgive them, but not yet. They hurt you, and they meant to hurt you. You don't do that to a brother, to a fellow wolf. We're bound and they know that."
"You told them of last night?" I asked curiously.
"Not that. That's just between us." Loki whispered tenderly into my ear before his voice became serious once more. "But they know how tied I am to you. They've teased me about it enough times."
"They were foolish." I said firmly.
"Yeah." Loki replied.
"I should pull my top on before Addie and Robyn arrive."
"Oh. Right." Loki said as he released me from his arms. "I need to talk to Olly and Silver too. You feel up for a walk? Or I could hail them here."
"I'm sure they will crash the practice regardless, perhaps it would be better to invite them." I stated as I pulled on my top.
"Ok." Loki said as he hugged me back into him and I snuggled into the comfort of his arms as he went silent for a moment.
"They'll be here in a few." Loki said.
"Very well." I replied.
"Though I'm not sure I should go out running tonight. I should stay with you." He said, and he was being serious.
"I will be fine." I said firmly. "Besides, you promised Addie, you can't go back on your word."
"But this is an emergency, Addie will understand." Loki argued.
"Not enough to call it off." I countered.
"I want to look after you."
"Papa and Kitty-Kat are perfectly capable of doing so. Besides, it may suit me best to sleep in a comfortable bed tonight."
"Yeah." Loki agreed reluctantly. "I wish I could join you."
"Soon." I said. "I found some houses today. Kitty-Kat mentioned that Jane suggested buying a house instead of us renting."
"But won't she own it then?" Loki asked.
"Perhaps she'll buy it for her niece." I said lightly.
"I thought you wanted us to do it on our own."
"I did, but I wonder if that's a little optimistic and would it not be better to bite the bullet, have Auntie Jane gift us a house and we move in all the sooner?"
"Well I'd have to think about that, and I think we'll have to discuss this again when you're not concussed." Loki said gently, but firmly.
"I'm not concussed." I snapped.
"I don't know, you bang your head and you completely change your tune? Not to mention you still got a headache."
"Something I'd forgotten until you reminded me." I grouched.
Loki sighed and kissed the back of my head.
"That's where I hit." I said sadly.
I felt Loki's fingers work their way gently into my hair.
"You got quite a lump there." He said. "I think once I've arranged things with the guys we forget practice today and we go hunt you down some blood."
"I don't feel like hunting." I said, because I didn't feel like running at the moment.
"Then I'll drive us out to the trail head and I'll carry you to wherever and bring you down some prey." He said, and it was clear he was in no mood for arguments, but still…
"I can't have you feed me."
"The love of my life is injured and in need of blood, I'll get it for her." Loki whispered into my ear.
"I hope that's not why you called us here." Silver joked as he entered the hut with an unusually sombre Olly in tow.
"As much as you fanaticise about Leda nibbling on your neck I wouldn't give you the pleasure." Loki said in a low voice.
"It was a joke. You plan to enter vampland, I know." Silver replied. "Jeesh, how you and Olly's been, I don't think I wanna get a girlfriend. You're both drags these days."
"Besides the point." I said firmly before Loki could retaliate. "Please my Loki, tell our friends why you have called them here."
"Ok." Loki said.
I sat up and turned to face the front of the sofa but leant sideways into Loki.
"You guys wanna sit?" Loki offered.
"Sure." Silver said while Olly nodded, and they took up the other sofa.
"I offered Addie that I'd go running with him tonight and when I pitched it to Dad he suggested I ask you two along."
"Why?" Silver asked.
"He wants to see how well we work together. If we do, well…" Loki shrugged.
"What?" Silver asked.
"We get to be our own pack." Olly stated.
"Yep." Loki agreed.
"Are we even ready for that?" Silver asked.
"Well only you two can answer that." Loki said. "But I'm ready and Addie faces any challenges thrown at him."
"I'm ready." Olly said firmly.
"Then I guess I am. Or at least there's only one way to find out." Silver said with a shrug.
"You will make an amazing pack." I said with a nod.
"You ok?" Olly asked.
"Fine."
"You sure?" Silver asked. "You're slurring a little."
"I'm not slurring!" I said indignantly, but unfortunately I heard it in my own voice.
"Don't worry Lee." Loki whispered and kissed my temple before turning his attention back to his pack mates. "Leda banged her head today."
"How?" Silver asked.
"It doesn't matter." I growled.
"Because of the GT. They attacked her." Loki said, despite my protest.
"I may have…"
"No you didn't." Loki said firmly. "They wanted to get at me by roughing Leda up, but they didn't count on her throwing her power at them."
"You can't know their motive." I interjected.
"I've been listening in to their court martial with Dad." Loki stated. "I know full well what they planned and they planned to hurt you."
I didn't want to believe that. Despite their annoying tendencies I liked to think the GT were my friends.
"Yeah, well they did try it." Loki said firmly, not making any pretence that he was not reading my mind. "I'm making sure you're ok."
