The Magic of the Full Moon

Chapter 11

Amelia, Olivia, and Lucy were indulging in leftover birthday cake and sweets in the kitchen while they talked about everything that popped into their heads. They had even shared with Blueberry before sending him outside to burn off the excess energy he would have due to the sugar. They were finishing their cake when they heard the other kids enter the house.

"Lia!" Logan yelled as he came through the front door.

Amelia shouted back, "Kitchen!"

"Hey, kids," Olivia greeted them as she began giving hugs and kisses to all four of them.

"Not just the kids," Emma called out as she followed them into the kitchen. "I hope you don't mind me coming with them. I thought we could catch up while these five are roaming the territory."

"I don't mind, even if Olivia does," Lucy said as she hugged Emma tightly. "I have missed you."

"I've missed you too. Even though we see each other every month for at least a weekend or two," Emma laughed.

"Of course, I don't mind. I was going to do some editing, but it can wait. I need to tell you all the details we worked out for the art center. You have to come when it is done and join in one of the classes," Olivia told her.

"Nick sent me a message earlier. The man they were meeting from The Stone Corporation suggested doing an art class called Canvas and Cocktails. He said it might be a nice option since most can be made without alcohol, so it would include more people," Emma said as she sat on the stool beside Olivia.

"Oooh. I like that one," Amelia grinned.

"Nick said he is also a big fan of yours, Lia. He could not get over the self-portrait in your dad's office," Emma told her.

"Seriously?"

"Yes," Emma replied as she began to laugh. "And apparently, he walked in as your dads were planning what to do to your future mate if he ever mistreats you. The guy offered to help them if needed."

Olivia laughed, "That sealed the deal on whatever deal they were discussing."

"Why are they like that?" Amelia groaned as she dropped her head onto her folded arms.

Darla had begun to look for something to eat. As she opened the refrigerator, she said, "This is why I am glad I only have one dad to deal with."

"Do you really believe that? If, down the line, you have a mate who mistreates you, Tyson would be standing right beside your father to deal with him," Emma told her daughter. "Kids, if you haven't noticed, the five of you have four parents, whether you like it or not."

"I've noticed," Logan said as he picked up an apple and checked it for tooth marks before placing it back in the bowl. "Dad and Nick can both give that one look that can make all of us stop in our tracks."

"That's the dad look," Olivia told him. "All dads can give it. Eric and I got it a few times, but my sisters got it a lot from your grandpa."

"Will you get out of that refrigerator?" Lucy scolded Darla as she chased her out of the way. "What do you kids want for lunch? Clearly, you are all hungry, so I might as well feed you."

"Pizza," Logan and Damian said in unison.

"Is pizza good for everyone?" Lucy asked and was answered with a chorus of agreement and head nods. "Perfect. I have a bunch of crusts ready to go in the freezer. You can all help me assemble them with the toppings you want on them."

-

Lunch had been delicious, and now the five kids were on their way to hike in the forest that comprised a large portion of Obsidian. It was something they did every time they were together. Darla and Everly had yet to have their wolves or dragons come forward, which meant they would all stay in human form. Of course, Blueberry was with them, playing in the leaves as he bounced along and took short flights.

"I know where we are, but how far are we going, Lia?" Damian asked.

"Why are you asking me? I'm not the expedition leader," Amelia laughed.

Logan answered, "You are the oldest, so you are the leader by default."

"That is not far," she laughed again. "If no one minds, why don't we go to the spring?"

"Yay! Everly and I can wade in the water," Darla cheered.

"Just don't fall in!" Damian told his sister.

"Where we wade is like six inches deep. It isn't like we will fall in and drown," Everly laughed.

"Just be careful," Damian insisted.

"Well, look at that. Damian is going all protective, Alpha," Logan smirked.

"Ignore him," Amelia told Damian. "You are being a protective Alpha, which is good. You are going to be a fantastic Alpha when you take over. That is why I have always insisted that it should be you who takes that position and not me."

"I know, but I still feel bad. Technically, it should be yours. Being the next Alpha of Dark Moon is your birthright as the firstborn of the reigning Alpha," Damian said.

