Caster of Oblivion

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any series used for this story

Chapter 21: A Common Enemy

Ginger's POV

I found it strange to find Eleanor absent. Usually, she is up and making breakfast by now. Instead, Zelena was in the kitchen cooking something. I was utterly confused; it looked like she was cooking for an army. When I got closer, I realized she was baking cookies.

"Did Charlie ask you to bake something for the station?" I asked.

"No," Zelena answered with a chuckle.

"So…. why are you baking so much food?" I asked. "You already did Chief Swan's food prep."

I came over, stole some cookie dough, and ate it. It was sweet and salty all at the same time. A perfect balance with semi-sweet chocolate chips.

"Let's just say we will meet new people soon," Zelena answered.

I groaned, "Do we have to clean again?"

Zelena chuckled, "No, not this time."

"Is it a potluck for Casters?" I asked.

"They are not Casters," she answered. "I'm surprised you haven't realized it. Especially when we had company last night."

I was confused. What should I have also realized? What company? I didn't hear anybody. Then again, I was so exhausted from cleaning that I fell asleep when my head hit the pillow. It couldn't be Fiona since she left yesterday, nor my mom, since Betsy would have given me a heads-up if she was coming. She was not one for surprises. So, who came to visit last night?

"Should I get Eleanor to help?" I asked.

Zelena shook her head with a knowing smile, "She is not here right now."

"Oh, did she go to get something for you?" I asked.

"No, she went to see Jacob," she answered.

I frowned when hearing this, "Jacob? I thought she was done with him."

"Let's just say Eleanor and Jacob reconcile," she said, putting a batch in the oven.

"Wow," I sarcastically said. "And I thought El would hex him to oblivion."

Zelena laughed at that and started setting up a new batch. We baked for the next hour. There were probably a hundred cookies baked. It would be after a quick change; the main phone rang in the kitchen before ten in the morning.

Zelena answered it, "Bishop's residence."

I paused, watching her reaction.

"Eleanor," Zelena greeted with a smile. "Are things good between you and Jacob?"

Her smile dropped and grew serious. I could sense something had happened. Zelena went to the notepad on the wall, grabbed the pen, and started writing.

"Alright, say that again." She instructed.

Eleanor repeated while Zelena wrote something down.

"Yes, I got the address. We will meet you at Emily's place." Zelena informed. "Stay with Jacob and the Pack until I arrive."

Pack? I thought, confused.

Eleanor said something, and then Zelena hung up and sighed. She grabbed the cookies and put them in two large Tupperware.

"Is everything alright?" I asked. "Is Eleanor hurt?"

I would burn Jacob Black to a crisp if he hurt Eleanor. I've never seen Eleanor so devastated after their encounter back at his house, telling her to go away. Out of everybody I knew, I felt like Eleanor deserved better after what had transpired in the last year. Sure, I had a terrible life growing up and a horrible breakup. But I don't want my coven sister to be harmed after all she has done for me. Eleanor welcomed me to the Caster World and gave me a different perspective. And I did the same in showing her the other side.

Zelena turned to face me, "I'll explain once we get to Emily Young's place."

I paused, "Who's Emily?"

"She is Sam Uley's fiancé," she explained as we made our way out.

"Sam Uley…the guy who found me?" I asked.

Zelena nodded as we made our way to the hybrid and got inside. Zelena put the address in the GPS and started driving.

I was still confused. Why are we going to this couple's place? Zelena seemed so focused on the road and lost in thought that I doubted she would answer. My thoughts linger on Sam Uley. He was the guy who found me lost in the woods back in September. His name kept being mentioned around Jacob, Quil, and Eleanor. Something about bad blood or something along the lines. Quil mentioned Sam being the leader of his own gang. I wasn't sure.

Some time passed when we reached the destination. I found a quaint house surrounded by flowers. At the front, I saw Eleanor and Jacob, who wrapped his arm around her. Jacob had drastically changed since I last saw him at the movie theater. His hair was short, and he seemed to have aged a few years or something, especially being more muscular and taller.

Damn, what steroids is he taking? I thought.

