Chapter 9
1090 Words
Elyndra woke late to multiple missed calls from her brother and panicked. She always returned his calls but she had never missed this many. She called him back as she walked to the kitchen to start her morning routine. He answered after three rings.
“Elyndra!!” Ethan whisper firmly. “What the hell is going on? Why haven’t a you returned any of my calls or texts? Beta Killian said he saw you last night but you did not look well. I’ve been so worried,”
She whimpered, “I’m so sorry Ethan. I didn’t mean to, I promise,”
He sighed, “What’s going on El?”
She started crying and Ethan gripped his phone, “I promised I would help him, I promised no harm would come to him in the diner and - and - and they just killed him. Right there. They held me down and made me watch, I didn’t know what to do - how to help - what if I could have saved him?” She bawled louder as she slipped to the floor and clutched her chest.
Ethan hadn’t heard her cry like this since their grandmother passed. He was worried he couldn’t hold his wolf back; he was angry that he wasn’t there to comfort her and he was angry that he wasn’t there to help her. He growled and grumbled but Elyndra didn’t notice.
Caelum felt the shift in the air and stepped out of the office. He locked onto Ethan struggling, he was gripping his phone and holding himself up on the wall. He was breathing heavy and when he looked at Caelum he could see the struggle. He walked slowly toward him and gripped his shoulder.
His wolf rose and he spoke softly but strongly, “Breathe Ethan,” he slowly grabbed the phone. He had to pull the phone away for a moment, he wasn’t expecting to hear someone crying on the other end. “Hello?” Came his gruff voice. The crying paused.
Elyndra’s breath caught, and through sniffles she said fiercely, “Who is this? Where is Ethan?”
Caelum’s eyes didn’t leave Ethan’s. He raised his brow and that calmed Ethan slightly, he smirked. He breathing was slowing.
“He needs a moment,”
“What happened?!” She struggled to stand up, concern for her brother filling her.
“Whatever you said upset his wolf,” Caelum said calmly. Ethan was able to stand straight but had his eyes closed. The struggle was still there.
She started crying again but softly, “I’m sorry Ethan, I - I didn’t mean to upset you,”
Ethan growled, “You didn’t, whatever happened did,”
“What happened?” Caelum asked carefully. He had only seen someone struggle like this when he looked in the mirror, with newly turned pups, and when Killian first met Lucy.
Elyndra stayed quiet, “Who is this?”
“Alpha Caelum,”
Her heart stuttered, “I don’t think I should say..”
“I’m okay now,” Ethan took the phone back. Thankfully the hallway was empty. He knew Caelum would stay to hear, it wasn’t to hear though. It was to make sure Ethan would be okay. “I’m sorry El, it’s hard to hear when I’m not there to comfort you. Please continue. Alpha Caelum needs to stay though, to keep me in check,” he gave a half smile even though she couldn’t see it.
“Keep you in check? What are you newly turned?” She said lightly. Ethan chuckled and felt the tension ease. Caelum watched with interest these siblings banter.
“Okay, El. Tell me what happened, maybe don’t break down in tears this time,” he joked half-heartily.
She smiled and took a breath. She wanted to tread carefully since an alpha was hovering, “I - A friend came seeking help, I promised him safety and that no harm would come to him,” she poured a cup as she stared out the kitchen window. She didn’t take her eyes off the grave as she spoke, “He protected me and they made me watch while they killed him. He was weak, from rejecting his mate. He wasn’t a threat, Ethan. He wasn’t a threat,”
Caelum knew she was talking in a code, but continued to watch with interest.
“Was his mate from our pack? Why did he reject him?” Ethan asked puzzled
“Yes. It was your sister, she found her fated mate,” Elyndra whispered.
Ethan blinked, shocked, and carefully asked, already knowing the answer, “Why did he reject her?”
“He didn’t like her choices,” Ethan closed eyes and took a deep breath as she continued, “I - I was scared,”
“But?” Ethan knew there was something she wanted to tell him.
“I - I did something.. I don’t regret it, but -“ she couldn’t find the words
“It’s okay El, take your time,”
“I made sure they wouldn’t underestimate me ever again,” she said firmly.
“Good,” Ethan said proudly. “I’ll be back sooner than planned. I’ll stop by the diner on my way in,”
Her eyes widened and she panicked for a moment, “um about that…”
Ethan relaxed, “I already know. Do you want me to hire someone?”
“Sure,” she relaxed too. “I can’t wait for you to be home,”
“Same, El. Take today to stay inside and away from trouble,” They said their goodbyes and Elyndra went to shower, feeling slightly better.
Ethan sighed deeply and glanced at Caelum, only slightly embarrassed. “Thank you, for your help,”
Caelum nodded and took a seat. “I take it, Luna Grace is not the sister you are close with,”
Ethan leaned back, “You’re perceptive,”
“Indeed. I have many questions, but one sticks out most,”
“Go ahead,”
“Your sister, Elyndra, does she spell people?” Seeing his confusion, Caelum clarified, “Killian seemed a bit different after seeing her yesterday. Attached, if you will, and I am concerned,”
Ethan locked eyes with Caelum, “Not like that. She is naturally a calming presence, her energy attacks goodness and calm, warmth and safety. When she does her spell work, it is for a purpose. She would never disrespect the Moon Goddess or the bonds she creates,”
- Writer
