My Secret I Never Knew

Rebirth cont…

Eric’s POV

After my shower I went down the hall and knocked on the guest door for sss boy to once again open it naked, this time he was drenched in water, I sighed and stared him in the eyes trying to be as sincere and calm as possible.

“We do have towels and robes around somewhere, you might want to use that not everyone is ok with nudity.”

“I just got out the bath, and I knew it was you. Kiki is not here, she is a bit anger with us so I am not sure if she will return tonight. I am not even sure where she went.” He said with a shrug and rubbing the back of his head, looking as sorry as I felt.

“It’s ok, I just wanted to apologize. I’m sorry, she wants to be with you and I should have tried to get to know you. She’s been my best friend for so long and I guess I get overprotective sometimes, anyway just don’t hurt or disrespect her unless you want me to punch a hole in your chest..”

“Just best friends?” He asked with arched eyebrows, I shrugged and walked away heading outside.

I knew where she would be, and I wanted to apologize to her as well. I needed to apologize to her. I drove down to Silver Lake and parked in the lot of the A.S. I knew she would be here, most likely by the waterfall if not there then she would definitely be at The Clubhouse.

As I approached the waterfall I saw her sitting on a blanket watching the water, she looked at peace with a Panther laying on either side of her.

“Nicole.” I said lowly not wanting to scare her.

“What Eric?”

“Can I talk to you for a moment?” She stood and began to walk towards me

“You just did, or was that moment not enough.” She stated, irritated and tried to walk past me but I pulled her into me and wrapped my arms around her body as she stiffened.

“I’m sorry, I have been a horrible friend. I have been an angry and jealous person, I have been spiteful and ignorant and I am so very sorry Nikki. I hope that you can forgive me and I promise I will do everything in my ability to show you how sorry I am. I regret the way I spoke to you when you returned, I regret not listening to you when you were just trying to be a true friend. I don’t fully regret impaling the sss bastard. Let's be honest he had it coming, but I do regret losing control of my emotions to the point I hurt someone you care about. I meant it when I told you I loved you Nik, you’re my best friend and no matter what happens I will always be here for you.”

I gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead before walking away in silence, back to my car. I sat there for a moment, thinking maybe she would follow me and we could possibly ride back together. After a few hours and my stomach sounding like a construction site I decided I should go, I drove back in silence. Nikki is stubborn sometimes, it will take her a while but she will come around. I know she will and I definitely know she wouldn’t miss her best friends’ party tomorrow night.

I grabbed a plate of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, bread, peas and banana pudding then headed to my room. I twisted the knob and realized I accidentally locked it, I huffed and went in through Anthony’s old room.

Since he and Holly had the twins they moved to the east end of this place, it was different not having him so close but he was close enough. I grabbed a drink out of the mini fridge he kept here and proceeded to my room to devour my food. I accidentally spilled some of my drink on my shorts, but waited until I completely finished my meal before getting up to get a clean pair.

As I looked through my drawer I noticed I was running low on clothes and I would need to do laundry soon. I slid my clothes over looking for my cartoon shorts and noticed an envelope underneath everything. I pulled it out and it was the letter Nikki wrote the night she left, I had forgotten about it and decided to finally open and read it.

Let’s start with me apologizing for leaving while you’re asleep. I just knew that you wouldn’t let me leave or you would try to come with me. Either way I need you here and I need to go, I have to find out what’s going on with my powers. Last night it was the field and a few moments ago Eli woke me and showed me the flowers I had grown in my sleep. I need to know why I’m subconsciously doing these things, if I am not a Guardian then I shouldn't be this strong even with my dad’s family history. I also want you to have time to think clearly. My near death, the battle, your father all happened so suddenly and at once that our emotions were everywhere. If after a few days when emotions are settled, if you feel like we can be more than just best friends then I would honestly love to give it a shot. But if you realize it was just the emotional roller coaster making you think you want more I will understand and we can pretend nothing ever happened. No matter what, you're my bestie and you’re stuck with me.

