Hidden Fate

The Puzzle Gets Bigger

Sebastian’s POV

We pulled up to the pack house, and I could feel Sage’s eyes get bigger with surprise. She tried to stammer out questions, so I simply explained that it was a house used by not only my family but also the whole community. She nodded slowly in understanding but still seemed to be in disbelief. I grabbed her hand and assured her that she would be safe here. She looked into my eyes and smiled. Damien wanted to lunge forward and kiss her, but I kept him back. I reminded him that we needed to take things slow, especially with Sage’s fear. He reluctantly agreed then reminded me of something. You know your mom is going to ask her a million questions. She's going to ask you a million questions. You'll never be able to escape her. He was right. I might as well embrace it.

After grabbing her things, we walked to the front door of the house. As I reached for the doorknob, it opened. My mother stood there in her pajamas and robe with her gray hair in curlers. She had the biggest smile that I have ever seen grace her face. She called James over to help me put Sage's things away. She hooked her arm around Sage's and led her to the living room while ensuring Sage that she was welcome in our home for as long as she wanted. Sage softly thanked her and walked with her. I looked at James.

“You knew this was going to happen,” he said with a defeated look, “your dad told her to play it cool, but you know she does what she wants.” I nodded in agreement. I have never met a woman as stubborn as my mother. Most wolves wouldn't dare disobey their Alpha. Even most Lunas wouldn't dare. However, my mother didn't fear my father. If anything, he feared her.

“I guess we should take these up and finish prepping her room,” I said, staring at the stares.

“What do you mean ‘her room’? We assumed she'd sleep in your room with you,” he said puzzled. I really like James's idea. We should do that. I pushed Damien back.

“I've only known her for two days. I doubt she would be comfortable sleeping in the same bed as me,” I protested.

“But you're her mate?” James shot back. He was genuinely confused as to why this would be an issue.

“James, she doesn't have a wolf yet. She might not technically have a wolf. Just because her dad was a werewolf, it doesn't mean that she is too. We know she's our mate, but she probably has no clue what a mate is. Considering her fear of wolves and the events that happened tonight, I don't feel like trying to explain to her that she is destined by the moon goddess to be with me for the rest of her life,” I said angrily. I swear no one ever listens to me in this house. They all think they know better than me, always. A realization seemed to have clicked with James as he nodded slowly. We took the hike up the stairs to the 5th floor. I picked the room right next to mine for Sage to stay in. This way I could keep an eye on her.

“So what's in the weird chest?” James asked.

“I don't know. Sage took it from her parents closet and said we have to bring it. She's tried unlocking it using the code her dad gave her, but it won't open. She even tried breaking the lock, but nothing happened,” I explained. James looked puzzled and started to examine the lock. As he turned the lock around, we saw a symbol on the back that had a gold shimmer to it.

“I've seen this symbol before,” James sighed, “I’ve seen it at Ethel’s home.” A chill shot through my body. Ethel was a witch who has lived on the property before my father was even born. She apparently saved my great, great, great grandfather from dying in a pack war. Since then, she has lived in the property with a binding agreement. We provide her with protection, and she provides help with healing when needed. She mostly stays in her small cottage to the northeast side of the grounds. She was sweet, but she gave me the creeps.

“Do you think she might be able to help us open the chest?” I hoped, “ She also might be able to tell us about Lavender Grove.” James dropped the lock and turned to me quickly.

“Didn't you say there were a bunch of stones like the one we found on the rogue at Sage’s home? What if her parents are tied to Lavender Grove? We will go to Ethel in the morning to ask her some questions. Think about anything else strange in Sage’s home. Something is off, and we need answers,” he pleaded. I agreed that we would go there in the morning and suddenly remembered that Sage was still at the mercy of my mother.