Zelena and I got out of the car. The moment I did, I sensed the atmosphere was different. I could only compare it when visiting the River family in Massachusetts. An aura that was undetermined if this place was safe or not. Zelena grabbed the two large tupperware, handed me one, and made our way over.

"Jacob, Eleanor, are you two alright?" Zelena asked.

"I'm fine..." Eleanor answered, taking a deep breath. "Just not good news."

"Sam called in the pack and Council members," Jacob added. "Everyone is inside."

Zelena sighed with a nod.

"What happened?" I asked, getting their attention. "What is going on?"

Eleanor looked hesitant. In fact, she looked pale as she opened her mouth and then closed it. She glanced at Jacob, asking a silent question. She knew something but was hesitant. Jacob took a deep breath but paused.

"Jacob is a shapeshifter from a long line of Spirit Warriors," Zelena announced to end the tension. "Their duty is to protect the Quileute lands from Cold Ones and those they deem a threat."

My eyes widened, staring at Jacob in shock.

Jacob Black is a shapeshifter!

"Jacob and his pack are the wolves we saw in the meadow," Eleanor added. "They killed Laurent; however, they've been chasing Victoria these past few months."

I felt like someone punched me in the gut with what I had just heard. Victoria. Victoria has been here for the past few months. The vampire with the fiery hair. Edward said it would be years before she would seek revenge and go after him. Then I recall what Laurent said, how Victoria demands an eye for an eye. A mate for a mate…. even though Edward and I are no longer together.

"Let's head inside," Zelena advised.

We all nodded as Jacob led the way in through the blue door. We walked inside, seeing the living room was packed with many guys without shirts. There were like four of them. All were tall and toned out, some even muscular. They all seemed to look the same from afar, with different shades of copper skin, dark cropped hair, and a tattoo on their arm. All are wearing cut-off shorts. One I indeed recognized was Embry as he shot out a smile at me. I gave a smile back.

I also recognized others, including Billy Black, who sat in his wheelchair, and Harry Clearwater. There was another man there, sitting in a chair. He seemed the oldest out of all the people here, white-haired, brittle, and ancient, as he wore massive glasses. A woman came out from the kitchen, placing a few glasses on the table for Harry, Billy, and the other man. She turned around, and my eyes widened, seeing massive scars along her face.

Eleanor cleared her throat and whispered, "Don't stare."

Realizing what she meant, I looked away.

"Zelena," Billy greeted. "I'm glad you made it under short notice."'

"I wish it was under better circumstances," Zelena said as she made her way over, setting the cookies down.

All the guys raised their heads as their nostrils flared, and they licked their lips.

"Are those cookies?" one of the guys asked.

Embry and the two guys were making their way like a stampede.

"Back away," Zelena ordered, which had the three guys stop stepping back. Their eyes were wide as if they were losing control of their bodies. "How rude to not introduce yourselves."

I couldn't help but snicker at this.

"Now sit," Zelena ordered calmly, using Concilium to have them sit down.

They sat in their original spots.

Embry then asked, "How did you do that?"

Zelena corrected herself, "I am a witch."

The older folks chuckled as Billy said, "Everyone, this is Zelena Bishop, the Witch who lives on the neutral territory we are allowed on. Along with her pupils, Eleanor Rivers and Ginger Ives."

"The leech lover," one guy muttered under his breath.

A click of the tongue could be heard, and a second later, the guy who muttered that comment bit his tongue and yelped. I glanced at Eleanor, who seemed casual, yet I could tell she was the one who jinxed him. Jacob glanced at her as if he noticed that, too.

"Enough, Paul," the oldest of the half-naked men said.

Paul grumbled something under his breath, crossing his arms.

"Ginger," Eleanor spoke as he gestured to the oldest pack member. "This is Sam Uley. He is the alpha of the Pack."

"The one who found me?" I asked.

Sam nodded as he wrapped his arm around the young woman.

"And his fiancé, Emily Young," Eleanor added.

Jacob took over "Along with our pack brothers, Embry, Paul, and Jared." He gestured to those at the table, "You know my dad, Billy. And Harry Clearwater. Also, this is Old Quil, Quil's grandfather. They make our Tribes Council and are sworn to guide the Pack."

