Casters of Oblivion
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight
A/N: I think I should give a heads-up on the characters' ages. I'm not going to do the Cullens except for Edward.
Eleanor Rivers: 18
Ginger Ives: 18
Jacob Black: 17
Edward Cullen: Physically 17, actual age 107
Zelena Bishop: Physically 35, actually 55 (She is in her prime age)
The Pack
Sam Uley (Alpha): 22
Jared Camron (Beta): 19
Paul Lahote: 19
Embry Call: 17
Quil Ateara V: 17
Emily Young: 21
Sam transformed when the Cullens returned to Forks before Wicked Casters. It was him until Jared and Paul joined him that they had been guarding La Push for three years. So, Eleanor has been seeing these three wolves until recently.
Chapter 20: Wolves
Eleanor's POV
So many thoughts were running through my head in the realization that Jacob Black was a shapeshifter. A spirit warrior who transforms into a giant wolf. Zelena always mentioned that Native Americans have their folklore and their legends. For example, the Navajo have Skin-Walkers. Skin-walkers usually have a pelt of fur to change into the animal they desire, or that is how the legends go. I had met Casters who could transform into animals, but not to the size I had witnessed in the meadow.
There were creatures around the world who could change into different animals. They are known as therianthropy. The metamorphosis of shapeshifting. That is the proper term for the Were Community. Over time, the ones who transform are separated from those who are forced to change. Examples would be the Selkies, Skin-Walkers, Nagual, and others.
You think you know the Supernatural when more monsters are walking among us.
I took a deep breath.
There is so much I wanted to ask Jacob about. How did this happen? What triggered his transformation. Horatio didn't continue the conversation. Jacob barely talked much about his tribe's legends, unlike those associated with the Cullens and being descended from wolves. From what I remember, the Spirit Warriors were enemies with the Cold Ones. And seeing how Laurent reacted when the pack arrived in the meadow did not argue that theory. Laurent was afraid that he would run away without a second thought. The wolves chased him at a speed that matched the vampire.
Going over the list in my head of what I know about the Wolves:
They are Spirit Warriors
They are Shapeshifters
They possess agility, strength, and endurance.
If Jacob is one of them…. Does that mean Sam, Paul, Embry, and Jared are the same?
Going back to the visions, when I saw my eyes closed while talking to the Black Wolf, the one I assumed was the Alpha, the vision changed to Sam. A few hours later, Sam brought Ginger back during the search. How Sam reacted to my pendant at First Beach and again when delivering Harry Clearwater's tea. Zelena also said that if she was not available, I should go to Sam.
I can only assume the Wolves knew what I was.
They knew I was a witch.
Therefore, Jacob knows as well.
It somewhat irritated me that Jacob knew who I was these last few weeks and didn't tell me. I recall Jacob's reaction when he stared at my mark. Oh, Jacob will have an earful of this later today.
I parked the Wagoneer in front of the Black Residence. Fortunately, the weather was on my side, not a raincloud in the sky. Getting out of the car, I marched over to the front door and knocked on it. It took a moment for Billy to answer the door.
"Eleanor," Billy greeted. "Zelena told me you'll come."
"I need to see him," I said calmly.
Billy sighed, "He's not in."
I clenched my fists and took a deep breath, "Billy, I respect you, but now's not the time for games."
Billy stared into my eyes and could see I knew something. He gave a sigh, rolling away to allow me entrance. I thanked him before heading over to Jacob's closet of a bedroom. Being respectful, I knocked on the door. When there was no response, I opened it to find Jacob asleep.
Jacob was stretched diagonally on the twin bed that occupied most of the room. One arm tucked under his head while the other over his body dangling off the bed. He was fast asleep, snoring lightly with a peaceful expression that I could see the boy I knew and not the hybrid of Sam. I glanced along the side of the dresser he used as a headboard to see something hanging. It was the braid I did on him three weeks ago. He had kept it all this time.
I was conflicted after everything that had transpired this past month. Should I confront Jacob about this, or should I let him sleep? Sighing, I closed the door quietly and made my way to the kitchen. Billy watched with curious, guarded eyes, and I stared at him with tired eyes.
"I'm sorry, Eleanor," he finally said.
I stared at him, "Do you know what I am?"
Billy paused momentarily and nodded, "I am aware of what Zelena does and what you girls are."
