Dark Light

8. Story Time

POV: Leila

I couldn't take my eyes off of Janie and her mate. I knew I'd leave my pack to be with my mate and now that Janie could come it wasn't as intimidating. I felt arms circle my middle and was pulled into a warm chest. I glanced up and saw my mate looking down at me.

I smiled up at him just as Janie pulled away from her mate and looked at me before she said, "This is what you saw?"

Janie is smiling widely while looking at me in adoration and amazement.

"Close enough," I replied, shrugging.

Janie rolled her eyes before saying, "You could have just told me, then you wouldn't have had to drag me here."

"Where would the fun be in that?" I asked, smirking.

Janie chuckled and went to reply until a loud squeal interrupted and the girl that came with Lucifer said, "This is so exciting! Now we all have mates!"

The woman's mate chuckled at her and I stuck my hand out to her as I said, "I'm Leila, it's great to meet you." I could already tell we were going to be good friends.

She grabbed my hand and said, "I'm Summer. I am so excited..."

My sight faded, and I saw Summer with a bundle in her arms. I felt myself move closer. The bundle is a baby wrapped in a blue blanket. The baby stared up at me with the same light brown eyes of Summer's mate. 'He has Micheal's eyes.' I said. 'Let's hope that's all he's got from Mike.' 'Conner!' Janie reprimanded.

My sight returned, and I casually shook my head to clear the voices and emotions that flooded me. Sia filled me in on what I missed, "... She said that there would finally be more girls around. And a girl named Ashley would be ecstatic too. She's the Beta female, there's been far too much testosterone to deal with for the two of them."

I gave Sia my silent thanks before smiling at Summer and finally let go of her hand before I replied, "I know what you mean, I know all about too much testosterone."

"I'm Janie, and that's an understatement." Janie said to Summer before smiling at me, but I could see the curiosity in her eyes before she continued, "I don't know how you survived before I came along."

"It was nearly impossible. I wondered every day how I would go on." I replied, sadly, as Janie nodded along solemnly.

Nearly twenty seconds passed before I giggled and Janie's solemn face turned into one of laughter. After a moment, Summer started laughing with us.

Summer stopped laughing first as her face got curious before she said, "I was wondering, are you a Queen?"

Janie and I shared a confused glance before I looked back at Summer to reply, "I think that's up to him?" I nodded up to my mate.

Summer shook her head before saying, "Of course you're our Queen, I mean, are you Queen of the Witches, or could you be? Because Lucifer said that your mom was the elder sister to the current Queen, so wouldn't that make your mom Queen?"

"Ooohhh," Janie and I said at the same time before I continued, "Right. Okay, that makes more sense. Um, well...it's a bit complicated."

I looked up at my mate and saw the curiosity in his eyes. I sighed before I continued, "The quick answer is no, I am not, nor can I ever be Queen of the Witches. But, if I ever have a daughter, she could claim the throne."

They all nodded but were clearly confused until Lucifer sat on a seat around the island in the kitchen and pulled me onto his lap. I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"What's the long answer?" Lucifer asked as everyone else sat around us.

"Oh, story time! Yay!" Jaine said excitedly.

"It's nice how you turn my mother's life story into a fairy tale," I joked.

"What? It's kind of a fairy tale. I mean, it's just like a tragic love story." Janie defended herself as she leaned closer to her mate.

I smiled fondly at my best friend before saying, "Well, you're not exactly wrong." I looked at my mate as I said, "It is a long story."

"We've got time, but if you're uncomfortable with telling it..." Lucifer began, but I cut him off, "I don't mind, besides, it's important."

I took a deep breath before I began to center myself and gather my thoughts into the proper order, "I guess I need to start at the very beginning. My mother, Hazel Lightwood, was seven years older than the Witch Queen, her sister, my aunt Carol. My mom spent her entire life preparing to be Queen and although my mom didn't know it at the time, Carol spent her life hating and jealous of her. Which is why when she saw the opportunity to strike, she took it..." I sighed as I remembered the sorrow in my mother's voice when she told me this. Mom truly loved her sister despite everything.

