Born in Fire

Chapter Thirteen

*Caspian*

           Kalama seemed to calm down more the further we got from her parents’ territory. She and Julie had spent most of the ride with their noses in Julie’s phone and coming up with ideas for Kalama’s Luna Ceremony. Every once in a while, one of them would say Oh, that’s cute and Kalama would show me a dress or theme. I would smile, “Whatever you want, Love.” She would just roll her eyes. Another hour had passed when she showed me the phone again. It was a dress, dark gold in color. It flowed just below the knee, with a split on one side that traveled to the waist. The top was a V, that would show off just the right amount of cleavage and supported an open back. I went hard, at the thought of my Love wearing it. Her eyes danced as she looked at, and I knew she wanted it. “If you want it, Love. Get it.” She looked at me surprised. “Go ahead.” I urged. She shook her head.

           “No. No, it’s to expensive. I can find something cheaper.” I opened my mouth to argue, but closed it, mind-linking Julie instead.

           “Get that dress, it’ll be perfect for the Ceremony. In fact, keep track of everything she wants or even likes. Luna Ceremony or otherwise. Make a list and get it to the Omegas. She deserves it and more. Don’t tell her.” Without looking up from the phone, Julie replied.

           “Already done, Alpha.” I smiled to myself. Julie was a great Beta female. She always seemed to know what anyone needed. I sat back in my seat, wanting to relax for the last thirty minutes of the ride. I knew with the Luna Ceremony and the situation with Elliot Haynes, the next few weeks would be hell, but I would make sure that my Love would have nothing to worry about.

           The front gates of the territory came into view all too soon. Jackson stopped at the gate, rolling his window down for the posted guard, giving his rank and name. The guard sent a mind-link and the gates opened. “It’s good to have you back Alpha and Luna.” the guard said. I nodded at him, as Jackson pulled the car through and up to the packhouse. An Omega stood on the porch with Grace in her arms, Miley and Luke stood next to her, watching the SUV pull up. The two pups hopped with excitement as John, Julie, and Neal stepped out of the vehicle, rushing over with their arms spread wide. I smiled at them as Kalama and I walked hand in hand up the steps. The Omega bowed her head, “Jinny, has everything been prepared as I asked?”

           “Yes, Alpha.”

           “Very good. Tell Nani the Luna will have her lunch in our room.”

           “Yes, Alpha.” I nodded to Jinny and led Kalama into the packhouse and up the stairs to our room.

*Kalama*

           I looked at Caspian out of the corner of my eye, as he led me up to our room. He was up to something. He and Julie had mind-linked on the drive and though I wasn’t sure what it was about, I knew it had to do with what he had asked the Omega, Jinny at the door. He smiled as he opened the door and led me to the bathroom. The scent of vanilla and lavender was the first thing to hit my senses. I took a deep breath, relaxing slightly. The lights had been dimmed. Candles had been lined along the sink and tub rim. Their flame seemed to dance long to the soft music that played. The tub was filled to the top. Rose petals swirled between the steam in the water. I turned to Caspian, grinning. Caspian smiled back. “I thought you could use some time to relax.” Still smiling, I wrapped my arms around his neck and lightly kissed his lips.

           “It’s perfect.” I kissed him again. He kissed me back.

           “I’m glad you like it. Now, there’s towels in this cabinet here.” he said, taking a couple out and sitting them on the sink. “I also made sure you got your own soap, hairbrush, and toothbrush.” He took them out as well, laying them next to the towels. “When your done, there’s a little something in the bedroom closet for you too.”