"I know." I said softly.
"So what happened exactly?" Silver asked.
"Oh my god! Is it true what I just picked up as I walked past the house?" Addie demanded as he rushed into the room with Robyn close behind him. "Did Lyd and Ast really corner Leda in the woods and threatened to attack her?"
"Yeah." Loki said.
"Oh my god! Are you alright?" Addie asked as he dropped to his knees in front of me, placed his hands to my cheeks and looked into my eyes. "No you're not. You fell out of a tree?"
"I thought you promised not to read my mind." I snapped.
"Sorry." Addie said, looking into my eyes and he looked sad. "I didn't mean to, but…"
"We're worried about you." Robyn said as she squatted next to Addie. "You fell out of a tree. Right on to your back."
"I did." I said. "But I'm not hurt."
"Bullshit." Addie said and we all gasped for he rarely swore. "You're really hurt, but you're playing it down. That won't help anyone. The GT mucked up, they need to be punished."
"Yeah." Loki, Olly and Silver agreed.
"We're a pack, and we need harmony. When a wolf acts against the pack they must be punished." Addie said firmly.
"Yeah." Loki, Olly and Silver agreed.
"To raise a hand against the beloved of a pack member is blasphemy. It hurts all members equally." Addie announced.
"Yeah." Loki, Olly and Silver agreed.
At first I thought I imagined such a thing, but Robyn was looking around at the four wolves with a frown on her face. We had to move away from this topic quickly.
"Loki wished to tell you something." I stated.
"What?" Loki asked, sounding confused before he seemed to get a grasp on his mind. "Oh yeah. Adds, we're running tonight and Olly and Silver are coming with us."
"Really? That would be cool!" Addie said, shooting to his feet and going over to the other wolves.
"Yeah." Loki said. "So we'll meet at eight?"
"Sounds good." Silver replied.
"But right now, I need to get my girl some blood." Loki stated.
"So no practicing tonight?" Robyn asked as she stood next to Addie and took his hand.
"Leda needs blood and fresher is always better." Loki replied.
"Like any food I guess." Silver said.
"If you wish to practice feel free." I said as I stood up, "And perhaps we can resume fully tomorrow."
"Yeah." Robyn agreed. "And it's probably best not to do anything that requires too much concentration today anyway."
I nodded and took Loki's hand.
We said our goodbyes and left.
Loki led me to his car, which he rarely used because he preferred to run anywhere local and when going further afield it was usually with others. We had to go into his house first and it took him several minuets to locate his car keys beneath the mess in his room. I did my best not to listen into the conversation that was taking place in the front room.
As we were about to leave the house Loki's father Tony stepped out of the room.
"I know you're heading out hunting and you're more likely heading straight home." He said to me and I nodded. "Then I'll let you know now, we're holding a trial tomorrow at the meeting place. I'm not sure what time yet, Loki will text you one I've arrange it with Tina and the other Oldies."
"A trial?" I asked with fear.
"Don't worry, it's pretty straight forward, you probably won't even have to speak." Tony said gently as he tapped my shoulder, thinking that was what troubled me.
"I would rather there was no trial." I murmured.
"They gotta be punished, and I have to consult the pack." Tony stated.
I wasn't so sure.
"I know it's difficult but I went through something similar when I was a kid." Tony replied.
"You did?" Loki asked in my place.
"Yeah. There was this girl Tammie, same age as Uncle Hunter and she cornered me in his room. I managed to get away from her by using my alpha voice for the first time, and I wanted to leave it there. But Mom and Hunter made me stand up before the Elders to testify and Tammie got help."
"Where is she now?" I asked and Tony looked pained.
"She got better, but then her past caught up with her and she was killed. It was part of the Benito uprising. Maybe it wouldn't have happened if we'd helped her sooner. That's why I wanna help Lydia and Astrid before there's a past to catch up with them."
"I suppose that is a reason." I said, still unsure.
"Look, it's gonna go ahead with you or not. If you want to plead mercy for them then you'll have to be there."
"Yes." I said, I suppose that was a reason for me to attend.
"Then I'll see you tomorrow." Tony said gently and I nodded my head before I allowed Loki to lead me from the house.
I was silent as he checked over his car and climbed in. I sat in the passenger seat and sighed with relief as we pulled away.
"You ok?" He asked.
"I am not looking forward to the trail." I admitted.
"Like Dad said, it'll happen anyway, so wouldn't you rather get your say?"
"I suppose." I said sadly. "Can we speak of something else?"
"Sure. What do you wanna talk about?"
"Was I really slurring my words earlier?" I asked.
"Perhaps a little."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" I demanded.
"It wasn't that noticeable until you were getting emotional with Olly and Silver." Loki replied.
"Oh dear…"
"You hit your head pretty bad. I know we're more durable than humans, but we're not indestructible. It's ok for you to be a little out of it for a while. Concussions can take weeks to heal, so even with our super healing we can't expect to be ok straight away."