Love your Nik

I groaned and slapped myself on the head, of course I blew it and no wonder she moved on with sss boy. She gave me an opportunity to have her as more than a friend and I was too wrapped up in my own stupidity, I missed my chance.

I left my room after a while deciding to go for a walk outside and clear my head, I understood her leaving. I really did but I didn’t like the way she left, it made me feel like I wasn’t as important to her as she was to me.

“Can’t sleep I see” I heard a voice from behind me and turned to see Rebecca, her dirty blonde hair was in a messy bun on top of her head. She was wearing gray overalls that matched her light gray eyes and no shoes, smiling at me.

“Long day, and I have a lot on my mind.”

“Yeah I know what’s that like, have you tried a little meditation? It works wonders.”

“I might try later. Shouldn’t you be getting rest? I can’t imagine that being a bird all day is relaxing. Any progress with getting you to remain human??”

“Well I am tired but since I spend all day as an Owl I like to move around for a few hours once I am human, I’ll sleep after a little meditat…..” Her words were clipped off and she was a Blue Owl again. I was confused for a moment and I didn’t want to leave her so I sat with her for a while by a tree. After about an hour she was in human form again.

“You ok??”

“Yes, yes I am fine. Nikki woke up for a bit but she’s asleep now.”

“How does it feel? Not being able to be in the form you want, when you want?”

“It’s difficult at times since I’m used to shifting at will but it could be worse, eventually we will figure this spell out.”

“I didn’t know you were a shifter, I assumed you were a witch.”

“It’s fine, I’m used to it. I think you should be getting to bed, it’s a big day tomorrow.”

I wanted to ask her more about herself and about what’s been going on with Nikki, but I just nodded. I walked back into my room and took a deep breath as I sat on my bed. I tried to talk to Eli but the bloody bird wasn’t responding and felt kinda far. He’s been disappearing for months, it’s not like our familiars can’t go anywhere without us it’s just we’re stronger the closer they are. Plus I can only communicate with him within a certain range, I huffed and closed my eyes. Now is as good a time as any to try a little meditation.

I awoke to a pounding on the door, I groaned and rolled out of bed. I opened it to see Anthony, Zack, Mack and Donzell staring at me.

“What?” I asked groggily

“It's noon, we have been waiting for you to come downstairs. We need to leave, we're already late man.” Anthony answered, his voice layered with irritation

“What?”

“Dude, just throw on a shirt and let’s go, we have to get to the tailor for our suits then get ready for this party. My sister will kill us all if everything isn’t how her and Holly imagined it. I love them both but you know they can be a little crazy, especially when they are upset.” Zack stated, as I continued to just stare at the three of them not understanding how I slept so long. I didn’t even remember falling asleep to be honest, but here we are. Mack had the usual emotionless expression on his face, Donzell was busy studying his phone, while the other two looked like they would be boiled alive. I sighed and quickly slipped on a shirt and shoes, then started walking with everyone grabbing a banana from the kitchen as we walked past.

We headed to Beverly Hills on the south side of Chicago to get our tuxes and custom made masks, we went into the shop to try them on one final time when Eli decided to speak to me.

“Don’t forget the pañuelo morado. You always forget.”

“For your information I didn’t forget the handkerchief, I have it in my hand. Where are you anyway and where were you last night?”

“I’m close now, last night I was not as close.” I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration, it seems like he becomes more difficult each day.

“No s**t Sherlock, why do you always have to give me a hard time? You're supposed to be my guide and my friend.”

“I am both but that doesn’t mean I accept ever stupid thing you do or that you are even a great friend. I feel what you feel and sometimes you allow me to see through your eyes, yet you don’t always listen to me or yourself. You don’t even rub my feathers or take me for hunts, or read to me. You don’t even dance, why are you no fun?”

“What the hell are you talking about Eli? Where is this even coming from?”

He didn’t answer, instead he allowed me to look through his eyes and I saw him sitting on a roof ledge across from a dress shop nearby. Which meant the creep was following all the girls or mostly Nikki.