I grumbled, "So much for secrecy."
Billy gave a small smile. Something told me that Billy is aware of what his son has become. Then again, if what Jacob said about his Great-Grandfather is true… is Billy one as well?
"Are you-"
I didn't get a chance to finish my question when there was a loud howler. It was not animalistic, but someone would make it to gain attention while mimicking an animal. One that is very common in tribes. Billy heard this and frowned. I glanced out the window to see four shirtless men walking along the field, making their way over. I scowled, for it was Sam and his gang.
"Eleanor," Billy warned calmly.
Not thinking, I walked out of the house. This pent-up rage riling my magic that all I want to do is hurt these men. As I made my way over, Sam's rare expression of being relaxed changed. He gestured to his followers to stop. I could hardly recognize Embry with his short hair and physical enhancement.
"You got a lot of explaining, Sam Uley!" I called out.
I was about five feet across from them, keeping a distance.
One guy with a more angular feature thrust forward, but Sam stopped him, "Easy."
"What did you do to Jacob?" I demanded.
"What did we do? What did he do?" the man with the angular features asked harshly as he stepped closer. "What'd he tell you?"
Sam stepped between us, keeping a grip on his follower, "Both of you calm down."
"Nothing," I spat. "Do you think I'm that stupid that I couldn't figure it out?"
The guy literally laughed at me. I felt my chest tighten, for I recognized that tone of a laugh. The same laugh the bullies in Salem would use when I tried to defend myself. Out of instinct, not thinking, I raised my hand and used telekinesis to blast him away. The guy was tossed ten feet, falling on his back. Sam and the others stood in shock while I glared at the individual who insulted me. Secrecy be damned when you are in the company of other supernatural beings.
The guy sat up, bewildered at what had just happened. His eyes narrowed as he leaped onto his feet. He panted, heaving in rage. His body shook violently while steam simmered off of his copper skin.
The other individual snickered at this, "Too late now."
Sam noticed this, keeping his arms out to make a shield between the jerk and me. "Eleanor, get back!"
The jerk made a growl.
A predatory growl.
"Paul, calm down, now!" Sam ordered.
Seeing the threat, I conjured a fire orb. Embry and the other guy's eyes widen in amazement when they see this. Paul did not seem phased by this warning, as his shoulders hunched. He growled, heaved, and shook all at once until it happened. A massive explosion of silver burst from Paul in a few seconds, and before me stood a giant wolf.
The silver wolf growled and snarled, the muzzle wrinkling back to expose his incisors. The furs on the back of his neck bristle upward while his ears flopped down. He leaned forward, taking a step, ignoring Sam, who gave him a command to calm down. Embry also sidesteps, making his way toward me, while the fourth person merely grins.
Not thinking, I apparated, creating a distance of about ten more feet. I debated on making a ring of fire to contain the beast. However, doing so would burn Sam and the others. The wolf took a step forward. Impulsively, I used my pyrokinesis to create a firewall to separate the wolf from me.
"Kitty got claws," the fourth guy teased.
"Jared, shut up," Embry snapped as he tried to make his way over to me.
"Paul, calm down!" Sam ordered, seeing Paul glaring at me through the flames. His eyes darkened until he hunched backward.
He wouldn't, I thought.
But he did. The Silver wolf lunged over the flames and landed right before me. My eyes widened as bits of his furs were singed, except he did not seem phased by it. As if it was nothing.
"Eleanor!" Jacob exclaimed.
I glanced over my shoulder to see Jacob jumping over the rail and rushing to me. I turned to run, making a few leaps to use transmutation, only to fall on a large branch. The silver wolf was about to rush in, charging for the attack, until I raised my arms, creating a forcefield. The silver wolf bounced off it, giving a yelp. The impact vibrated through my body, causing me to cry out.
A roar could be heard as I glanced over my shoulder, seeing Jacob jumping in the air and transforming into the russet wolf. My eyes widened, and my mouth dropped as the russet wolf landed in front of me. The creature growled before giving a roar, warning the silver wolf to get away. The silver wolf growled back. The russet wolf padded his paws before lunging at the silver wolf, who struck first.