"It might be, but I do not have the temperament for that stuff. I am happy to spend my days alone by the river or in the forest, sitting under a tree listening to nature or with a sketchpad and pencil lost with my thoughts. You enjoy the crowds and all the shmoozing required to be a good Alpha. I despise it with a passion," Amelia said.

"We all know you do. That is why we are all proud of you for standing up to Ethan and Gwen and coming up with the idea of an art center here in Obsidian. It is perfect for you," Damian told her. "I can't think of anything that would make you happier."

"I really am happy," Amelia said as they reached the spring, and she took her favorite spot under the old alder tree. "For the first time in my life, I feel settled. Like I know this is where I belong, and doing this is what I should do."

"That is because you are where you belong and doing what is right for you," Everly told her big sister as she pulled off her shoes and socks. "Plus, I don't think I have ever seen Mom and Cousin Rose as happy as they were this morning at breakfast while you three planned out the art center."

"That was nothing. You should have seen them when we met with the architect, who is designing everything. Then Grammy Aggie showed up because we are including a pottery studio for her. She was so happy," Amelia laughed.

The siblings all talked and enjoyed their time together until the sun began to set. The bright full moon was high above the trees while there was still a faint glow of red on the western horizon that could be seen through the trees. Amelia knew the others needed to go home, but she was not ready yet. She needed to have a little time to herself again.

"Logan, Damian, why don't you take Everly, Darla, and Blueberry home?" Amelia said, raising her hand to prevent her brother from arguing. "I will be along soon. I need a few minutes of quiet first. I promise I won't be long."

"I don't like it, but I will do it," Logan complained. "But if I get in trouble, I will make sure Mom and Dad know this was all your idea."

Amelia giggled, "They will already know this is my idea, and if they need me, I am close enough for them to mind link me."

Darla and Everly quickly put on their shoes without complaint. They understood their big sister needed time alone and surrounded by nature. It had been explained that the fairy magic she carried from generations ago was more potent in her. It made her need to touch the ground and vegetation and be surrounded by nature. It was as vital to her as food and water.

Each of her siblings gave her a hug before leaving her alone under the alder tree. Amelia closed her eyes and listened to them go until she could no longer hear them. That was when she moved to lie beside the spring, where she could stare up at the moon above her. She loved to be there when the moon was full. The light glistened on the water and cast an ethereal glow over everything it touched. It was magical to her.

Amelia kicked her shoes off and dug her toes into the soft, peaty ground as she let her fingertips touch the surface of the spring water pool. She inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of the water, moss, and trees around her that she had expected, but there was something else this time. She was catching subtle hints of juniper and honeysuckle. The mixture of aromas was divine.

A twig snapped nearby, breaking the tranquility she had. Amelia bolted into a sitting position and looked around. Her eyes fell on a man she had never seen before. Her heart skipped a beat. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen. He was so attractive that it was distracting. A whiff of juniper and honeysuckle hit her strongly. This time, Lily took notice of it in Amelia's head.

"Mate! He's our mate, Amelia," Lily said as she bounced from side to side in Olivia's mind. "And look at him. He is perfect," Lily chirped before she gave a little gasp. "He is a vampire."

"No. This can't be happening," Amelia said as she scrambled to her feet.

The man smiled tenderly at her, "I assure you this is happening. I had given up hope of ever finding you."

"No!" Amelia yelled at him. "Why now?"

Amelia made a quick gesture with her hand. The vines in the trees above the man began to move and morph until they reached him and wrapped around him, binding him in place. Tears started flowing down her cheeks as she turned and ran, shifting midstride as she raced toward home and away from the one person who could take away the only thing she knew she wanted.

"Well, that did not go the way I expected," the man sighed to himself, still standing, wrapped tightly in the vines. He dug deep, straightened his arms, and pulled hard, breaking free of the vines around him. He quickly picked up Amelia's shoes and her torn clothing. As he picked up the last article of clothing, he shook his head and grumbled, "Yeah, this is going to go well."