I rolled my eyes and closed the link as Neesh and Holly walked out, regretting that I didn’t wait to see if Nikki was for sure with them. I knew she wouldn’t miss today unless of course she was hurt but even then she made it to Candice’s party, but I was there to help her. I tried to pull myself from my thoughts as the guys and I wrapped everything up so we could start heading to the Blood Moon Pack for the party.

It took us longer than it should to get ready because Zack and Anthony were being well childish, playing jokes on each other as if they didn’t just rush me to hurry a few hours ago. Once we were ready we headed to the hall for the party, our faces covered by masks. The girls had decided to have the theme of the party be a masquerade but they wanted the masks to reflect animals. Of course Zack and Mack had wolves but Zack’s had a few white feathers integrated into the black of the mask nicely, while Mack’s was black and a golden brown. I’m assuming his mate’s wolf is a golden brown.

Anthony had his mask half Black wolf and half hawk, I had an Eagle mask nothing too fancy but still a little too detailed for my liking. The guys had most of their faces covered exposing only their mouths and eyes, I went with the option of only having the top half of my face covered.

As we entered the hall I noticed all the people and masks, some even decided to have their dresses and suits in the animal prints of their masks. I saw a woman with a skin tight Cheetah print dress exposing most of her breasts and stopped at her thighs, if she were to bend over I’m pretty sure her underwear would be visible. Her red hair was in a tight bun on top of her head with two strands curling down on either side of her face, I noticed her eyes were staring at me through her mask. Dull brown eyes, just staring directly at me and I had no idea who this woman was or why she was looking at me. My mask was ok, not as intricate as the other guys and I was wearing the same type of tux as them. Black only difference was my handkerchief and tie were a royal purple while theirs were blood red. I linked my brother since he’s the more social one and seems to know everyone wherever we go.

“Who is the cheetah chick that looks like she wants to eat me alive?”

“No idea but I can’t really get a good look at her. Holly is walking this way and I don’t need her or the others pissed at me right now.”

Seven girls approached and I noticed right away she wasn’t one of them, their faces were completely covered by masks and the small parts of skin that was exposed was painted to blend in with the mask a bit.

“Where's Nikki?”

“Uhm isn’t that her?.” Mack said with confusion in his voice pointing at the girl that stopped near me. She was wearing a panther mask and fitted black gown, she had Locs in a ponytail and her height was similar to Nikki but her curves were slightly smaller and her eyes weren’t Nikki’s. She could have easily been Nikki if not for the slight differences, I shook my head no and the others laughed while Mack’s face frowned in confusion.

“Mack, my brother is her number one stalker. He can find the original her in a room full of clones.” Anthony said with a chuckle.

“I am NOT a stalker “ I mumbled

“There was an incident over by the food, she’s helping my mom take care of it. These three lovely ladies are visitors and I wanted to introduce you all but now I think I’ll wait a bit because this is my song. Let’s dance.” Neesh says the last part rushed as she pulls Zack onto the dance floor. Holly grabs Anthony and Mack holds out his hand for his mate to take, then they calmly walk to the dance floor. Donzell took the hand of the girl that had on a Gazelle mask and brown puffy dress and led her to the floor.

“You can dance with your friend if you like, I am going to dance with my sister.” A girl with a Peacock mask and brilliant green princess dress said while pointing at Candice and smiling before taking the girl dressed as a panther to the dance floor. I didn’t want to dance but I smiled and nodded to Candice before taking her hand and heading to the dance floor.

I was swaying lazily and looking around when she spoke.

“Thank you for dancing with me, even though you still hate me.”

“I don’t hate you.”

“That’s not the way it seems. you barely speak to me, you occasionally glare at me and in training I swear you want to blow my head off.”

“Candice, I don’t hate you. I just think you’re lazy when it comes to training. I’ve watched how much effort you put into your organizations and school events, and how little you put into training. You act as if someone will always be there to save you but you may be in a situation where you have to save yourself. I’m just trying to push you, and maybe sometimes I keep my distance because of how you treat Nikki. It’s like you still haven’t forgiven her but you want her to be your savior. I guess I don’t understand it and I don’t like seeing her hurt.”