Angry snarls echoed throughout the open field. The two wolves were snapping and tearing at each other. Their sharp teeth flashed towards each other's throats. The russet wolf seemed larger than the silver one, if not stronger. He pushed and shoved the silver wolf away from me and back towards the forest. However, the silver wolf was determined to fight. The russet wolf sank his jaw into the silver wolf's neck, receiving a yelp of pain as the russet one forced him to submit.
The silver wolf did not submit, maneuvering his hind legs to kick the russet wolf in the chest, causing him to let go. The russet wolf stepped back, then tackled the silver wolf into the forest, destroying a boat on the way, splitting it in half. I watched, comprehending what was happening, seeing the wolves going further into the woods, still fighting until they were no longer in sight. Only their growls, barks, and snarls could be heard in the distance.
"Hey!" Sam called out, looking at me. "Take Eleanor back to Emily's place."
Afterward, Sam chased after the wolves, kicking off his sneakers on the way.
Embry nodded, making his way over to me, "Guess the wolf's out of the bag."
Both Jared and Embry stood in front of me. Jared leaned forward to offer his hand, but the forcefield was up, so it bounced off. Jared hissed, rubbing his hand.
"Ella, it's okay," Embry assured. "You're safe now."
I took a deep breath and lowered the forcefield. Embry offered a hand, which I accepted. He helped me stand up and wiped the dirt off my shoulders.
"There," Embry said, giving a smile.
"Um…." Jared pointed to the firewall. "Think you can put out the fire."
I nodded, waving my hand to extinguish the flames. Jared and Embry watched, impressed by that. Embry placed a hand on my shoulder, leading the way to the Wagoneer. Embry asked for the keys, to which I gave it to him. I got in the passenger seat while Jared took the back.
"You're not gonna puke?" Jared asked.
"Jared, be nice," Embry chastised. "Did you see what she did to Paul?"
Jared snorted, "Paul deserved that."
I didn't respond, focusing out the window, watching the landscape, wondering if a giant wolf would appear out of nowhere. Embry drove to the location where Sam wanted us to go. It wasn't a long drive, and the weather seemed to lighten up.
The house was by the beach, though it was a reasonable distance to get there. It was a tiny house that had once been gray, yet the wood was fully exposed with gray accents. There was a narrow window on the second floor, a blue door on the main floor, and the windows and sliding doors were on the other side of the house. The deck was decorated with many barrels filled with marigolds in reds, oranges, and yellows. It seemed peaceful here.
Embry parked the car as he and Jared got out, making a greeting call. Embry tossed the keys to me when I got out, then glanced at the forest, wondering if the others would arrive.
"You think Jacob will be okay?" I asked, putting the keys in my pocket.
"I hope Paul sinks some teeth in him," Jared replied. "Serves him right."
"No way. Jacob's a natural," Embry argued. "You see him phase on the fly? I got five says Paul doesn't touch him. Come on in, Ella. We won't bite."
I sighed, making my way toward the house.
"Speak for yourself," Jared muttered.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked sharply.
Jared tensed, knowing he had crossed the line. No doubt they assume I prefer vampires over shapeshifters. Jared quickly made his way inside to avoid the same fate as Paul. At least he knows when to run. Embry chuckled, crossing his arms while shaking his head.
He then looked at me with a sincere smile. It had been a few months since I last saw Embry. He had changed so much, even with the short hair and the transformation, that I wouldn't have recognized this boy as Embry.
"Oh, hey, about Emily, Sam's fiancée?" Embry started. "Don't stare. It bugs Sam."
I was confused by that. "Is she alright?"
Embry didn't answer as he opened the door to let us in. I followed, entering to find a cozy home. Warmth and comfort were radiating off this room. Wood beams were exposed, while the walls were painted beige. Followed by Native American trinkets all around. It was an open space, as the kitchen and living room were connected. The center was a table covered in food for a feast. Jared was sitting there getting his plate ready. Embry walked over to take a seat.
A woman stood by the counter, placing massive muffins onto a tray, "Are you guys hungry? Like I had to ask." She laughed at her own joke.
She turned around, and I realized why Embry said don't stare. She was gorgeous with glossy black hair, satiny copper skin, and dark eyes. However, the right side of her face was scarred from the hairline to the chin by three thick lines that reminded me of a cracked doll. One line pulled down the corner of her dark, almond-shaped right eye, and another twisted the right side of her mouth into a permanent grimace. Along her neck, resting in the center of her chest, was the same pendant that I owned.
