Hidden Powers

Chapter 6: Hope

                When Ava almost fell, I saw a small glimpse into her vision. Her babies were in danger if she didn’t rest right now. Yes, I said babies. It was time to let my mom know that our company was here. I showed them to their room, trying to decide at the same time if Mark should stay in his room as planned or if he should stay in mine. It depends on if my parents will allow it at this point. I’m an adult, but still living under their roof.

                “Mom!” I yelled out once I reached the bottom of the stairs. “Mom!” there was no answer so I stepped outside and magnified my voice. “MOM!!”

                There was some movement in the field, and it was coming fast. I focused my eyes and saw that it was my mom running fast to the house. She must have used a spell to help her get back so quickly. “What’s going on?” Mom asked with concern all over her face.

                “It’s Ava.” I whispered. She didn’t wait to listen to anything else as she ran past me and up the stairs to their guest room. As I got to the room after my mom, I saw her kneeling down next to the bed and waving her hands over Ava’s body while chanting something under her breath.

                “When did she last eat or have blood?” Mom asked James.

                “We ate some food this morning, but it was a few days ago when she drank some blood.” He said.

                “Hope, go to the fridge in the basement and get some pouches we have on standby please.”

                “I’ll go, it’ll be faster.” Mark said as he rushed out the door and was back in under a minute. “Here you go ma’am.” He handed them to her.

                She chuckled at being called ma’am but left it alone for now. “Drink Ava, it will help you and your babies grow stronger.”

                “Babies?” Ava and James said at the same time.

                “Did you not know?” Mom asked looking guilty. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to ruin the surprise.”

                “We knew that I was pregnant, but you said babies, as in plural. Not just one.” Ava said.

                “Yes, you’re having twins. I suppose it comes from James’s bloodline.” She smiled at them.

                Ava looked up at James with so much love in her eyes and he looked down her with the same amount in his. He knelt down next to her and grabbed her hand. “I love you Ava, and our children.” He reached over and kissed her gently.

                “I love you too James. We love you too.” She whispered. “Thank you Anne.” Ava said turning her head towards my mom.

                “Of course dear. Now drink up, and you’ll have to stay in bed for a bit while your strength builds up again. I know you’re strong already, but you have two strong babies growing in you now. All three of you need to drink blood and eat on a regular basis still.”

                “I’ll makes sure she does.” James said.

                “It’s a pleasure to have you both here. I’ll go make up some sandwiches and bring them up for you both.” She stood up and went towards the door then turned back to me and Mark. “Follow.” She said with a pointed look.

                When we got downstairs to the kitchen, she brought out the bread and went to get plates. I went to the fridge and brought out all the lunch meats, cheese, sandwich spreads and a tray of fruits and veggies. I put them on the counter for her as she pulled out the slices of bread. “You there, grab a knife from that drawer and stuff chopping up the fruits and veggies.”

                “Yes ma’am.” Mark said and did what she asked. Mom sighed then turned to look at him.

                “I’m glad you have manners, but please, call me Anne.” She smiled at him.

                “Yes Anne.” He smiled back and got to chopping. Should I tell mom now, or wait for dad to get home?

                “Hope, can you get some glasses so they can at least drink the blood like civil vampires?”

                “Sure mom.” I went to the cupboard near the sink and pulled out two glasses. I was mulling over my choice to tell mom my news now or later. It was a difficult decision to make.

                “Here. You two can take up the food. I’ll clear this up then come down for your sandwiches. I think they might want to be alone for the night to digest the news of a second baby.” I grabbed the glasses while Mark grabbed the tray mom handed to him. We made our way upstairs and I knocked on the open door before entering. They looked over to me and smiled.

                “We have your lunch.” I told them. Mark set the tray down on the small table in the corner of the room while I took the glasses to the bedside table where the blood bags were. I poured them into the glasses and brought them to the table. “Congratulations! Twins are pretty fantastic.” I smirked at them.

                “Oh yeah, twins are great.” Ava rolled her eyes while James laughed.

                “Come on, Jade and I aren’t that bad.”

                “Now you’re not.” She whispered loud enough for me to hear. I laughed at them. They were so cute together.

                “Let me know what you’re done with the plates and everything. I’ll come back up and grab them.” I told them as I grabbed Mark’s hand to drag him back down to the kitchen with me.

                “You two aren’t eating with us?” Ava asked as she eyes the many sandwiches on the plate.

                “You two need to be alone, and most of those are for you.” I looked her in the eye so she understood the importance of what I mean. “We’ll be eating downstairs together. See you later.”

                With Mark by my side, we walked back down to the kitchen where we saw our own plate of sandwiches on the table. There was a glass of blood for Mark, and some orange juice for me. I smiled to myself thinking that my mom was so thoughtful.

                “Where’s your brother?” Mom asked as she came back into the kitchen. “Is Lucy supposed to stop by today still? I wanted to know if they need food as well.”