"I suppose, but I don't feel…" I began.
"Lee, you still got a headache." Loki cut me off.
"How do you know?" I snapped.
"Because I can feel it and I don't like you hurting." He said gently and rubbed his hand against the back of my head for a moment.
"I know you're only looking out for me, but I'm feeling embarrassed. How did I fall out of a tree?"
"It happens." Loki said with a shrug. "Just one of them things."
"I feel so stupid." I muttered, feeling close to tears.
"You know how many times I've fallen out of trees?" Loki asked.
"When you were a child." I pointed out.
"Look. It wasn't your fault." Loki said firmly.
"But what if I was truly running for my life?"
"Let's hope it never happens." Loki said as if it was a prayer.
"We can only hope." I said warily.
"It won't. Cause we'll be together and we can tag team like we did down in Mexico." Loki pointed out.
I smiled at that memory.
"We did make a good team." I said happily.
"I just can never leave you alone again." Loki joked and I laughed.
"That would be impractical, but I would love that."
Loki laughed then seemed to sober, "Maybe you got a point about letting Jane buy us a house."
"Yes. But we need not make the decision now."
"No. We got time." Loki said as he drew to a stop. "But right now we got to get you some blood." He paused a moment. "Unless you wanna drink my blood and I hunt later?"
"No. I won't use you for food. If we share blood during our lovemaking like other dhampir that's another matter entirely, but unless it's to share blood, then no." I said, making my feelings clear on the matter.
"You'd really be up for that?" Loki asked, sounding shocked.
"It's something Clara happened to mention." I stated.
"Vampires haven't got blood." Loki pointed out, which was a good argument considering Clara's mate was the ex-Volturi vampire Demetri.
"I know. But Clara speaks to our other siblings who mostly date dhampir." I said, and while it was true most of my siblings bar Clara, Lilly and Tibbi ignored me at best and denied my existence at worst, they still spoke to those who chose to recognise me.
"Ok. Well I guess it's something we can discuss again. Right now I wanna get you some blood."
"Very well. How do you wish to do this?" I asked.
"I was thinking at first about phasing and letting you ride on my back, but what if I go under a low branch? I'd feel better if I cradled you, but would you be ok with that?"
"Have you cwtch me into your chest while you run me through the trees?" I asked.
Loki shrugged.
"I would love it." I said before I opened my door and stepped out.
"Ok, but don't get used to it." Loki said, already around my side of the car and he lifted me up.
"Are you certain?" I asked as I wrapped my arms around the back of his neck and kissed his jawbone.
"Well if there's kisses in it for me." He said, grinning, but then he looked serious. "Let's get you some blood."
"Very well." I whispered and pressed my head against his shoulder as his arms tightened about me.
Loki began to run, and it was much faster than I could run, but then again all the fangs were faster than regular dhampir. They were almost as fast as vampires. I enjoyed the speed, it was truly exhilarating but I couldn't help but wish I wasn't injured. I would have savoured every moment of this if it hadn't been for the fact that my head hurt more when I opened my eyes.
Finally Loki stopped and placed me on the floor. I opened my eyes to find him frowning down at me.
"I won't be long." He said, kissed my forehead, then disappeared.
I stood on my own in the forest and a wind blew through. I shivered and wrapped my arms about myself as I looked up at the swaying treetops high above me. For the first time in my life I felt wary of the woods. I must feel out of sorts because I didn't feel confident in my own ability to protect myself.
I heard the bushes nearby rustle and I jumped a mile out of my skin before Loki stepped through holding a struggling deer. I felt my heart rate calm back to normal. I moved in quickly and bit into the deer's throat. I felt the blood fill me and rush through my system, making me feel light and warm and a lot more coherent. Best of all, my headache disappeared.
I straightened up and looked up into Loki's eyes.
"Thank you." I whispered.
"I had to make sure you were ok." He said softly as he dropped the carcass and caressed my cheek.
"Thank you." I repeated and kissed his lips lightly.
Loki deepened the kiss as he wrapped his arms around me, and then lifted me up once more.
"Let's get you home." He said, and started running again.
I was able to keep my eyes open and really enjoy the ride in my Loki's arms. It seemed to end all too soon as we arrived back at his car. He placed me next to the passenger door and I gave him another kiss before climbing into the car.
Loki moved around the car and climbed in behind the wheel.
"I can still call the run off." He offered.
"Not at all. You made a promise to your pack and as alpha you must keep it." I said firmly.
"Alpha?" Loki questioned as he pulled out of the little gravel patch of a car park.
"Well your father stated that you should bring in Olly and Silver when running with Addie for you to be a pack. You are the most senior wolf." I pointed out.
"I guess." Loki said, and he sounded unsure, which was something unusual for my man.
"I suppose it will be something to get used to." I suggested.