The mirth she had a moment ago turned into caution, "Who's this?"
"Eleanor Rivers," Jared answered. "Who else?"
The left side of her lips curled up into a smile with amusement in her dark eyes. "Hmm. So, you're the vampire witch."
I snorted with a smile. "Wrong witch, but I guess you're the wolf girl here?"
"Guess so," Emily chuckled as she placed a tray of muffins on the table. "Well, I'm engaged to one."
Jared, who had a muffin, had already reached for another. Immediately, Emily grabbed his hand and chastised him. "Save some for your brothers." She then shoved both shifters. "And ladies first. Muffin?"
My stomach growled because I hadn't eaten since yesterday. I walked over and grabbed a blueberry muffin. "Thanks," I said and took a bite. It was still warm, and I could tell it was made from scratch, not from a box mix.
"Leave it to Jacob to find a way around Sam's gag order," Emily mentioned as she leaned against the counter.
"Um…Jake didn't tell me," I mumbled.
"That's a wolf thing," Embry said, grabbing his muffin. "Alpha's orders get obeyed whether we want them to or not."
I frowned when hearing that.
"Oh, and check it out. We can hear each other's thoughts," Embry added.
Jared smacked his shoulder hard, "Would you shut up? These are trade secrets. Damn it!" he pointed his muffin at me. "This chick runs with vampires."
"Again, wrong witch," I corrected. "Although they do run really fast. I doubt I would catch up to their agility. Can you?"
Emily giggled.
"Yeah," Jared confirmed. "We're faster."
I smiled at his confidence, and Jared grinned in return.
"Freaked out yet?" he asked.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but you and the Cullens are not the only monsters I've met," I answered.
Jared's mouth literally dropped when I said that. Embry's eyes widened in wonder while Emily paused, taking the words in.
"Jake's right. You're good with weird," Sam noted as he entered the room, his head almost touching the ceiling with barely a foot of space. He walked over to Emily, taking her into his arms. He murmured a hey before kissing her with love and adoration, followed by kissing her scars.
The action reminded me of my parents during my younger years. Whenever Gideon came home from work, he always approached Constance and showed her affection. I smiled softly at this, although Embry and Jared made a face and gagged.
A moment later, Jacob and Paul made their way in. However, Jacob gave Paul a friendly shove. It seems those two made amends. Paul went to the table and sat while Jacob leaned against the sliding door. He looked at me with a warm smile, which reminded me of the sun.
"Sorry," Paul said with a grin. "I didn't know you were Jake's imprint."
Imprint? I thought.
Jacob rushed in, grabbing a muffin and shoving it into Paul's face. Everyone laughed at that, and Emily smiled, staring at Sam with a silent question, to which he nodded. Emily's smile widens from the confirmation. Paul shoved Jacob away but still ate the muffin. Jacob sighed, grabbed his own, and walked over to me.
"C'mon," he murmured.
I nodded as we headed out. We walked towards the beach, eating our muffins in silence. Jacob had consumed all his in five bites. I ate my fill and offered the rest, which he gladly accepted. Once we got to the beach, I sighed, smelled the ocean, and felt at ease. There were no more secrets between us now. We were both supernatural; by Casters' standards, I didn't need to hide my true self from him. Shapeshifters and Weres are not considered the enemy compared to Vampires.
"So… you're a shapeshifter," I murmured with a smile.
"I think the proper term is werewolf," Jacob replied bitterly.
"No," I shook my head, "Unless your body automatically transforms during a full moon?"
Jacob shook his head.
"Therefore, you are a shapeshifter," I stated.
"Yeah. Last time I checked," he confirmed with disappointment. "A few lucky members of the tribe have the gene. A bloodsucker moves into town, and the fever sets in."
That reminded me, "Mono."
Jacob chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, "Yeah. I wish."
"I had to drink a horrible potion for two weeks for Mono." I scolded.
He couldn't help but laugh. "Sorry about that."
We laughed at that.
"So, you're a witch?" he noted.
"My kind prefers the term Casters," I explained. "I'm not meant to show a mortal any of my abilities unless they were part of the same world. It's nice to know I don't have to hide from you."
Jacob stared at me, surprised by my reaction.
"Although, I gotta ask…how long did you know I was a witch?" I asked.