I shook my head and continued, "Witches can only find their mate at 16, so when mom's birthday came there was a huge party thrown for her and all the upper level male witches showed up, but none were her mate. After two years, my mom still hadn't found her mate, so her parents, my grandparents, wanted her to marry a witch of their choosing. My mom vehemently disagreed, but they wouldn't let up, so she made a deal with them. She'd marry a man of their choosing but only after she turned 21, she hoped that there would be plenty of time to find her mate. Her parents agreed and mom traveled to nearly every coven she could think of. Obviously, she didn't find her mate there, so she had to marry the man her parents chose. Mom never felt he was important enough to mention very much, she only said he was a d**k and arrogant." I smiled a little, thinking of how annoyed she got whenever she mentioned her almost husband.

I continued, "My grandparents invited everyone they could think of, from several different species. My mom was dreading the wedding and every day after, but she wanted to at least try to be the best Queen she could, so that meant having a strong husband and king. At least, that's what it meant to her parents. It was at the rehearsal dinner. Mom had escaped onto a balcony, and she turned around and saw this tall, broad man. She knew immediately he was a werewolf and when she looked into his eyes it was as if all was right in her life and she felt whole. But then reality set in, and she remembered that she was at her rehearsal dinner and that she was the heir of witches. She left her mate standing there reaching for her. Mom spent the entire night avoiding him, which proved to be difficult when he kept seeking her out. It also didn't help that it looked as if her mate would rip her would be husband's head off every time he touched her. Not that mom would have minded very much. That night, mom's mate, my dad, snuck into her room, and they spent the night together. Mom knew she could never leave him after that, but also that she couldn't just leave her people in the hands of her sister because if she denounced her crown, then Carol would get the crown. Even though mom loved her sister she knew that Carol was spoiled and wouldn't make a decent Queen. Like many with a problem, my mom went to our High Priestess, Clarissa Verity, the Seer. The High Priestess told my mother that the choice was not hers to make, and that fate had already decided her future..."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Summer interrupted, confused.

"SShhhh! She's getting to it!" Janie said quickly, enraptured by the story and annoyed by the interruption.

I chuckled and said, "I know it's cryptic, but that's how a Seer has to talk half the time. I'll explain more later. After what my mom considered to be an unhelpful trip to the High Priestess, she returned home, only to find that the council had been convened, and her mate in chains. My grandmother, the Queen at the time, showed my mother pictures of herself and her mate last night in her bedroom. It turns out that someone had placed a camera inside her room. My grandmother demanded the truth from her and while my mother stood stunned and staring at her mate, my grandmother asked if the male they had in chains had forced himself on her? Mom realized that they were giving her an out, a way to save her reputation and her marriage, but only if she condemned her mate to death. Instead, of agreeing with her mother, my mom openly declared herself mated to a werewolf and demanded that he be set free. It was clear they were disgusted and angry. You see, witches aren't exactly open to being mated to other species..."

Conner snorted and said, "Bunch of entitled asses."

Janie smacked the back of his head and Conner said, "Ow! What was that for?"

"That's my best friend you're talking about, you i***t!" Janie replied and glared at him.

Conner smiled sheepishly at me as he rubbed the back of his head as he said, "Right, sorry. I didn't mean you."

I nodded as I replied, "I know, it's okay. And you're not completely wrong, but you're not right either. There's a lot more to it which I will get to. The point is, after my mother declared her mate, my grandparents disowned my mother and kicked her out of the coven, and they named Carol their heir. My mother knew she could fight for the throne. She had a lot of allies and no one wanted Carol as Queen. But like all witches, my mom also knew the chances of having an heir when her mate wasn't a witch."

I saw Summer open her mouth to express her confusion but Janie kicked her, "So my mom agreed to give up her claim to the throne on the condition that if she did have an heir her child could claim her birthright. The council agreed and so my grandparents had no choice but to agree as well. Before my mom left the coven, Carol couldn't help gloating. She was the one who put cameras in my mom's room, and she gave them to their parents. It was then that mom realized her sister was more than a spoiled child and that Carol truly hated her. Mom had Damon nine months later and spent the rest of her life as Luna to Crescent Moon. Carol was made Queen at 18 when she found her mate, or married an upper-level male witch. Mom never knew for sure what the case was. Every time my mom got pregnant, a witch would show up to find out the gender. No one was very surprised when my mom gave birth to a boy every time."

"I don't understand! Why does it matter?" Summer exploded suddenly.

Janie groaned and said, "She's getting to it!"

I chuckled and said, "It matters because the witch gene only passes from mother to daughter and from father to son."