"I meant more that we won't really know until we run. Alpha doesn't mean senior it means, well it's hard to really describe, but it's like a draw. It's like, like how I'm drawn to you, but not in an intimate sense, just in a recognition sense. Like I feel the hold Dad has over me, but that's eclipsed by Gran. Mags has a little draw, but not enough to pull me into her orbit, if that makes sense?"
"As if you are both satellites orbiting the Earth, that being your father, and you effect each other somewhat, but only to cause a slight wobble, whilst all of you orbit the sun, your Grandma Essie."
"Kinda, but I'd put it more that me and Mags are both planets, Dad's the sun and Gran is the centre point of the galaxy. But it's not even like that either, but I guess it's a good an analogy as any." Loki conceded.
"It's something to think about." I considered.
"Like I said, it's hard to explain." Loki said sadly.
"I suppose the mechanics doesn't matter." I said, in order to change the subject. "Although I may come down earlier tomorrow. I would rather prepare with you than appear when called."
"Sure. Come down whenever. It's Sunday anyway, so it's not like I'm working. I guess I really didn't think about that last night. We'll miss out on our lie in."
"We'll have many a lazy Sunday when we have our own place." I crooned.
"Yeah." Loki agreed.
"And a whole house to ourselves."
"I can't wait." Loki said as he drew to a stop outside my house.
"I can go alone from here." I assured him.
"I'm coming with you." Loki stated.
"Why?" I demanded, didn't he trust me?
"Because I don't think you'll tell Alec what happened today, and he deserves to know."
Obviously he did not.
"I will tell him." I promised.
"Yeah, well I'll have to at least walk you to the door or Alec will kill me for not looking after you properly."
"That's sexist you know." I said.
"No, it's not." Loki argued. "Because if our situation was reversed and you didn't walk me into the house when I'd been injured, Mom would think you're not looking after me properly."
I gave him a look.
"Whatever. For my own peace of mind I need to make sure you got someone there with you just in case."
"You can check that from here." I pointed out.
"Is it so wrong of me to wanna squeeze an extra few minuets of time with my girlfriend before I have to say goodnight?" He asked with a pout.
"I suppose." I said and climbed out of the car, resigned to the fact that he would walk me to the door regardless of my protestations.
"Come on Lee, it's only Adrian in there anyway." He said as he placed his arm around me.
"Oh." I said and thought my next remark, You want to make sure he knows that you know I'm here with him alone.
Can't be too careful. Loki replied as we walked the short distance to the door.
I was thankful in that moment for Loki's persistence in walking me into my house. Adrian was doing his favourite thing, sat in a chair and sulking. He looked up as we entered.
"You." He said to Loki. "You're a vamp wolf like Addie."
"Yeah." Loki replied, suddenly becoming tense beside me.
"What's a alpha voice?" Adrian demanded.
"Why?" Loki asked then he turned his head slightly and I felt him grin. "Well sorry, only Addie can lift it. It's the way of these things."
"Only the alpha who places the edict can lift it." I said. "So whatever you need lifted you will have to talk to Addie."
"Yeah." Loki said, then turned me to him and cupped my cheeks as he placed his forehead against mine. Will you be ok?
Adrian will not harm me. If he tries I will render him blind. Besides, Papa will be home soon.
Any trouble, just think hard toward me and I'll get it.
Thank you. I said and kissed him, a quick chaste kiss in front of Adrian's glower.
"See you in the morning." Loki said as he stepped away.
"See you tomorrow." I replied.
Loki left the house and then I was alone with Adrian and feeling hungry. I went into the kitchen and Adrian followed me.
"I'm making food." I warned him.
"I'm getting used to it." He said as he sat at the counter. "Do you think I'm unreasonable?"
"I don't think I know you well enough to make that judgement." I said.
"I'm fu…" I gave him a sharp look. "Mucking up with Mischa."
"I am not the best one to ask." I stated as I sat opposite him. "My other siblings on the other hand might give you some insight."
"You got brothers and sisters?"
"A lot of them. When Papa was the golden child of Volterra along with Auntie Jane, Lord Aro decided he wanted to create his own dhampir. It was Papa he chose to father said children because he was the only member of the Guard who could possibly lie with a human woman without killing her. Papa was successful in this endeavour fifteen times. He was not allowed to remember thanks to the power of the Fire Twins, and so my siblings grew up isolated on an island. It was not Papa's fault, but my siblings have a right to be angered at times. Perhaps you should speak with them before you alienate Mischa forever."
"Alec's got more kids than you?" Adrian persisted as if it were unbelievable.
"Yes." I said, somewhat irritably.
"But he doesn't even look old enough to have you." He stated.
"Yet he is centuries old. He is vampire and he is old." I pointed out.
"I guess it's something I'll get used to in time." Adrian said.
"Yes." I agreed. "Now if you'll excuse me, I do need to make something to eat."
"I'm not stopping you." Adrian said.
"Very well." I said, and stood up before moving into the kitchen and inspecting the cupboards to decide what to make.
"What I gotta do to make it right with Mischa?"
