The Witch and the Wolf

Elyndra woke up with a gasp drenched in sweat. She turned to the clock, 5:55 in the morning. Something was brewing and she knew it wasn’t going to be sweet or easy. She hadn’t dreamt of the day she found her fated mate or the day she almost died in almost 5 years. The memory came back to her for a reason, she knew that. She laid back down and closed her eyes, resting her hand over her heart and breathing slowing. She was glad she still had some perks to her werewolf blood like enhanced hearing. She listened to the world waking up beyond her humble home; birds chirping, wind whistling, bees buzzing. After her heart slowed to its regular place she got up to start her day. When she finished making her coffee, she grabbed her cup and phone to call her brother, Ethan, while she sat outside. It was still early but if he wasn’t busy or sleeping, he would pick up. He was currently at a neighboring pack completing his last internship of Beta duties before coming home. “Good Morning El,” came his rough voice. “I hope I didn’t wake you,” “No, I needed to get up anyway,” She laughed, “I’m glad that habit hasn’t changed while you’ve been away,” He smiled, “I’ll be back soon, in a weeks time,” “While I enjoy our chats, I definitely miss you,” “Same El,” he paused, “what’s going on? I know somethings wrong,” Her brows furrowed. He knew her like no one else. “Something is going to happen today. I’m not sure what, but it’s not going to be good,” “El, whatever it is I’m just a phone call away. I can always call Dylan to go hang out with you if you’d like. I don’t know what’s going to happen today, but trust your intuition. The Goddess gave you such an amazing gift and - and whatever she has in store for you today - well I’m gonna be honest that’s all I got,” Elyndra laughed and her brother smiled big; he had been walking to the Alpha’s office after rushing to get ready and everyone was giving him questioning looks. El’s laugh was bright and full of magic - it was easier to make her laugh now than three years ago. He never wanted her to have a bad day again. “That’s enough to get me through the day. Thank you,” she was forever grateful for her brother. The only one who had stood beside her after what happened. “Anytime. I’ve gotta let you go though. I’ll call you tonight,” “Alright. I know you’re doing a great job over there,” “Thanks! One more thing before I go,” he paused and she said his name to make sure he was still there. He didn’t lower his voice, he didn’t care who heard. “You were meant to be Luna. You are the daughter of two Betas. You have been blessed by the Moon Goddess herself. You have a power like no one else. Don’t forget that. Love you, bye,” he ended the call quick so she couldn’t argue with him. She stared open mouthed at the phone. After a minute she sipped her coffee and look out at the horizon. “I think he’s got a little bit of witch him like I have a little bit of wolf in me,” she whispered to the wind. He was right to hang up on her though, she found a new determination for the day. Every word he said was truth and that was power in itself. —- Ethan —— He wasn’t sure why those words spilled out, but he just had a feeling that she needed to hear them. He looked up from his phone and realized the office door had been cracked. He took a deep breath before pushing the door open. He nodded his head toward the two men already in the office. “Alpha Caelum, Gamma Jace,” said Ethan. “Pep talk for the mate?” Asked Gamma Jace with a cheeky smile. Ethan gave a side smile, “No mate here. Just my sister,” he tried to tread carefully with the mate, knowing Alpha Caelum’s loss. Alpha Caelum tilted his head. He liked Beta Ethan; he would do well in his duties. “I’d like to ask you something persona,” Ethan shrugged and walked closer, “Go for it,” “You have three sisters, but we’ve only ever heard you talk to one,” Ethan read between the lines and answered, “I’m not close to the other two nor my parents,” Jace nodded, “I guess if you’re going to be close to any of them it makes sense to be your sister who mated with Alpha Silas,” Ethan didn’t respond but changed the topic. Jace didn’t notice but Caelum did. He made a mental note, technically Ethan’s family relations was none of his business but he instincts were telling him something was up. And if he was to be visiting that pack soon, he wanted to be sure he wasn’t walking into a trap. The men work diligently reviewing contracts, training, patrols, and more. Caelum wanted to make sure when Ethan returned to his own pack, he could support both the Alpha and pack members. They conversed about each others packs when Jace furrowed his brow and asked, “Ethan, I’ve just noticed but your pack doesn’t face as many rogue attacks as others. In fact you guys are at the bottom with little to none. How do you guys do it?” Before Ethan could answer, Beta Lucy burst in the room. Her face was red and tear streaked and she could barely catch her breath. He stupidly quickly, ready for a potential threat. Caelum put his hand out “It’s okay, there’s no threat. We can finish this later,” “Yes, Alpha” Jace said as he stood to leave. He gave Lucy a sad look before walking out. Ethan was about to walk out before Caelum stopped him and asked him to stay. Ethan nodded before he walked to close the doors. When he turned he was surprised to see Caelum sitting next to Lucy comforting her. While he knew Caelum was different with his own pack, it was still shocking to see. He was veered as a dark and ruthless Alpha. Before Ethan sat down, he poured a glass of water for Lucy. “What if it never happens Caelum? We’ve been mated for year now, I -“ she burst into new tears before she could finished. Caelum hugged her and said, “Killian and I have been talking,” he looked to Ethan, “that’s why I asked Ethan to stay. But I want to be clear, Lucy, I don’t want to get your hopes up,” he turned to look at her then. She tried to pull herself together before gripping Caelum’s hand and turning to face Ethan too. Ethan slide her the glass of water and some tissue before Caelum continued, “Killian and Lucy have been trying to get pregnant. They haven’t been lucky, however, any and all testing comes back positive. They’re nothing wrong with them. We’ve talked to many pack doctors and healers. We haven’t gone to the Elders yet, but -“ he stopped himself. Trying to find the right words. “Killian tried talking to your packs doctors and healer. Your healer hinted at something but wouldn’t elaborate. Killian can’t get any information from anyone.”