           “You’re not joining me?” I pouted. He chuckled,

           “I would love too, but I have some business to take care of.” I nodded. “After lunch, I’d like to get the pack together and tell them about the Ceremony, if that’s okay.” I smiled,

           “Okay.” He smiled back,

           “Okay. I’ll see you then.” He kissed me, turned, and closed the door behind him. Once the door closed, I immediately stripped my clothes off, grabbed my new soap, and sank neck deep into the tub. The steam of the warm water mixed with the aroma of the vanilla and lavender candles, and I felt myself relax. Ash purred,

           “It’s good to be home.” I smiled,

           “Yes, it is.” I rested my head against the back of the tub and closed my eyes, enjoying the warmth of the water. The heat seemed to seep into my skin, igniting another warmth that I could feel in my belly. I opened my eyes, “Ash, do you think I’m what my parents’ say I am?” She grumbled.

           “We’re supposed to be relaxing.” I sighed, looking at one of the candles. Its flame flickered and danced. As I stared at the flame. Without thinking, I reached out and placed my hand near the flame. I inhaled, sharply, surprised that it didn’t burn. I frowned as the flame seemed to lean towards my open palm, as if craving my touch. I took another deep breath, inching my hand closer, until my fingers poked the flame’s edges. There was no pain, no burn. I felt the warmth in my belly grow. It seemed to call to the flame that danced around my fingers. Suddenly, it started to intertwine between my fingers and around my hand, soaking into my skin. Startled, I ripped my hand back, plunging it into the water. My skin sizzled as the flames died and a wave of sadness filled me. I shook my head, taking a deep breath as the sadness slowly faded. Letting the breath out, I lend back, sliding deeper into the water. I closed my eyes, focusing on the warmth of the water and scent of the candles, willing my body to relax and my mind to go blank.

*Caspian*

           Dr. Barker sat across from my desk, as I scanned the medical report, he had done on Kalama the day I brought her to the pack. Everything in the report seemed normal and nothing explained the fever she had. I threw the report down. “You didn’t find anything?” Dr. Barker was shaking his head before I had finished the question.

           “Our Luna truly is a medical marvel. Anyone with that high of a fever would have some serious damage to the brain and internal organs. In most cases the patient would have died in just a couple days to hours.” I sat back in my chair, rubbing my chin, and studied the doctor. Dr. James Barker had been born into the Green Grove Pack when my grandfather had been Alpha. He had studied for his medical degree at a top institute and apprenticed to several different doctors in several different countries, earning top marks in each. I knew if anyone could tell me more about elemental wolves it would be him and I knew he was loyal, so the conversation would stay between us. I opened the drawer, taking the book Kalama’s mother had given me and handed it to the doctor, asking,

           “What do you know about Elementum Lupum?” Dr. Barker looked from the book to me, surprise and questions mixed in his eyes. He opened the book, scanning several pages, before answering,

           “I’ve only ever heard of one.” I felt my eyes widen in surprise. Though I was sure he could tell me, I hadn’t been expecting him to have any information. I nodded for him to continue. “I was young at the time, practicing under the high shaman in the cold mountains of Asia. I’d only been there a few months. The tribal chief enjoyed telling his tribesmen stories, things he had seen and done as a young man.” A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he remembered. “One of these stories was about another young man. The chief claimed the boy could move mountains with a wave of his hand. Make crops grow from soil that previously wouldn’t weld any. The boy and his gift soon became the talk of other tribes. At first, the boy had no qualm about helping other tribes, but he soon grew afraid as tribes began to threaten war. To protect his tribe, the boy had the earth grow thick shrubbery, plants with sharp thorns, and made the ground rocky with cliffs and tall slopes. This did not stop the warring tribes. One was able to come in, setting fire to the village as a warning to the boy. Afraid for the lives of his village, it was then that the boy decided he had to leave. If he was not there with his gift, then his village would not be in danger. So, he left, taking the land with him as punishment for the fighting.” I frowned,

           “What happened to him?” Dr. Barker shrugged.

           “Nobody knows. Many have hunted him, but none have caught him. Some believe he lives in his wolf form, some believe him dead, and others do not believe he ever existed.” He shrugged again.

           “What do you believe?” Dr. Barker studied the cover of the book for a long moment, before meeting my gaze.

           “She’s in danger.” I shallowed as a hard ball settled in my stomach at his words.