“I don’t mean to act the way I do, sometimes things are just a bit overwhelming. Even with Nikki everyone says how amazing it is she can do so much at her age but here I am just learning what I am, I guess I’m a little jealous.”

“JEALOUS. Candice, she lost both her parents and ended up living alone for months AFTER being placed in the care of disgusting monsters. How the hell can you be jealous of anyone with how blessed you are?”

I couldn’t believe what she was saying, how could she be jealous of someone that’s had so much pain so early in her life. Her foster parents tortured her nearly everyday, her foster father touched her and forced her to do things to him. It was only a matter of time before someone like him would r**e her, the sick bastard and his wife deserve to burn in hell for all eternity with gasoline clothes on. She still has physical and mental scars from them stealing her innocence, and not to mention the savior's guilt.

“You wouldn’t understand. You all grew up knowing who and what you were, knowing your family and history. You can protect yourselves and she’s not even supposed to know how to do that yet. She looks like a freaking goddess half the time without trying, she’s smarter and even though she lost her parents she still knew them for a time and got to feel their love. She got Rebecca who is a kick ass second mom and then she got you, and I’m left with no one really. Everyone has their struggles Eric, mine may not seem as severe to you but they hurt me.”

“She’s my best friend, you’re my friend also. I think we could be closer if you would stop being so self centered and lazy. Yes we all have struggles but let’s be honest, some people’s are greater than others. Also, this crush you have will pass like it usually does and you’ll be open to someone who is just as into you as you are into them.” I said with a sigh and she nodded, I don’t understand her or the crush she has on me. She has always had crushes back and forth between my brother and I but I knew she liked Anthony more, I guess now that he’s taken I get all her attention which is uncomfortable.

A few moments later I noticed sss Boy walk in, of course he would be shirtless with white body paint and I white loincloth that covered more than the last one he had on. His mask was a white panther and his bright green eyes looked mesmerizing with white fur material surrounding it. I heard Candice breath out “Wow” and I rolled my eyes, the guy was being a show off.

Soon anger coursed through me as he walked to the girl dressed like a panther and snaked his arm around her waist. Did he really not know the difference between this chick and Nicole, I started walking towards him then he pulled her into his chest and kissed her deeply. I pulled him off her and threw him across the floor, causing everyone to turn their attention to us.

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?”

“ME, WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU ASS? YOU’RE WITH MY BEST FRIEND AND YOUR KISSING OTHER FEMALES. I WARNED YOU, THAT MIGHT FLY IN THE JUNGLE BUT NOT HERE.”

“Anakin, what is he speaking of? I do not understand.” The woman dressed as a panther said as she walked to the side of me, her sister on the other side of her with furious eyes looking from beneath her peacock mask.

“He is jealous of me, that's what’s happening my love, I thought we were past this but the poor guy still has insecurities.” He said with a shrug starting to stand.

My fist was on fire

“I will not allow you to hurt Nikki.” I said as I stalked towards him only to have Nikki stand between us. She had on a similar Black Panther mask to the other girl and her hair also in a ponytail but she wore a black catsuit with a tutu attached. Her eyes were staring at me with regret in them, this asshole hurt her and now I was going to make him pay. Clearly she regretted getting close to him.

“Move Nik, he won’t get away with hurting and disrespecting you.”

“Eric, kissing his fiancé is hardly disrespectful to me. Can you calm down please you’re making unnecessary scene.” She said calmly and confusion overtook me.

“Everyone let’s step outside for a moment.” Neesh said to a select few of us, while Alpha John instructed everyone else to go back to the party.

Outside the Peacock, Panther and Gazelle stood together near a tree, their icy blue eyes glaring at Anakin who was sitting on a bench carelessly eating a plate of food. Anthony, Donzell, Mack,Zack and I walked to the opposite side of the bench from him. Finally the girls came out and Nikki took off her mask and freed her Locs from the ponytail before sighing and looking at Neesh and Holly.

“I thought you were going to make the introductions to the guys.” She said with a pointed look.