I watched as their faces went from confusion to surprise before continuing, "Witches don't like to announce what they consider to be a weakness. It's as if the gene that gives us our abilities and makes us witches can't survive when mixed with other supernatural genes. That's why hybrids are practically unheard of. At least, witch hybrids. If it was a male witch and a female werewolf, they would only have had daughters that were werewolves and my mom only had sons, only werewolves. That's why witches don't like mating with other species. They're afraid of our species dying out. Unfortunately, some upper level witches do believe in only being pureblood, not just other species, but only mating with other upper level witches. That's where the entitled asses come from."

My mate spoke first, "But you are a witch, doesn't that mean you could be Queen?"

I frowned as I shook my head, "Technically, I suppose, but I can't because of the High Priestess."

"What does the Seer have to do with it?" Michael asked, confused.

"A lot, actually. You see, a new Seer is born when the old Seer's life is coming to an end. And as you know, this Seer is very old. I mean, she was ancient when my mom was a child. Well, the point is that..." I paused to look at Janie, and she nodded in support, "I am a Seer. I have visions of the future."

I waited as they took this in. I hesitated before looking up at my mate. He was already looking at me, with something like amazement in his eyes.

My mate smiled at me and nodded for me to continue, "That's why I can't be Queen of the Witches. A seer has her own coven, is the High Priestess, and doesn't have to answer to anyone, even the Queen. Which is why a Seer can never be Queen. The witches believe it gives them too much power. I'm sure once word reaches my aunt that I've been mated to the Lycan King she'll be livid."

My mate snarled and said, "That- woman can keep her opinions to herself. She has no say in who I make my Queen."

I pressed my face into Lucifer's neck and placed a gentle kiss there before pulling away and looking into his eyes as I said, "You're right, she doesn't have a say. For several reasons, the most prominent being that, as the future High Priestess, I do not have to listen to her. Secondly, she has no say over the shifter kingdom. And third, the Seer not being allowed to be Queen was declared by the high council. They never said anything about being Queen of other supernaturals."

"So, what did you mean that if you had a daughter she could claim the throne?" Summer asked, still curious.

I smiled fondly at her as I answered, "If I had a daughter there's no way she could be a Seer. The gift is given by the goddess, not passed down from parent to child. Since she would not be a Seer, she could claim the witch's throne. Which is also why my aunt perceives me as a threat, and has since I was born."

They all nodded in understanding until Summer smiled widely and leaned forward toward me before asking, "Soooo, are you gonna have a daughter?"

Summer wiggled her eyebrows at me and Janie and I giggled.

I smiled as I shook my head before saying, "I have no idea. I'm still new to this ability. You see, a witch's main ability doesn't manifest until they're seventeen and that was only two months ago. And being a Seer is a lot harder than it sounds."

Summer looked a little put out and I wondered if I should tell her. I knew she was pregnant now, but only by a few days because her scent hadn't changed yet. A Lycan pregnancy only lasts for four months, so there scent changes after about a week, maybe two, of being pregnant.

'I think it'll be okay.' Sia said and I agreed with her. I went to open my mouth, but Lucifer beat me to it.

"Can't the current Seer train you?" Lucifer asked.

I nodded before saying, "Yes, and she's going to. But like I said, since I'm a Seer, it means that her life is coming to an end. On my birthday she came to me and said that she needed three months to put her affairs in order before she came to train me. Also, since I'm a Seer, I'll have to pick twelve other members to be in my coven. Seer Clarissa is gathering the witches that could be in my coven. Actually, since I'll be leaving with you in two weeks, I need to let her know to go to your pack. That's okay, right?"

Lucifer smiled at me as he replied, "Of course it is. You don't have to be worried about being yourself in my pack."

"Yeah, yeah, it's very sweet! But I have a question." Summer interrupted.

Lucifer rolled his eyes and I chuckled as I looked back at Summer and said, "Okay, what is it?"

"You said your main ability only manifested when you turned seventeen. Does that mean you have other abilities?" Summer asked excitedly, bouncing in her chair.

I chuckled before replying, "Yes, I have more abilities."

"What are they?" Michael asked.

"I'm telekinetic, empathic, and telepathic." I said, listing them in the order I got them

.

"Huh?" Conner asked, confused.

I smiled at him as I said, "I can move things with my mind, feel what everyone feels, and hear what everyone thinks."

Conner, Michael, and Summer's mouths dropped. I looked at my mate and I swear I saw a faint blush on his cheeks. I knew why, of course, but I still couldn't believe this giant of a man was blushing.

