The Change of Time

CHAPTER 3

ERIC P.O.V

“Father, please let me go with you. I also want to meet Elizabeth. I think we can become good friends.” “I’m sorry my boy, but its just not professional to bring your child to work.” “It’s not professional or is it because of what I am?” “Listen now carefully to me son, there is nothing wrong with you, do you understand me.” “Yes, father.” “Never be ashamed of who and what you are, you will someday be a powerful and a successful man.”

“Does Elizabeth know about what I am?” “No, son, and it’s not our place to say or do anything when it comes to her. Her parents will one day clarify everything to her. You are still so young don’t worry so much about the future now, just enjoy being a kid.” “Yes, father.” “And always remember your mother and I will always be proud of you.” “Yes Father.” “I love you, but I have to go now.” “I love you to dad.” He gave me a big hug and left. That was the last time we saw him. He was at the Williams house for two days.

I still remember that day when he came home. He was so tired and his eyes were bloodshot red, as if he was crying. “Father, father, what happened? Why didn’t you return home.”

“Where is your mother?” “She is busy in the kitchen.” I ran after my father as he went into the house to get my mother. He was holding onto her as if she was his lifeline. My father may have been human, but the mate bond between him and my mother was just as strong as any supernatural couple.

“What happen my darling?” I heard my mother ask. “It’s Henry and Elsa... they... they have died.” “What? How? But...” “Elizabeth found them two days ago in bed and she thought they were just sleeping. When I came there that afternoon, she was in tears and said that her mother and father didn’t want to wake up. She tried everything, even biting them, but nothing. So I ran up the stairs to see, but they were no longer with us.”

“That poor child what she must have gone through.“ “Her aunt come today to take her to the city. She will live with her now. I just hope she will get through this and return home someday.” “Elizabeth is a powerful child. She has the genes. She will be fine, you’ll see, and she will find out the truth for herself. What did the doctor say happened?”

“They died of heart attacks is all he told me.” “And you think that is true.” “No, I don’t, many people is after them for what they have done and it looks like someone got to them.” “Please just promise me you won’t go digging around love, they can be dangerous for you and us.” “I know love... I know.”

My dad never found out what happened that day, but he always went and looked after the garden, hoping that Elizabeth was doing fine. When her aunt came to fetch her that day she told my father to never make contact and to leave her alone so that she could have a normal life, not the life her parents had and the way I saw Elizabeth this morning with Jarred and them, I’m a hundred percent sure she has no clue about the live in the shadows.

She has the instinct of a Hunter, that I could see in her eyes and I’m sure Jarred noticed it too and is telling his Alpha as we speak, but she did not have a clue what they were. I can’t believe her aunt never told her. I know my father said that her aunt hasn’t got the gene, but her sister did and that she was always jealous about that.

But she must have certainly noticed that Elizabeth had it. There is no way that she wouldn’t have it, as her mother and father were of the Hunter gene. Elizabeth is in for the shock of her life and I will be there to help her through it, but for now, I should probably get started in that garden. It’s a total mess over there.

After my father died, my mother soon followed, as the pain of losing her mate was too hard for her to bear. After that, I could not get myself to look after the garden. It held too many memories of my father and me spending endless hours looking after it, but never allowed to go into the house, and I was fine with that.

I never wanted to go into that house. I’m sure it was haunted. On some knights, we could see lights going on and off in the house and some days when we were tending to the garden, I could swear I hear a woman singing in the kitchen. My father always said that I was being silly, but I swear someone was in there.

That night when I went to the house when the light was on. Is because usually the light only stays on for ten minutes and then goes off again, but not that night. I watched it as it just kept on staying on, so I thought I would just take a run and see what was going on.

Then I saw the gate broken open and knew someone was in there and that is when I laid my eyes on the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She took my breath away with her wild red hair, blue eyes like sapphires and that blush skin like she was living at the beach. She was so tall for a girl she looked me straight in the eyes, no fear in hers as she pointed her gun at me. At that moment, I thought she would sense what I was, but did not. I thought it was because she was too tired to fully concentrate and sense that I was not fully human, but now I know she doesn’t have a clue... she is a Hunter.

As I was cleaning out the overgrowth near the driveway, I could feel her eyes on me as she climbed out of the car just standing there in silence, and I could not help the smile that came on my face. “O hey, Elizabeth.” “O hey, you here early.” That look on her face she knew I just caught her out, but I will play it cool. “Ya, I finished up my the things I had to do faster than I thought and do you want me to look at the gate for you.” “O please, I will very much appreciate that.” She said as she turned to go inside.

“O... Elizabeth?” I just couldn’t help myself. “Ya...” “Next time when you ogling a guy, maybe you want to do that where they can’t see you.” She turned beetroot red as I said that, and it was so adorable. I just wanted to grab and kiss her right there and then.