"Um…hi," I greeted nervously. "So, you know what we are?"

"We have for a long time," Old Quil said. "Casters have crossed through these areas since the Palefaces discovered our lands. Only Zelena has made her presence known over the decade."

"Now our common enemy has brought us closer," Zelena sighed.

"Indeed," Harry said. "Especially one who is after your Coven."

"We were aware of your association with the Cullens," Billy said. "However, we don't quite understand how you know these vampires who have been causing harm."

"As you all know, I trained young Casters to control their magic so they can thrive in both worlds. My last pupils had aged out when the Cullens returned and started their charade of being high school students." Zelena explained. "When I was given my two pupils, Eleanor and Ginger, I enrolled them into Forks High School….unaware of the Cullens being there."

There, Zelena started explaining everything that had happened since coming to Forks, including my encounters with the Cullens and my curiosity over Edward. All eyes were on me, as they knew about my past relationship. Zelena then mentioned the incident in the field where we played baseball, how we encountered the nomad coven, and the chase from James and his mate Victoria. The Cullens tried their best to protect us as the chase led to New Orleans and the ordeal we encountered in the ballet studio.

"So, this Victoria is after Ginger because she thinks she is Edward's mate," Harry concluded.

"However, if Victoria finds out the truth, she will go after Eleanor too," Zelena added.

"Why?" Paul asked.

"Because I burned James' remains," Eleanor answered, hugging herself. "Preventing his possible resurrection."

Cold Ones don't turn to ash or drop dead as a withering corpse like most vampires. From what I heard, they crack when tearing a Cold One apart, exposing stone inside or something like that. If the shattered limbs are not severe, you can put them back together…unless you burn the body.

"Damn," Paul smirked and looked at Jacob. "You sure know how to pick them, Black."

I noticed Jacob's arm tightening around Eleanor, glaring at Paul.

"Paul, enough," Sam ordered, sounding like a Drill Sergeant.

"But they are just girls," Embry protested.

"It doesn't make sense," Jacob said. "But that's why the bloodsucker's been trying to get past us. She's been heading for Forks."

They continued to stare at us, mouths still hanging open for a while. I rubbed my neck, not sure what to do.

"Excellent," Jared finally said, a smile growing on his face. "We've got bait."

Jacob made a growl that did not sound human, "Eleanor is not bait."

What the hell is going on?

.o0o.

Eleanor's POV

Jacob's body vibrated as it began to shimmer. Immediately, by instincts, I placed my hand on his arm, trying to gain his attention. Jacob paused, turned his head, and looked at me with those expressive eyes. He readjusted his hold on me, taking a deep breath. The others watched this as Billy held an approving smile. Sam and Emily were shocked by this, yet Emily soon smiled at us.

"You know what I mean," Jared said, unabashed.

Sam took a deep breath, "So we'll be changing our patterns."

The Pack began to protest, yet Sam ignored them, ordering them to shut up.

"We'll try leaving a few holes and see if she falls for it. We'll have to split up, and I don't like that. But if she's really after the Witches, she probably won't try to take advantage of our divided numbers."

"Quil's got to be close to joining us soon," Embry murmured.

All eyes went to Old Quil, who nodded, confirming this. Everyone looked down, and I noticed Jacob dreaded it. No matter how comfortable they seemed with their fate as Spirit Warriors, none wanted this life for their friend. I'm not entirely sure how the transformation goes from what Jacob said when a Cold One is in town; the fever sets in. Along with the phone call, hearing Jacob's voice filled with exhaustion and pain.

It was a lot to take in after the meeting.

Sam cleared his voice, "Paul, Jared, and Embry will take the outer perimeter, and Jacob and I will take the inner. We'll collapse in when we've got her trapped."

Emily didn't seem to approve of the Pack dividing into two smaller groups. This had me glance at Jacob, worried about him, too. He recently became a shifter. Unlike Sam, Jared, and Paul, who have a few years and Embry a few months.

Sam then turned his attention to Zelena, "The Councils and I think it would be best if you and your pupils spent as much time as possible here in La Push. She won't know where to find you all, just in case."

