The Witch and the Wolf

Chapter 10: Elyndra

Elyndra had tried to keep herself busy the next few days. She tended her garden, her home, talked to contractors, and thoroughly read and researched her books to help Beta Killian. She needed to get out today though, so she packed a couple books before talking the small walk to the diner.

She sighed as she walked closer; her heart fell a little at the sight. She had been working at this diner since she was 13. She started full time shortly after she turned 16 and moved in with her grandmother. Her grandmother had bought the building shortly after that.

She had talked about potentially doing a full demo and rebuild as well as just a renovation. She wanted to talk with Ethan first, pick his brain. But she also wanted to keep the integrity and the sentiment of what it meant to her too.

She walked through the busted doors and put her things down on the bar top. She used her magic to pick up the bigger debris and move it to the side. She would sweep and mop without magic. She was just finishing up bagging some glass when she heard a couple car doors. She instantly smiled.

She heard the whistle and turned to the open windows with a huge smile, eyes locking onto her brother.

“Ethan!!” She shouted as her eyes welled with tears and she ran out to him. He caught her in a hug and spun her. They stayed like that, holding each other tight for a long moment before letting go.

Caelum, Lucy, and Jace had followed suit and gotten out of their cars. Ethan offered to take them to the pack house first but Caelum declined. Caelum’s breath caught in his throat when he saw Ethan’s sister smile and yell his name.

There was no way. He never thought it would happen to him. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as she ran toward her brother. He was glad he kept his glasses on.

Ethan pulled away and wiped her tears, “You did some damage didn’t you?”

She couldn’t stop smiling, “I mean I didn’t do it on purpose,”

“What are you doing here? I thought I told you to lay low,”

She shrugged, “I needed to get away, I was feeling cooped up. Figured I could do some cleaning since I made the mess,”

“Fair enough,” he led her to three people standing a short distance way. He completed introductions and pleasantries.

Lucy was filled with anticipation and looked toward Caelum for permission before speaking. It wasn’t that she needed too, she was a strong woman, but she learned to enjoy the protection the men in her life gave her.

“I’m Lucy, Beta Killian’s mate,”

Elyndra smiled small, “I know. It’s nice to meet you,”

“I - I don’t know how to thank you,”

“Please, don’t thank me yet. As I told Beta Killian, I can promise to try my best, but I can’t promise guarantees,”

Caelum scowled, “Then why even offer to help if you can promise a solution,”

Elyndra frowned, startled by his gruff voice and the nastiness in his tone. There was something about him but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“The choices we make can change our fate. Fate is not set in stone, it’s always changing based on the choices we make. If I promised a solution, I would need to know the future and tell her every single choice to make to get that future,” she crossed her arms, “I’m a witch not a fortune teller,”

He blinked, no one spoke to him that way. Ethan didn’t correct her and Lucy cast him a wide eyed glance.

“If fate wasn’t set in stone, we wouldn’t have fated mates,” he growled out. Thinking of his own mate that he lost.

She stiffened, “Fated mates are a gift from the Goddess, but they are not set in stone,” her voice was grave. She dismissed him and turned back to Lucy. “I need to meet with both you and Killian. You two are welcome in my home to meet,”

“No,” Caelum interjected. He was upset.

Ethan frowned, “Caelum, El is trust worthy, her home is safe and -“

“No, her home is at the border of the pack. Too far from the safety of the pack. I won’t put my pack members at risk,” Lucy was confused, Killian had just gone to her home a few days ago. But she knew better than to question him in front of others.

Ethan felt something was off with Caelum. He had seen him at work in his own pack and with others. There was something going on and he was going to find out. He turned to his sister and said softly, “Would you come to the pack house?”

Elyndra turned her head away, “I’ll think about it,”

Caelum crossed his arms, “You will. You promised to help my pack members and you will follow through,”

This time as she snapped her head to him and her glowed, Ethan stepped in front of her and growled deep and low.

“Alpha Caelum, I respect you and all you’ve taught me, but you will show my sister respect,”

“Watch your tone Beta Ethan,” Caelum stood stiffly. He wasn’t expecting Ethan to respond this way, but he should have after seeing after that phone call. The bond these sibling shared was strong, stronger than any he’s seen in his lifetime.

“Not when it comes to her,” he said, eyes flashing.

Caelum took his glasses off and flashed his own eyes. Elyndra shot her hand to Ethan’s back, and gripped his shirt. She was furious. Ethan misread and stood his ground.

Caelum was surprised. He lowered his glasses and said, “We’ll find our way to the pack house. I’ll let Alpha Silas know you made a pit stop,” he turned and got back in the car without looking back.