"How should I know? I'm only thirteen." I snapped, I had no patience for such questions at present.
"I just wanna protect her, but she just wants to be with Zoë."
"Zoë can protect her too. Very well indeed. She can create a protective barrier that is hard to penetrate." I stated.
"Can I protect her from Zoë?"
"What threat is Zoë to Mischa?" I demanded.
"Is my girl really gay?" Adrian asked, ignoring my question.
"As far as I can tell she is bisexual, and there's nothing wrong with either."
"I know. But some people…"
"Don't matter. There will always be bigots, we can't get away from that, but the majority of people don't care about sexuality these days. It doesn't reflect ones personality it is merely one aspect that cannot be changed. Besides, it doesn't matter what strangers think provided you're ok with it."
"I just want her life to be not complicated." He said and I thought on that for a moment as I turned the chicken under the grill.
"Do you mean a normal life? One that doesn't involve the supernatural?" I asked.
"Yeah." He confirmed.
"That would mean removing yourself from the equation."
"If it has to be." He said with a shrug.
"It's not a good idea, for once a human is touched by the supernatural it is safer for them to remain well within it, than to be stranded outside with the knowledge but no real way to protect themselves."
"So I just have to let them be together?"
"Yes." I said firmly.
"Ok." He said, then stood up and wandered back into the main room.
I sighed and finished cooking my food. Just as I was serving it onto a plate Papa and Kitty-Kat came in through the door.
"Something smells good." Kitty-Kat announced.
"I'm sorry, I only made enough for myself. I didn't know when you would be home."
"That's ok. I'll just make the same." Kitty-Kat said as she entered the kitchen.
"I will take this up to my room." I stated as I got a soda from the fridge.
"Make sure you bring your plate back down."
"I will." I promised.
I left the kitchen and headed for the stairs.
"Leda?" Papa called as I crossed to the stairs.
"Yes Papa." I asked as I paused.
"You're home early. Or more to the point, you are home. I thought you would stay down with Loki once more."
"He is running tonight. He is showing Addie what to do before they run for real." I said.
"I see." Papa said, and looked thoughtful for a moment before he continued, "Perhaps you could join Kitty and I for a family movie night?"
"Once I've had my food and a bath I would gladly join you." I promised, for it was easier than disagreeing and having to think up an excuse.
"Very well. Shall we schedule it for two hours from now?"
"Yes."
"And if you leave your plate outside your door I will collect it in half an hour." Papa said with a smile.
"Thank you Papa." I said, feeling relieved that I would be able to escape into the solitude of my room for at least two hours without being disturbed.
With that I retreated upstairs. I ate my food and ran a bath, hoping whatever film Papa picked was a short one. I wanted nothing more than to go to bed and sleep. To forget this awful day.
Addie
"You ready Bro?" Loki asked and put his hand on my shoulder.
I nodded my head.
"Didn't quite catch that?" He teased.
"Yeah." I said firmly.
"Great. Just got to wait for Silver and Olly to get here then we can head out." Loki said, and I could feel how nervous he was to be leading us tonight, but he was hiding it well so I didn't think it was a good idea to bring it up.
"Shouldn't they be here by now?" I asked instead.
"They're a little late, but we're not wolfing the boarder tonight so it's not so urgent." Loki assured me.
"I know, but I feel weird just standing around here in just my shorts. What if a tourist comes by?"
"Adds, I know you live near the resort, but I don't. We're so far at the back of the Res here that no one's coming out here. And if they do, I doubt they'll complain about looking at us." He finished, nudging me with his elbow and winking.
"I guess not, but why are we out here?" I asked so we'd have our story straight in case.
"Chilling in my garden. We're allowed to wear what we want and it's still kinda warm."
"Guess it doesn't matter now. Olly and Silver are here." I said as I sensed them closing in on us.
"Yep. So no dawdling. Let's get out and run."
"Yeah!" I said, feeling more enthusiastic now we were about to go.
"Come on." Loki said, pointing toward the trees as Silver and Olly came into sight of us.
We took off running for the trees and I remembered to keep it human before picking up pace to match Loki when we reached the trees.
Olly and Silver caught up with us.
"When we gonna change?" Silver asked.
Loki stopped and we all stopped after a few steps.
"Might as well change now." Loki said with a shrug and without another word all three boys dropped their shorts and got on with tying them to the string on their ankles.
I swallowed any hesitation and got on with it. Phasing as soon as I could. I shook out my fur once I had four paws and revelled in the feel of being a wolf in my home forest.
Yeah. So much better being a wolf here. Loki said.
You can feel the connection all the way back to Taha-Aki. I said.
Wow. Addie, you're bigger than Loki. Silver thought.
Nah. I said, backing away slightly as I shook my head.
Not by much, but you are. Olly said.
Don't mean anything. I said when I felt a wave of worry from Loki.
Hi boys, finally showed up. Twain thought into our minds.
They're not that late. Uncle Tony said.
