Fire and Rain

The Meeting

I’m half awake being shook by none other than Maria. I forgot she said that she was going to do my hair this morning. Hopefully she can help with makeup as well. I have to look perfect today but my stomach isn’t allowing it. I open my eyes to start the day.

“Finally! Your awake, you were like this yesterday too. Must be a good dream.” She says with a smile on her face.

“If you consider blood, bodies, fire, a set of gorgeous eyes and marshmallows then you are correct”

Maria looks at me with a puzzled face. I’m worried that I have too much away and don’t want to be questioned. I love having a caster friend but I hate the superstition they have. To a caster, all dreams are signs, almost like a silent premonition. Sometimes those dreams do in fact come to life at some point. Others are just simply that, a dream. Although one time we were little she told me all about a dream she had; a place where there was a bunch of juices, hot coco and sweets for days. I guess they can come true because the Cafe has amazing stuff.

“All but the marshmallows doesn’t sound like a dream, more like a nightmare. You know there are tales of..”

I quickly run to the bathroom and brush my teeth, was my face and throw on my robe. Thank goodness mom put things away for me. I’m not sure if she will approve of my last second idea, but it’s in stone now. I walk out of the bathroom and almost run into Maria.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you where right I front of the door. I didn’t wash my hair this morning, so I must’ve learned something yesterday” I say smiling and hoping she doesn’t analyze my dream.

“Uh huh. Ok well if you want to learn and be out of the house on time we should start. First make up. This concealer should hide the bags under your eyes. This is a natural color that we will use, not to bold but enough to intimidate.”

Maria goes on to explain blush and contouring. Then she sprays me in the face with something called a finishing spray. So I guess that is all the make up tips for today. I will say that I look wide awake and cheerful, even though I feel tired and sluggish. She takes out another weird curling iron, but it’s flat and reminds me of a stapler.

“What is that?!”

“This my dear friend is a flat iron. I bought you one that is self explanatory and easy to use. On/off switch and slim, that way you won’t burn yourself.”

“ So your showing me how to do this.”

“Well I can be here every morning, I do have a life outside of here.” She chuckles while talking.

“I know that, but I have to look like I know what I’m doing today. Thank you for being my best friend, somedays I’m not sure what I would do without you.”

She smiles at me with gentle eyes, “I will always be here for you. After watching me a couple times, you can do this yourself. Honestly the hardest part is part is sectioning off your hair. You have so much of it.”

“I’m a werewolf, what do you expect?”

We laugh for a bit and she explains how to do my hair on my own. It looks simple enough, clamp down sweep from scalp to ends. She makes me finish the top layer and then she fixes my mistakes, which surprisingly wasn’t that many.

“Ok, I have to get going. Getting dressed is on you today. Pants, shirt, jacket and those flats will be your armor today. The sort is not missing buttons! Wear this bra and everything will make sense. Also Jace is going to pick you up and drive you. Love you bye!” she dashes out the door while waving.

I swear, she is a hurricane! Waltzing in like no big deal and changing everything when she leaves. I look over at the chair and look at this bra. I wore a sports bra yesterday, maybe that’s why I was uncomfortable. I put the white pants on and they fit amazingly, not like the ones yesterday. I put the bra and shirt on, I think she said to tuck the shirt. I can’t remember but it feels right. Then I put on the white jacket and look in the mirror. I feel like my b***s are touching my chin but it looks good with this jacket. My long black hair is down to my elbows since it’s straight as a board. I look like my parents do when they go to meetings, only better in my opinion. I hear the horn honk so I put on the red flats, grab the papers that I prepared and run out the door. If they think they can control me, I’m showing them otherwise.

I see Jace’s expression and I know that this is the right outfit. I get in the car and we head off to the conference hall.

“Am I aloud to talk to you?” His voice almost sounds shaky.

“Of course, your my best friend. If I don’t like what you say, well we can settle it our way.”

“You just look so different, like the second I saw you I felt like I needed to get my s**t together before I even spoke to you. You even smell different, I can’t really describe it. I do know that if I didn’t know you, I would keep my mouth shut.”

“Well if I can intimidate you, this meeting will be a breeze” we laugh and make small talk.

We pull up to the conference hall. Normally I would fell nauseated just looking at it. Today, I feel almost angry but also a sense of level headedness. I have to keep my anger in check! They might be plotting against me, but now that I’m aware of the situation, I’m plotting against them. For when I turn Alpha, I can deem the Elders unnecessary.

“Let’s get this s**t done” I say in a firm voice.