"When I first phased," he answered. "Sam told me everything once I was back on two legs, along with my dad and Harry. They explained the territories, and a truce allowed us to wander through Zelena's property. How Zelena is a witch along with every girl who has come to stay with her."
I nodded when hearing this.
"But you have seen Sam with Jared and Paul…."
"I must confess, I didn't actually see them clearly. Poor eyesight, remember."
Jacob snorted, shaking his head, knowing that I was near-sighted.
"I didn't have my glasses in the woods surrounding Zelena's Cabin. All I saw were giant blurs. Called them the Guardians of the Forest. Whenever I sensed any of you, I would keep my eyes closed or back turned to give privacy and secrecy."
"Sam appreciated it," he said. "Paul and Jared found it funny."
I rolled my eyes.
"I was shocked, not believing it until seeing what happened with that bloodsucker," he added. "Or when you controlled the rain yesterday."
I paused, remembering the brown and russet wolf watching.
"That was you?" I asked.
Jacob smirked, "Well, you weren't wearing your glasses."
I shoved him by the shoulder, "Shut up."
Jacob merely laughed.
I chuckled softly, then remembered what he said, "Bloodsucker?"
"What we're trying to protect you people from, the only thing we do kill," he explained. "Vampires."
I nodded, comprehending his words.
"Wait, then how are the Cullens- "
"Don't worry. We can't touch your little precious Cullens unless they violate the treaty," He interrupted with a hint of bitter sarcasm.
I glared at him, "Jacob, my breed of Casters loathes the Cold Ones with a passion."
His eyes widened, not expecting that.
"Casters call that breed of Vampires the same as your people do. They have caused wars and broken the trinity since the Dark Ages." I explained. "They've killed many Weres who held lycanthropy. There are barely five species that contain the canine gene. During the war, the Cold Ones went after Casters, believing their magic would aid in their cause by turning them into vampires. Except, when a Caster changes species that are vampiric, their magic vanishes, and nature rejects them."
"Then why were you with the Cullens?" he asked.
"Ginger," I answered. "She got too curious, and my coven had to associate with them. Zelena wasn't pleased, but we had no choice with our secrets exposed to one another. I wasn't friends with them, merely a chaperone to ensure Ginger was safe."
Jacob nodded.
"Your kind of shapeshifter must be strong enough to destroy a vampire," I said to change the subject. "It takes many of my kind to do so or a Caster with multiple abilities."
"We took out that leech with the dreads easy enough," he answered.
"That would be Laurent," I sighed in relief. Laurent was dead; therefore, he did not reach Victoria. Witnessing how fast the Wolves ran, doubt he made it an hour before being torn apart.
"And his red-headed girlfriend is next," Jacob added, gazing at the ocean.
My eyes widened, and my heart dropped when hearing this. The sounds that could be heard on the beach from the waves softly crashing in became silent. The seagulls became mute. I tried to take deep breaths, yet hearing what Jacob said made my heart stop, and my lungs gasp for air. The anxiety has slowly crept up on me since New Orleans was having an encore. The near panic attack from the other night.
"Victoria," I gasped, trying to breathe. "Sh—She's here?"
Jacob faced me, noticing my composure had changed, "Was. We chased her all the way to the Canadian border the other night. She keeps coming back. We don't know what she's after." He grabbed my arm, lending support. "El, what's wrong? You look like you're gonna faint."
"I know what she is after," I whispered.
His dark eyes narrowed, "What is she after?"
I took a deep breath, "My coven. More precisely, Ginger…but if she learns the truth…me."
"Why?" he asked.
"Because I burned her mate."
The strong composure Jacob had a moment ago vanished. His dark eyes widened, and his pupils dilated, filled with many emotions. It was not anger…at least not towards me—but an air of protection coming off of him. Suddenly, he yanked me into his arms for an embrace. I wrapped my arms around him.
"I'm not gonna let that happen." He promised. "I'll protect you."
I cling to him, unsure what to do.
I thought I had months, maybe years, before encountering Victoria again. However, her taste for revenge is far greater than the Cullens or my coven had expected. My magic was spiraling out of control, and I could barely manage to contain it. Jacob rubbed my back, soothing me until I finally calmed down.
When he pulled back, I looked at him, "I need to call Zelena."
Jacob nodded, "I think it's time for my pack to officially meet your Coven."
I nodded, pulled out my cellphone, and took a deep breath.
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