I felt Twain's indignant snort more than heard it.
Anyway guys, I was thinking you could run an inner parameter. Uncle Tony suggested.
How far in? Loki asked.
About half a mile.
Ok. But I think we'll get in formation for a while before we take up a route. Loki said.
Ok. Maybe half an hour just to break Addie in, then I expect you to have an inner parameter set up. Uncle Tony stated.
Yes Boss. Loki replied.
Who's running Beta? Silver asked.
It should be Addie. Olly replied.
But he's only just started phasing. Silver complained.
I know. But Addie's got the draw. He needs to be in Beta. Olly stated.
You're right. Silver agreed.
I can't just insert myself like that! I protested.
A pack isn't about seniority. It's about draw. Loki said. That's how we know who the Alpha is.
Can't you feel it? Silver asked.
When I'm around Gran and we're both wolves. I conceded, remembering the pull I felt toward her when we were in Hawaii.
I felt another wave of worry come from Loki that he tried to bury. I wanted to ask him about it, but considering we were on the pack mind I thought I'd leave it for tomorrow.
It's probably cause I'm a fang. I said.
Probably. Loki replied.
You got so many powers though maybe you cancel each other out. Olly suggested.
Whatever you got so many cool powers. Silver replied to Olly. Can you imagine having an alpha voice?
It's not all it's cracked up to be. I thought sadly.
What's not to like about getting people to obey you at just a word? Silver scoffed.
It's a dangerous power if you're not careful. Loki put in. You could use it to do all kinds of harm.
Or use it when you probably shouldn't. I thought before I could stop myself.
Wait! What was that? Uncle Tony put in.
Nothing. I said, feeling embarrassed.
No. Something did happen with Adrian. Uncle Tony said and now I knew he was digging deeper into my mind. Oh Addie, you weren't evil to use it on him. He was a threat.
Really? I asked.
Yeah.
But he wasn't a threat to our lives. I pointed out.
He was a threat to your safety and well being. Uncle Tony said firmly.
But I messed with his free will. I protested.
It won't kill him to not go to the lake and he needs to accept that he can't just creep up on Mischa all the time. Uncle Tony stated.
But was it my place to step in? I asked.
You thought he was going to hurt Robyn. I mean you read his intent to at least scare her. You stopped him. It was instinct. You're not a monster for wanting to protect Robyn.
Nah Bro, she's your imprint. I know I'd use any power at my disposal to protect Keelie if I thought she was in trouble. Olly said.
I know I'd use my mind voice to protect Leda. Loki said solemnly.
Even against the GT? I asked.
Yeah. Loki said without even thinking about it. What they did today was bad. If they don't agree to comply then I'm gonna make them.
You really shouldn't get hung up on that. Uncle Tony said. As long as you're not using it to get people to give you money or whatever, then you're not misusing it.
Ok. I said, not really buying it yet, but I felt a lot better about it than I had earlier.
Come on. We're supposed to be running. Adds, you need to pull in on my right, at Beta. Olly, Silver, run where you feel comfortable. This is more for Addie than anything else.
Sure thing Boss. Silver replied.
We moved into formation and we ran for a while before Loki assigned us to our patrols. I was on west, the quietest boarder, Loki on north, Olly on south and Silver on east. We had to make our own first trail since we weren't following the border, but once that was in it was a lot easier run back and fore along my route.
We kept up some banter and running the border was ok. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I could do this for as long as I had to. I thought we were going to have a quiet night when suddenly Uncle Tony let out a warning through the pack mind. Someone's crossed the border.
As he said that I got the impression of what he could see as he ran into the Res, following the scent trail. I started running toward Uncle Tony because that's what the others were doing.
Wait! Loki said and suddenly I could see what he was seeing. It's Leda!
Ok. Well don't take too long. See what she wants then send her home. You got work tonight. Uncle Tony said.
Yes Boss. Loki replied.
I felt a shiver and I knew Loki had phased to human. Then I broke through some foliage to find Loki jogging along beside Leda who was walking straight on like she couldn't see him or seem to hear him when he called her name.
Dad. I think she's sleepwalking. I want to stick with her just in case. Loki thought to Uncle Tony and I realised I only picked it up because of my telepathy.
Ok. Get her somewhere safe then come let us know what's happening.
Ok.
Addie, Silver, Olly, get back into running your border.
Yes Boss. We agreed and we headed back to our positions as Loki followed Leda in the direction of their tree house.
I think we need to move around a bit. I said to the others.
Silver, we'll close in the north border. Olly, go a little further west and east so we can all run an equal distance.
Ok. They agreed.
We closed up the border, and although we had to run a little further it wasn't so bad. Then I felt Loki phase back and he started running for the border. I decided to follow him and I was aware of Olly and Silver falling in behind me.
We caught up with him close to the real northern border.
I was hoping to talk to Dad in private. Loki thought, sounding annoyed.
Sorry. I said, about to turn back when I felt the roll of apprehension from Uncle Tony.