"I still have a business in Port Angeles and the Cabin," Zelena said. "But I'm sure Eleanor and Ginger wouldn't mind spending Spring Break here."

She glanced at Ginger and me. I wouldn't mind staying in La Push during Spring Break. Most of our friends will be out of town, and I don't want to draw Victoria near those staying. Ginger seemed to have the same thought and nodded.

"You all must understand how things can get dangerous here, how quickly they get out of hand," Sam warned. "If you choose to stay with us, I can't make any guarantees about your safety."

"I won't hurt her," Jacob mumbled, looking down.

Sam ignored what Jacob said and looked at my coven, "Do you understand?"

I nodded, understanding. I have seen how easily the Shifters are when their emotions get out of hand. How quickly they can phase into their animal form in mere seconds. I glanced at Ginger, who nodded in agreement.

That seemed to end the discussion as Paul said, "So…can we have some cookies?"

Before Zelena could answer, the Pack rushed into the large tupperwares devouring them. Fortunately, Zelena and Ginger brought two, and all of us non-wolves managed to get some. Zelena talked to the Council members about the situation with Sam.

I nibble on my cookie while standing beside Ginger, "How are you taking it in?"

Ginger sighed, "I just thought we would have more time."

I nodded in agreement.

It was clear Victoria wanted us dead, and I doubt she would listen to reason. James had started the conflict, and she had a chance to walk away. But blind love and loyalty took over, and now she wants revenge. Common sense is something the vampires don't have anymore—just their lust for blood and power.

We spent the rest of the day in La Push, most of the time at the Black Residence. Ginger, Jacob, and Embry chilled in the garage while Zelena set up wards for the red house. I was shocked that both bikes were finished, as the paint job was done.

"Yeah," Jacob said, rubbing his neck. "When I wasn't doing patrols or sleeping, I was working on them."

"Jake," I was utterly shocked.

Jacob stared at me with a smile.

"What about school?" I asked.

Embry laughed, "We're on sabbatical. We'll probably have to retake junior year if we don't kill Red soon."

I frowned upon hearing this since there were only a few months before summer. Jacob and Embry had one more year of school. And seeing how Victoria is a problem, they might have two more years of school to finish their education.

"Unless we get a GED," Jacob reminded.

I didn't know how I felt about that. Jacob kept mentioning owning his own garage. He would need a high school diploma to get into college unless…. he plans on attending community college to get his degree in mechanics and business. I held my tongue, for arguing about their education was not my place. It was between Jacob and Billy on how he gets the diploma…or GED.

Ginger grinned at the bikes, "Man, I can't wait to drive these."

"Oh, hell no," I nearly shouted. "You almost total one."

"No, I didn't," she protested. "Besides, you used magic to stop it."

I crossed my arms and shook my head.

"Say, did you use magic on us?" Embry asked. "Like mind control…what Zelena did?"

"No," I answered. "We don't possess Concilium."

"Concilium?" Embry asked.

"It's what you call mind control," Ginger explained.

Jacob leaned against the hood of the rabbit, "So…what can you do?"

Ginger plopped on the duct-taped chair, "Well, I can control fire and teleport. Also, being able to detect if a person is lying to me and a mental shield."

Embry grinned from that.

Jacob stared at me, "And you?"

"Telekinesis, pyrokinesis, divination, transmutation mainly," I said as I levitated a wrench off the floor and into a toolbox. "Along with other things."

Embry's eyes widened when seeing this.

"What about that forcefield you did in the meadow?" Jacob asked.

"That was my telekinesis," I answered. "I manipulate my energy to create a shield. Although, any contact with the shield, I feel."

"So, when Paul bounced off it…." Embry started.

"Was like being punched," I said. "Well, the pressure of being punched."

We explained our powers to Embry and Jacob and what each power was and showed them some examples.

"So, you never cast a spell on me?" Jacob asked.

"Well…I did use levitation a few times to help you lower heavy objects…though you didn't need it." I answered. "And divination to find things. Nothing else, other than charmed a bead for your braid."

Jacob was surprised by that, "And what would the charm bead do?"