                “Holton and Lucy are together somewhere around the farm. Ava helped them realize that they’re true mates even though Lucy isn’t 18 yet.”

                “I had a feeling about those two, but you said true mates. As in…?”

                “Yes mom. They’re first chosen mates.”

                “I can’t believe it. First you two are part of the chosen five, and now your brother is even more rare to find his true mate. Our ancestors have truly blessed our family.” She was still mumbling as she walked back out and went somewhere else in the house.

                “Would you like to tell her about us?” Mark asked.

                “I’ve been debating about that since we got to the house to be honest.” I told him. “I’m not sure if it’s something to do while she’s alone or to wait until my dad gets home later. It might be easier to explain once instead of twice.”

                “That makes sense.”

                “How will your family react to me being a witch?” I know there are some who disapprove when there are mates of different species.

                “They’re going to be thrilled! You’re a huge step up to the first mate I was given.”

                “Oh.” I wasn’t sure what to say to that. I had no idea he already had a mate, so why was he my first chosen? My true mate?

                “It’s not what you think.” He said as he sensed my feelings. “I was paired with a vampire named Lacey, but I never felt anything towards her. She was cruel person, and selfish. She had her eyes set on Chase, James’s best friend and mate to Jade. I was getting ready to release her, because there was no way I was going to live a life with someone who has a hateful heart. She released me first though since her greed was strong.”

                “Let me guess, she was hoping Chase would become her second chance once he turned 18?”

                “Exactly. I felt better knowing I didn’t have to do the releasing and potentially causing her pain. When I laid my eyes on you, I felt my entire world change. I never felt that when I looked at Lacey. She was never meant to be mine. I think she was being punished for all her bad habits you could say. Since she released me, she won’t get a second chance at love.”

                “You have a good heart Mark. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better.” I smiled at him.

                “I feel like I already know you from listening to Ava talk about you throughout the entire trip.” He laughed. “I think she had a feeling about us.”

                “It’s possible. When I talked to her on their wedding day, you came to the room to show her a text. I saw you through her eyes and I was hooked. I didn’t understand why at first, and I kept asking her about you. It all makes sense now.” I blushed as I finished telling him my short story. He smiled at me and started to lean in slowly. I leant in towards him, but then a door closed loudly and broke us apart. I heard my dads voice ring out from the doorway.

                He came into the kitchen and stopped when he saw Mark sitting at the table with me. “You must be Mark, the guard for Ava.” He held his hand out and Mark stood up to shake it.

                “It’s nice to meet you sir.” Mark said to him.

                “Call me Thomas or Tom. Either one is fine.”

                “Oh good you’re home.” Mom said from the entrance. “Ava and James are upstairs having some time together. They just found out they’re having twins, so some time alone is what they need before you go rushing up there to see them.”

                “I wasn’t going to.” The disappointed look on his face told us something different though.

                “Holton found his mate today.” Mom blurted out.

                “That’s wonderful! Where are they? Who is she?” Dad asked impatiently.

                “It’s Lucy, and they’re out on their first date.” I told him. I took a deep breath and look towards Mark. He nodded his head for me to continue. “I also found my mate.” I said standing up. Mark followed suit and we met each other halfway. He put his around my waist and I leaned into him with a smile.

                Mom and dad were looking back and forth between us. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Mom asked as she pulled us into a hug.

                “I wanted to wait until dad got home.” I shrugged.

                “Is he your true mate as well?”

                “He is. I can’t explain the feeling, but I know he is.”

                “True mate? As well? What’s going on?” Dad sounded confused.

                “Holton and Lucy are true mates, first chosen mates, and so are Mark and I.” I explained to him.

                “Like me and your mother.” He said gazing at her with love and warmth.

                “I knew it! You never told us before, but I always had a feeling. Mom you were right, our family is blessed.”

                “What about Jack though?” My face paled when my dad said his name. Mark sense the difference in my body and held me closer.

                “What do you mean?” I choked out.

                “I saw him today, and he was telling his friends about how you two are truly mated.”

                My whole body ran cold and I started to hyperventilate. I felt someone watching me, as if they were standing in the shadows. I looked at my dad and saw him half glaring at Mark. I walked up to him and caught his attention to bring his stare at me instead. Behind his brown eyes was a flicker of grey. I knew it. “Leave him alone Jack.” I hissed and slapped my dad with as much force as I could without hurting him permanently.

                “Hope! What are you doing!?” Mom shouted at me. Dad shook his head and grabbed his face.

                “What happened?” He must have blacked out while Jack was using him to speak.

                “Jack was possessing you. No more leaving the bubble, for anyone right now.” I told him.

                “I remember hearing Mark was your mate, then I don’t know what happened. How can he take control like that?”

                “He grew more powerful. I need to find all my hidden powers so I can defeat him before Michael has a chance to use him to his advantage.” There was no way I’m going to let this warlock scum get away with bringing my family into our business. Now he knows about Mark though, so that fuels my rage even more.