Alec? Uncle Tony asked, and I realised this was the reason Loki had wanted to run out to the border alone.
"Have you seen Leda?" Alec asked.
We closed in on their positions.
I'll take this. Loki said firmly, and he stepped over the border before he phased back to human. "Leda came through here about ten minuets ago."
"I see." Alec said and he flicked his eyes over Loki for a moment, taking note of the fact that he was naked. "Could you please tell her to come to me? I don't mind her staying down with you of an evening, but not when she sneaks out in the middle of the night."
"She didn't do it on purpose." Loki said. "She was sleep walking."
"Leda doesn't sleep walk." Alec said in a flat voice.
"Not usually, but considering she fell out of a tree today, she might." Loki said with a shrug.
"She fell out of a tree?" Alec asked, sounding shocked.
"She didn't tell you did she?" Loki asked, sounding angry and worried.
"No, but I think there is more to this story given your emotion." Alec said levelly.
"Lydia and Astrid decided they wanted to prank Leda. They went too far and frightened her enough to try and escape into the trees. She fell from the tree tops straight onto her back and hit her head." Loki explained.
"Your sisters did this?" Alec said coldly.
"Yeah. And they're going on trail tomorrow before the pack." Loki said firmly. "They went too far this time and they caused Leda to hurt herself badly. She was woozy earlier, so maybe that affected her sleep."
"Yes." Alec agreed. "Where is she now?"
"At the tree house. It's where she walked to. I've closed the door to hinder her a little if she tries to get out, but I really want to get back to her to keep an eye on her. Unless you want me to run her back here?"
"No. Look after her tonight, but ensure she comes straight home as soon as she awakens. I'd like to speak to the both of you." Alec said a little ominously.
"Of course." Loki said and he turned from Alec, phased and ran back toward the Res.
"Tony? Where will this trial take place?" Alec asked.
On the Res. Uncle Tony replied with his mind since he was still a wolf.
"May I have permission to attend considering my daughter is the injured party?"
I could feel Uncle Tony's reservations as he considered putting the idea before the rest of the Elders. Alec might be Leda's father, but he had been a threat once upon a time.
I had an idea how he could be there and not be there at the same time. I nipped behind a bush, phased and pulled on my shorts. I stepped out and up to the border.
"Addie? When did you start running?" Alec asked.
"It's my first go and it's more of a practice run anyway." I said, aware that Olly and Silver had both phased to human too and were now flanking me. "I've had an idea of how you can be at the meeting without being physically there."
"You have?" Alec asked.
"Yeah. We set you up in a conference call." I stated.
The Elders don't like technology at meetings. Uncle Tony said.
"Yeah? Well Alec does have a right to be there considering it was his daughter that was attacked. So the Elders can chose to have him there over a computer, or in person."
Good point. Uncle Tony conceded. Ok Alec. I'll talk to the Elders in the morning and I'll let you know what they decide.
"Thank you." Alec said, and bowed. "I will expect a call in the morning. I will go now to put Kitty's mind to rest."
Alec disappeared into the darkness between the trees.
With Loki out for the rest of the night you guys may as well head in. Uncle Tony said.
"Ok." I agreed, and Olly and Silver agreed too.
I decided to phase back to run back to the Res because Olly and Silver was faster in that form and we'd get there quickly. Once we arrived back at the edge of the village we phased back and said goodnight.
I ran home and let myself in to the eerily quiet house. I moved quietly through the sleeping house and made my way up to my room. I climbed into bed and thought about what had happened, all the Leda stuff and what had happened before that. About what Uncle Tony had said about the alpha voice. I was ready to talk to Robyn about it. I closed my eyes and let my mind drift toward her.
Robyn
Addie was nervous about running and it was making me nervous. Not making me nervous as such, but I could feel his nervousness, which was a weird feeling.
"You're gonna be fine." I assured him as I kissed him out on the doorstep before he headed over to meet up with Loki.
"But what if I fail?"
"You're going to run as a wolf. You've done it before. Why would you fail?" I asked.
"But I haven't run with other wolves." He said sadly.
"Didn't you run with wolves in Hawaii?" I asked.
"That was different." He said glumly.
"How?" I demanded.
"Because we didn't run. I was a wolf long enough to call them into me and Kekipi."
"You're going to be fine." I said as I looked into his eyes. "As far as I can tell it's all about instinct, and from my experience your instincts are pretty darn good." I added with a slight leer before I kissed him.
Addie deepened the kiss for a moment before he pulled away.
"Ok. I can do this."
"I know you can." I whispered and kissed his cheek.
Addie gave me a smile before he went running off.
I stepped back into the house and didn't know what to do with myself. It was summer so I didn't have homework and I normally hung out with Addie, Loki and Leda. Addie and Loki was out running and Leda was resting up, at least she should be. I was at a loose end. I could go over to the hut and practice bass, but I didn't wanna be around the Black house when the GT were on lockdown.