"Keeps negativity away and protection," I said.

Jacob nodded, comprehending this.

Ginger chuckled softly as she gave me this look.

We explained what we could do since the Shifters were accepted by the Caster community, although the conversation ended when Chief Swan's cruiser pulled over. Apparently, it was March Madness, and there was a game tonight. Pizza was ordered, and Charlie could tell something was going on, especially when making a comment about Jacob's sudden growth spurt.

It was strange, wondering if Charlie would ever know that his two friends and the teens they watch over are part of the supernatural. Jacob explained in the garage that his dad was not a shapeshifter but held the gene. It would have been activated if the Cullens or another vampire had arrived twenty or so years ago. Being carriers of the gene gives them a sixth sense when a Cold One is near and slightly heightened senses.

It was soon getting late, and the game ended. I didn't really pay attention to it and comprehend what had transpired. Everyone waited for Charlie to leave, and soon the Casters left. However, Jacob decided to ride back with me.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"Yeah, Sam put me on the first watch," he explained as he buckled up in the passenger seat and adjusted the seat for his size.

I secured my seatbelt, noting this, "Is there going to be a wolf on the property?"

"Only at night," Jacob said. "Although, I have to ask…. what is that thing in your woods?"

"What thing?"

"There is this dark mass…when I first entered Zelena's property as a wolf, it almost attacked me but stopped. Sam said it was a witch thing."

"Oh, that's the barrier," I explained. "It's supposed to keep those unwanted out. Usually, normal people don't see it, and this is avoided. Supernatural creatures can see to some degree that it attacks any who dare go straight for the Cabin."

"What happens if it senses an unwelcome creature?"

I paused, "I'm not sure. It has never happened before since I've been here. Zelena gave you permission to be on the property, and the Cullens…. they haven't mentioned it."

Yet it made me wonder why the barrier let Edward through when we started school.

"Can you tell me more about you as a wolf?"

"Um… I'm not really supposed to tell." He replied with guilt. "I'll see if I can get you to a bonfire."

"A bonfire?" I asked.

"Yeah, every time a new wolf comes, we have this bonfire," he answered.

I nodded, comprehending this.

As much as I was glad that Jacob and I didn't have any more secrets, I feel like there are still secrets. We are two different species with our own cultures. Hopefully, in time, we can explain them to one another.

It would be late when I pulled up to the garage by the Cabin. I parked the Wagoneer inside and got out. Jacob walked around and wrapped his arms around my shoulder. We made our way to the Cabin.

"Don't worry. We've got this place covered." He assured me. "She won't get near you, Zelena, or Ginger."

"You've got to be careful," I warned him as we reached the porch steps. "Victoria is fast. None of the Cullens could get to her."

"You know, your lack of confidence is a little insulting," he sarcastically said.

I scoffed, "Sorry. I just find it hard to believe you're a shifter."

He grinned as he pecked my temple. I gasped, not expecting that. He pulled away, giving a sincere smile.

"All right. I better go," he said.

"Wait… you're not coming inside?" I asked.

"I doubt Sam would approve," he answered with a smile. "Or the others with your favoritism."

"Favoritism?" I raised a brow.

"Yeah," he grinned, then sighs. "I got a vampire to kill."

I sighed, "You better run, Lassie."

He gave a small snort and sighed, as if a part of him didn't want to leave. Ultimately, he forced himself to turn around and jogged toward the woods, disappearing into the darkness of night.

I stood there watching him vanish, then sighed.

I seriously don't know what is going on between Jacob and me. A lot had happened in the last twenty-four hours. Jacob was a shapeshifter, a Spirit Warrior. He and his Pack went after Victoria, who was after my coven. The relief I had this morning had vanished when he brought up Victoria. She will never stop to get her revenge on Ginger. And if she learns the truth… myself included.

I looked up to the sky to see the stars so my divination could give me guidance in what would transpire. However, the sky was void of darkness, as the clouds and trees obscured it.

A howl could be heard.

No doubt Jacob told me to go inside.

"Oh, alright!" I called out and went inside.

Unable to stop the slight smile on my lips.

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