“Of course, ladies first.” He says while opening the door while we fist bump.

Upon entering the hall, I see five Elders sitting on what looks like thrones on a stage. My parents don’t even have thrones, well I see one change that will happen. My parents are sitting directly in front of them, backs turned towards them. It almost gives off courtroom vibes. My father is looking at me with nothing but pride in his eyes. My mother looks a combo of pride and worry, which really isn’t new. The desk facing my parents and elders is Jace and I’s seat. Put a warrior in here and you would have a courtroom. The air is thick and heavy, Jace looks uncomfortable but I’m fine. I know my parents have to try to be the neutral party here. Well, here we go,

“Elders of the Aspen Pack, I would like to thank you for meeting us on such short notice. I would also like to thank the Alphas of Aspen for joining us as well.” I say in a welcoming voice.

“What is the purpose of this meeting, don’t you have training or something to do” asks Elder #3

“Of course she does, that’s her best trait” snaps Elder #2.

I can literally feel Ridley wanting to tear their throats out for speaking this way. I manage to keep her under control. I can’t help but think of how these f*****s have forgotten how packs work. Then again we aren’t your average pack.

I do a half smile, “Of course gentlemen, I know that your time is precious. I just wanted to properly introduce my plans on the boarder patrol project. As well a few other updates.”

“Can you make this brief, I do have other plans for the day”. Elder #5 asks with annoyance.

Why are these three so hostile. Although I didn’t make a formal announcement about the meeting they made time for it. I don’t think that they have seen Ridley and at the moment they really don’t want to, we are both ready to rip their throat’s out. Well I guess nice is no longer an option and I never do this;

“Elders of Aspen, as your furniture Alpha, I expect you to speak to me in the manner that you have spoken to present and past Alphas. I may not have as many responsibilities as I should but I’ve been placed in a position that affects not just you but the whole pack. I would advise that you listen, as you are considered part of my pack.”

The way I made my statement, not only surprised me but everyone in the room. I could hear Riley’s growl while speaking, so I am sure that they heard her. I look at my parents, they are both surprised by my boldness. I’ve never thrown around my title but I just did. Jace is sitting next to me sitting straight as a board, not wanting to look me in the eye. After a long silence someone says;

“Please continue Jocelyn.” Elder #4 says.

“Thank you, as you know the patrol has been weakened throughout the years. We have implemented contracts, mergers, and have had the caster community place a barrier. All have failed over the years but I plan to change this. The men I have now definitely have the drive to become better and stronger. I would also like to thank the Alphas for the new facilities that will be completed soon.”

I explain my plans to them as well as suggest they visit after the complex is finished. I tell them that we will be doing a weekend trip to better connect. Which caught their attention even more, I suppose our strengthening will be their weakening. Then I drop the bombshell;

“While here with you all, I would like to announce that although not official, Jace will be my Beta when the Alphas decide to step down.”

I smile knowing they will hate this because it’s no secret that Jace’s family despises the elders. The odds of them staying around is slimmer and slimmer. Jace stands and gives almost a menacing grin, almost saying f**k you. As we wrap up our meeting and are saying farewell, Elder #1 speaks for the first time;

“Since we are talking about the packs future, have you found your mate yet or will we not have a male Luna during your time ruling?” He asks in a matter of fact voice.

“Elder, I don’t believe my personal life is your concern. But, if you must know, no I have not. As for the packs future, if a male Luna is never found, well I’m sure that I can lead this back by myself. But I would like to thank you for your concern on the matter.” I answer in a cold tone.

“I’m just trying to remind the council that the position is open and you being so different in you genetics it may be impossible. A breed like you shouldn’t exist”

Upon hearing this, my mother has to hold my father back because he is three seconds away from shifting. She is growling a growl I’ve never heard and honestly I don’t want to hear again. I know he said this to get a rise out of us. I indirectly told him that his position will be canceled once I take over. So I guess saying anything to push my buttons will please him at this point.

“I enjoy the fact that I am a one of a kind type breed. It’s more enjoyable, perhaps you could go on the weekend trip. You’ve never seen Ridley, and I’m positive she is DYING to see you.” I smile at him with determination in my eyes. “Enjoy the rest of your day, I heard there are plans this afternoon. Please enjoy yourselves.”

My parents, Jace and myself walk outside. We all take a deep breath of fresh air all in relief. I smell it again, it’s odd that I’m the only one who smells this. Whatever it is I have to find it, I wonder if Ridley could help. Honestly I’m surprised she hasn’t b****d yet.