“I wasn’t ogling you, I was just...” “Whatever you say, beautiful, now let me get back to work.” Or I will kiss her. I needed to get my thoughts on something else. She was driving me and my counterpart crazy, without even noticing it.

I went to look at the gate, wanting to give her more security, not that I won’t be around to look after her, but she will not know that. The perks of being a Black Panther, can’t see them in the shadows.

This is fixable just need a service, oil and the battery needs to be change then it should work like brand new. “Eric!” “Elizabeth called.” “Ya...” I answered. “Would you mind helping me with moving some of these old furniture out please?” “Sure, I will be right in.”

I will do anything for her. She just doesn’t know it yet. “So why are we moving the furniture out?” “O, I bought a few new things in town and they said they will take care of the old furniture for me, so I won’t need to struggle. O look out for the... step.” As she said that, I tripped and nearly fell with the couch on top of me.

“Ha ha ha, sorry I didn’t mean to laugh, it just your face... Ha ha ha, sorry.” She got red in her face, trying to hold her laugh in, and it made me laugh. She is so adorable. “So not a fan of old wooden furniture?” “No definitely not, I like a more out of this era style.” We both started laughing at that. Even I must admit, this light wood with blood red material will also give me the creeps.

“So who is bringing the new furniture?” I asked as I want to have a talk with him. No one in town will just help anybody. They always have an alternative motive. “A guy name Seena said he will do it. Why do you ask?” “O... the battery at the gate needs replacing, I will just call him and asked him to bring one with.” “O okay and thank you again for all your help Eric.” “It’s my pleasure.” She is definitely sensing something with me. I can see it in her eyes every time they get lighter or darker, but it must be good, as she looks comfortable with me.

I left some of the wild flowers that started growing in the garden as they remind me about her. “O yes, she is a wild one isn’t she.” “O you remember you have a voice now do you.” “Eric, stop being so dramatic. I don’t think she will like that in a man. Besides, if I came forward earlier, don’t you think she would have sense me? She is not ready to know about this world.”

“Ya, you’re right, like sometimes.” “Sometimes... I’m always right.” “Ha ha ha that’s what you think.” “You know she is not our mate.” “I know, but I think this feeling is pretty close to that and you are also liking what you are seeing in her.” “There, I must agree with you. She is adorable, and it’s hard not showing her who we are.”

“I know buddy, but like you said, she is not ready to know yet.” “And here comes mister, I want to be with her.” “Don’t worry, I will handle Seena, you just keep a low profile.” “Ya I hear you.” My counterpart Phantom can be very possessive of what he thinks is his.

“O hey Eric how’s the gardening going.” “Shut it Seena, did you bring the battery?” “Of course, here you go...garden boy.” “Seena don’t test me, you may be part of the pack, but outside pack lands I can f**k you up.” He was definitely not expecting that. I have always kept to myself being the only one of my kind out here, but he is pushing it and I will not have it. Not here, not near her... and as if on queue, the gorgeous queen came out of her castle.

“Good day Seena, nice to see you again.” “Good day Miss, I just brought you your purchases.” “Thank you, Eric, I’m sorry I’m asking so much, but will you be able...” “It’s fine beautiful I will help Seena with the furniture, you just tell us where it must go.” And there it was again, that blush of hers.

As we are bringing in the furniture, I saw she knew exactly what she wanted and where she wanted it, another trade of the Hunters. Once they decided, they decided and there is no changing their minds.

“I see you have the hot's for the little Huntress.” “Keep your paws off her and stay away.” “O, but she is so intriguing. How will I ever do that?” “I’m not threatening you Seena, I’m warning you. Remember where you are and your place.” “You better watch your back... little kitten.” He said as he got into his truck and left.

I am really not bothered about his empty threats. The pack will never break the rules of the town. The town is free land only the woods belong to the pack. As long as I keep my distance and show the Alpha respect, the pack will not harm me. “But I will love to rip off Seena’s head.”

“Tell me about it. Did you see the look Elizabeth was giving him? She is definitely sensing something and the way her eyes went almost black, I don’t think she likes him.” “Ya, she is sensing his a dick.” “Not that, you i***t, it’s his wolf.” “Who are you calling, i***t?” Right there and then he started giving me a massive headache by jumping and growling in my head.

“Okay, okay I’m sorry...” “You better be.” I just rolled my eyes at that and went back to the garden. “Wasn’t it her parents that still made the rule that no harm can come to rogues that don’t harm anyone else.“ “Ya and that hunters are not allowed to attach packs, clans or covens that are not harming anyone. I still think that is the reason they got killed.”

“Eric, there is someone or something with her in that house. I don’t like it.” “I know, but it doesn’t seem to bother much. She looks almost content being in the house.” “You forgetting that we heard her crying last night.” “Ya, but like I said, it’s the memories she is having. I think it gets overwhelming sometimes.”