I guess I could catch up on my email. Or I could have a bath, though I'd have to check with Liza first.
"I see no problem with that. All the other children are out and if Mal or I require the bathroom we have our room." She assured me.
"Ok. In that case I'll have a long soak."
"Oh, perhaps you would like to try some of this new bubble bath I discovered." Liza said in a conspiratorial whisper.
"Sure." I said, cause Liza always had a good instinct about these things. Guess that's where Addie got his from.
The bubble bath did smell nice and I would have used it sparingly because the bottle looked expensive, but Liza poured in a generous helping. Then she left me to it, although I had to go get my pyjamas and a book to read first.
I showered before I got in the bath, after all I'd been in the lake and I wanted to be clean before I soaked for an hour in the water.
I felt calm and relaxed by the time I got out of the bath. I went to my room and it was still a little early. I booted up my laptop and decided to write back to Mom. I'd been making sure I mailed her everyday, but for once I could make it a little more informative than usual. Dove would appreciate it and she might get off my case a while.
It was late and the house was quiet when I realised it was one in the morning and I was doing all I could to stay awake. I was worried about Addie, even though I'd been trying to take my mind off it. I was worried about him out there running the border, but I wasn't doing him any favours staying up all night.
I shut down my laptop, turned out the light and climbed into bed. It took a while, but finally I drifted to sleep.
I was floating in dreams. I can't really remember exactly what they were until Addie took my hand.
"That really you?" I asked.
"Yeah. I'm dream walking." He said as he placed his arm around me and suddenly we were floating in the dinghy like we had been that afternoon, but now we were in the middle of an ocean where nobody could disturb us.
"Ok. So you home now?" I asked.
"Yeah. It was a practice anyway, and we finished a little earlier cause Leda was sleepwalking and Loki went to look after her."
"Leda was sleepwalking?" I asked in alarm.
"Yeah, but Loki's with her now. He'll keep her safe."
"Ok." I replied.
"We can check on her tomorrow if you want to, but right now I need to apologise to you." Addie said in serious tones.
"Why?" I asked in surprise.
"For being shirty with you this afternoon."
"You weren't shirty with me." I said, frowning a little because I wasn't quite sure what it meant but had an impression that it might mean pissy.
"Ok. I was quiet and I didn't talk to you, but I will now if you want to hear me out."
"I'll always hear you out." I said firmly.
"Ok. Well what I did to Adrian I felt bad. Like I was taking away his free will and I couldn't really explain it to you. Not until I talked to other people with the alpha voice. Uncle Tony said that I did what I had to."
"I told you." I pointed out.
"I know, but you're my imprint and you're not a telepath, I couldn't be sure you weren't humouring me." Addie said a little on the reluctant side.
"I wouldn't humour you. I tell it like it is."
"I know you usually do, but imprinting can change that, like if you were trying to protect my peace of mind." Addie muttered.
"I'll buy that reasoning. For now." I said firmly.
"Ok. I'll open up to you first in future."
"No need to go that far. I know you'll talk to me if you think it's for the best, but really what advice could I give you? I don't even know how the alpha voice works."
"Neither do I to be honest."
"But you went to the people who might know."
"Yeah." Addie agreed.
"Then don't sweat it. I understand." I assured him. "I was pulling your leg."
"That's ok then." Addie said as he pulled me closer to him.
"So is Leda ok?" I asked.
"As far as I know. Least Loki told Alec she was safe. Showed how worried he was about Leda though, he phased back to talk to Alec and didn't even think once about the fact that he was naked."
"And Alec didn't say anything?" I asked, feeling shocked.
"Nope. He was worried about Leda too."
"I hope she's ok." I said.
"We'll know in the morning. Also what'll happen to the GT." He replied.
"They better have a good explanation." I stated.
"Yeah." Addie agreed.
Loki
I left the border, phasing on the fly. I had to get back to Leda to make sure she didn't go walk about again. But I also thought about what she said about not wanting to sleep in the tree house because of her back.
I changed course and headed to the practice hut first. I phased and pulled on my shorts because I'd need my hands. I took all the seat cushions off the sofas and strapped them together so I could carry them then ran out to the tree house.
Leda was still fast asleep, curled up on the blankets where I'd left her. I moved her gently over to the corner as far as possible so I had enough room to lay out the cushions in two columns of three. Hopefully it would be long enough for me, but at least Leda would be comfortable.
I put a blanket over the cushions and tucked it under to try and hold them together, then very carefully I lifted Leda once more and put her down on the cushion bed. Then I went to put the lock on the door before I made sure the blankets were covering Leda before I lay down next to her.
I listened to her breathing for a while just to be sure before I finally let my tiredness take me. I put my arm around her so I'd feel it if she tried to get up and let myself drift to sleep. I needed my mind sharp tomorrow if I was gonna stand with Leda against my sisters.
Thank you for reading
Reviews are always welcome
Gemma xxx