"You can hear... everything?" Conner asked, nervous. He kept glancing at Janie.

I smirked and said, "Yes. There are limits, of course. I can only hear what's on the surface, not every thought you've had."

They all relaxed but only slightly.

"Why? What were you thinking?" Janie asked, smirking at her mate.

Conner fidgeted but said nothing. Janie narrowed her eyes and turned to me, "Lee, what was he thinking?"

"NO! I think we should set some ground rules about this." Conner begged.

I laughed for a moment before I said, "Don't worry, I never reveal people's inner thoughts. I can't always control what I hear, but I can control what I say. So, don't worry, your secrets are safe with me. Plus, I'm working on the control thing." They all visibly relaxed, so I said, "I do have to point out that my friend here would not be opposed to your thoughts, Conner. In fact, she has a similar train of thought."

"Lee! You're supposed to be on my side!" Janie exclaimed as Conner choked on his spit.

I chuckled and said, "Trust me, Janie. I am on your side."

Janie looked at me for a moment until understanding dawned on her. Janie blushed a deep scarlet from her neck to her head and I couldn't stop the laugh that burst out of me.

Janie narrowed her eyes at me until she sat up straighter before saying, "What was your vision when you touched Summer?"

Summer perked up at the mention of a vision but got agitated at the sound of her name, "What about me? I mean, you had a vision when you touched me?"

I smiled widely before saying, "Oh, yeah! You're- actually, let me just - Since, I'm so new to the vision thing, sometimes when I touch someone or something I can see their future. Like earlier, I touched Janie and had a vision that told me Conner was her mate."

"So, when we shook hands earlier you had a vision of me?" Summer asked.

My smile widened as I nodded.

Summer fidgeted with Micheal's hand as she asked, "What did you see?"

I leaned closer to her and was aware of everyone else doing the same.

I looked into her pretty light blue eyes as I said, "I saw you, holding a newborn baby in your arms."

Complete silence met my declaration. I saw the confusion in Summer's eyes turn into surprise, then fear, then love. Unconditional love.

A hand fell to her stomach and Summer whispered, "You mean I'm..."

Her voice trailed off, so I finished her thought, "You're pregnant. I'd say maybe two days, possibly three."

I listened to her thoughts as she marked the moment she thought it happened and came to terms with it. Summer didn't know if I was right, but she saw the certainty in my eyes that she couldn't deny.

"You're welcome to go to the doctor if it'll make you feel better." I said, preparing to mind link him.

Summer quickly shook her head before saying, "No! No, maybe tomorrow. I believe you. I'm just surprised."

Conner snorted and said, "I don't know why, you've been f*****g like rabbits."

Janie rolled her eyes at her mate. My mate placed his hand on my face and gently turned my head to face him.

"Are you sure?" Lucifer asked quietly.

I nodded as I replied, "Yes. I'm positive."

I turned back to Summer to see her already staring at me, "Did you see what it was? I mean, is it a boy or a girl?"

I could feel a little doubt coming from her, and knew she wasn't completely sure if she wanted to know.

"I saw it but are you sure you want me to tell you?" I asked her.

Summer looked up at Michael, who had been staring open-mouth at me. Now, he dropped a hand to cover Summer's where it lay on her stomach. He looked between me and Summer for a second until he nodded to his mate.

Summer looked at me expectantly, so I asked, "You're sure?"

They both nodded, and I smiled at them before saying, "It'll be a boy. And he'll have his father's eyes."

Summer gasped and tears began falling from her eyes. Michael looked close to tears. Suddenly, Summer jumped out of her seat and nearly pulled me off Lucifer's lap as she hugged me. The only thing that stopped us from tumbling to the ground was my mate's hands on my hips. Summer repeated herself over and over. Saying thank you, thank you so much. I hugged her until she pulled away and returned to her mate's side. We all continued to talk until dinner time. But I was only half listening.

I was too focused on my mate and his thoughts and feelings. The desire I felt from him was more than just s****l now. It was a desire for a family, a want for children, and me. I heard his thoughts, saw the image in his head of a little girl that looked like me. It took all the self-control I had not to tear up. I hadn't realized how much I wanted that until the possibility was suddenly in front of me. I knew he thought it was too early for our relationship. Lucifer was trying to control his thoughts so he wouldn't scare me away. He didn't want to make assumptions or influence what I wanted. It's sweet, but I intend to show him exactly what I want and that I don't scare easily.