“Jocelyn! What were you thinking? We don’t go throwing our title around. Especially not to the elders. The roots go too deep!” Mom is practically yelling at me.

“Mrs. Ridge as much as I agree with you. I think we should have this conversation elsewhere.” Jace is looking at my mother then the doors”.

“Jace, you may have taken your place by Jocelyn but right now you are still the toddler running around the yard as long as I’m here. But you are correct.”

“I have sent the guys to train all day. I asked them to just go home and rest for the night. Let’s go to the house, Jace I would like you to come as well. You also brought me sooooooo, I’m slim on options to get home.” I say attempting to lighten the mood.

Mom and Dad take off, I’m sure that she is giving him hell because he filled me in on stuff that she has hidden from me. Jace and I take off to their house. I text Maria and ask her if she can come as well, the caster community needs in on what’s happening. Of course she tells me that she will be there and is bringing cannoli’s, great now I can gain 5 pounds good thing I’m running all weekend. We arrive at my parents house. Jace and I know very well that we are walking into the wolfs den, literally. I don’t even get through the door;

“Joc, what where you thinking? They are planning on challenging you and you go and make sly remarks. Your just stirring the pot!”

“Well if you wouldn’t hide s**t from me, I wouldn’t have to go to the extremes.” Mom and I are practically growling at each other. Jace and Dad are over talking about something, honestly probably sports.

“Ladies, don’t make me have to break you up” Maria smiles at the doorway. “I swear once the two of you start there is no stopping you. But I love you both! I also brought dinner, I figure this would happen ever since I heard of the meeting. Hi Mr. Ridge! Jace..you have yet to come down to do cake tasting, stop leaving it all to Sarah.”

Maria has always been able to calm a room, that’s kind of one of her gifts. She goes around hugging everyone, one she gets to me she tells me that I look amazingly beautiful in my suit. Jace and I have already changed out of that nonsense and are prepared for the tongue lashing we are about to receive. But shockingly it never came, so I guess I will state my peace;

“I think I have some explaining to do. After Dad and I talked last night, I lost my temper. I acted irrationally and should’ve spoken with you all first. I asked Maria to come because she is next Regon of her coven.” I take a long pause “the only way to get rid of the Elders is for me to reject them when I become Alpha. However I’m not ready to have the title, I still have much to learn.” I am essentially apologizing.

As Jace is taking another breadstick he adds “I’m thrilled that they now know that you aren’t just bronze. I will say that you owned that room! I must apologize as well, I did what was asked of me before talking with the Alphas of the pack.”

“I saw what happened Loves, you know I can’t mind my own. I want you to know that the coven only accepts peace, we don’t do wars. Even though this wolf business doesn’t affect us, it will affect our way of life. I’ve spoken with Grams, we are on the royals side.”

“Dear, what is your thoughts on this situation? You’ve stayed quiet which is hardly ever the case.” Mom looks at Dad slightly worried.

“All these years, I’ve taught you how to defend yourself physically. Your mother has taught you that leadership is more effective. I’ve never seen a wolf command a room like that. Do what you see fit, once I retire, I’m at peace knowing that you are taking over” he says with sincerity.

We chat for hours about the meeting, cafe, a wedding, fighting, the camping trip and everything in between. Just like it was when we were little and our parents would have play dates. Looking at it all, this was probably planned. Maria is the next to take after her coven. Jace’s Dad was my Dad’s Beta before the merge. Apparently I’m a breed of my own. Our parents knew this was going to happen. The tiny trio grew up and are prepared to do what needs to be done.

We all say our goodbyes and Jace takes me to my house. I enjoy some coco that Maria put together for me while looking out my window. Ugh, this is my life; prove myself to people that want to see me fail all while trying to prepare a group of wolves to be my boarder warriors. We leave for camp tomorrow, I’m too tired to walk to bed at this point. I slowly fall into my deep sleep and dream but it changed.

I’m in a field of fresh summer grass, the smell of rain and marshmallows. He’s here, but where?! I walk over to see a man, maybe 23, a shorter style hair cut and beautiful yes. They’ve changed from a dark color to a bright gentle blue. I go and sit next to him in the field.

“I’m Joc”

“Nick” he says in a monotone voice

“I’m taking it that’s your name?” I say with almost a chuckle

“Indeed it is”

“This is different than the other times I’ve seen you”

“Is that right princess?”

“I’m not a princess!” I can’t help but look in his eyes and be in complete peace. However I hear a horrible noise, what is it?

“It’s time, I will see you soon enough Jocelyn”