“Well I was then I got distracted.” Neesh said and Holly did a slight shrug and nod in agreement. Nikki rolled her eyes before walking towards the three girls and doing a slight courtsy to them.

“Ladies, apologies for my i***t friends, there has been a bit of a misunderstanding.” She looked at me and before she could continue, the cheetah girl came out and walked right over to me and sat on my lap.

“Eric, honey are you ok? I left for a bit only to come back and find out you were in a fight. I wasn’t worried about you winning though, you’re so amazing. Look not a scratch on you.”

“Uhm who are you and why are you out here? This is a private meeting.” Candice spoke as we all looked confused at this woman I didn’t know.

“Eric and I are involved. He’s my future husband.” She said plainly and I stood up shaking my head accidentally dropping her off my lap. I looked at Nikki but her face was void of emotion, at least everyone else looked either disgusted or shocked. I would’ve been ok I she was even angry but she was emotionless.

“My brother doesn’t even know you, and even if he did you’re far from his type. Why would you think he’s in any type of relationship with you?”

“Not only am I involved with him but I’m going to have his baby, so yes he knows me ..and yes we are in a relationship. I just had to take care of a few things back home before making a permanent move here.” She said with an eye roll, still sitting on the ground for some reason.

“Who are you?” Holly asked, stepping towards cheetah girl.

“She is the girl I saw Eric kissing at his party shortly before I left.” Nikki stated emotionless and the woman removed her mask, grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

“ANNA?!!” Anthony, Neesh, Holly and I exclaimed in unison. Yes I knew her and yes she kissed me but I never returned the kiss and I haven’t slept with this woman.

“Look, Anna, you kissed me. I pushed you away and I definitely never had s*x with you. I’m sorry but you’re confused, I’m still a virgin .” I stated, earning a chuckle from Anthony and Zack which were silenced by Neesh and Holly walking over and slapping them on the back of their heads.

Nikki was avoiding looking at me, Anna stood from the ground and began to dig around into the space between her breasts pulling out her cell. She pressed play on a video of her and I in my room but I remember none of it, there was biting and moaning and I closed my eyes not understanding. From the clothes we were wearing this was the night of the party, but I don’t remember this at all.

“Well this is what you all call interesting turn of events right.” sss boy said with a grin, I wanted to break his nose at this moment.

“Look Anna, you should go back inside. You and Eric can figure out whatever later but now we have other things going on.” Neesh said firmly causing Anna to huff and cross her arms like a toddler.

“No, I’m staying.” After she said those words she began to livitate, I looked at Nikki and sure enough her arm was lifting as Anna was being lifted higher into the air, then she floated over to the top of the pack house where she landed on the roof screaming.

“Now, let’s get back to these introductions. This young woman here as the Panther Lillian, The Peacock is Gloria, and the Gazelle is Estalla. They are known as The Sisters Trio, and Lillian is Akakin’s mate and soon to be wife.”

I stared at her dumbfounded as she continued

“Ladies buffoon number one assumed I was in an imitate relationship with buffoon number two here because we sleep in the same room. Instead of allowing me to explain things buffoon one jumped to conclusions and insulted me so I haven’t had the opportunity yet to clear the air. Buffoon two hasn’t made the situation any better with his taunting. I hear that’ he has even answered the door naked while I’m away, most likely he smells buffoon one approaching and decides to be an ass.” She explains while looking and pointing between sss boy and myself, the girls seem to be satisfied with the explanation but I still need to know more.

“I don’t understand, Why have you been sleeping in the same room as him?”

Nikki was about to answer but Lillian did instead

“I instructed him to assist her, he is a healer with an extraordinary gift. He uses his gift to calm her dreams which stops her powers from becoming dangerous while she’s unconscious, she once started a fire while asleep in our forest. So we help her until she has full control, she is very young and very powerful but off balance. As for Anakin he has been a handful since childhood, he enjoys playing the tricks with people’s head.” She said, then her sisters added in unison,

“An interesting leader he will be.” With a tsk and eye roll.

I felt like an i***t, a complete dumb ass is what I have been. Although, if roles were reversed.