“I wish we could hold her and comfort her.” “We will, we must just be patient.” “I will kill the guy who did this to her.” “You and me both, but Fate has a plan, remember that.” “It doesn’t mean she is not a bitch.” “I must agree there. She can play cruel tricks on us.”

“So what do you think.“ “I’m sure she would love it. You worked hard today.” “Yes, and tonight it’s your turn.” “Jarred...” “I wonder why he is sniffing around here? It’s not like he hasn’t met a Hunter before.” “He better keep his paws off of what is mine.”

“O Phantom... calm down. I’m sure that he is not interested in her like that. He is the Beta of the pack. He needs to have a she-wolf for a mate.” “Ya, you’re right, maybe he is just checking what she knows.” “Ya maybe...”

“O Eric, thank you so much. The garden looks beautiful.” “It’s my pleasure.” Elizabeth stood there with a big smile on her face, taking in everything I did in the front garden. I love that look on her and hopefully one day I can make her look like that more often. “Hmm... I hope you are hungry, I made dinner and thought you might wane join me?” “I’m starving, just let me wash up then I will be right with you.”

“Well I did not see that coming.” “You and me both buddy.”

As I walked into the kitchen, I can see all the changes she made and it looks great. She was a very busy little Hunter today. “Don’t let her hear you call her that... she might rip your head off.” “Hey you should be hiding.” “Ya... ya.”

At that moment Elizabeth appeared in the doorway and stared at me, as her eyes went lighter and then came back to their normal color, I thought we were done for, but she just smiled at me and went to the table were all the glories food were set out.

“Please sit and help yourself.” “Thank you, this looks fabulous.” “I hope it tastes the same.” “I’m sure it will. It’s been awhile since I had a home cooked meal.” “You and me both.” “So how was it living in the big city.“ “Busy and most of the time exhausting.”

“What did you do for a living, if you don’t mind me asking.“ “No, it’s fine. I was a Homicide Detective.” “That explains the gun.” “Ya, sorry about that, never can be too careful. So what do you do for a living?”

“Well, my expertise is not nearly as exciting as yours. I’m just a regular handyman and the towns locksmith.” “A locksmith, so you have seen a lot of secrets.” “Ha ha ha, just tell me who you want to know what about. I’ll give you all their secrets.” At that, we both started laughing. After that, we finished our dinner, and I helped her clean up, all the while just talking about everyday life in town.

Later that night when I saw her putting out the lights, I gave Phantom the ropes and let him take over. I still remember the first time I shifted. I was six years old, and the pain was almost unbearable.

“Love...love! Something is happening out here with Eric!” My mother came rushing out and crouched next to me. “Just stay clam, Eric, and let your Puma take over. If you fight it, the change will take longer. Just breath and feel your body change, love.”

My father’s eyes got so big I thought they were going to pop out. I did as my mother told me and finally I changed and it was marvelous. I was a little clumsy on my paws at first, but my mother changed into her cat and helped me. We ran so long that night that we only got back home after one am. My dad loved to pat my fur after mother and I had a long run and I loved it as well. It always helped me to calm down and shift back. Now it’s nothing to change. I barely feel it and I do it under a second. Feeling the grass under my paws and the wind going thru my fur, I don’t think I will ever tire of the feeling.

As we neared Elizabeth’s house, I caught on his scent. “Jarred...” “This time we will get him.” I took the way around the house so that I am down wind from Jarred sent so he won’t sense me. Then I walk right up in front of him, startling him a little as he stood right outside her window.

Then we heard something, and a light came on. We ran into the overgrowth in the back and hid in the shadows. She opened the curtains and looked outside. It’s as if she could see us. She was looking straight at us, then the howling of other wolves could be heard in the distance and she turned her head in the direction from where the sound come from.

After a few minutes, she closed the curtains and turned the lights off, as Jarred and I turned back into our human form. Only pack or relatives can mind link, so we had to be in our human form to communicate.

“You nearly got us caught... little kitten.” “Stop calling me that and it’s you that were too close to the house. What are you doing here?” “I can ask you the same thing?” “O stop it, I can sense you are not attracted to her in that why, so what are you doing here?”

“Be careful, little kitten. She may break your heart, but that is not why I’m here. I just came and checked on her to see if she was safe. We don’t want what happened to her parents to happen to her.” “O why do you care? I’m here. No one will get near her.”

“So you say... There are two new hunters that moved into town today and even if you don’t like it, we protect this town and everyone living in it, even your girlfriend.” “Two new hunters?” “O of course you wouldn’t know you were here the whole day digging in dirt.”

“I’m helping her. You know she can’t fix this place up by herself.” “Ya, I hear you and I heard you and Seena had a brief run in today.” “He needs to learn his place.” “There, I agree with you. He is getting too big for his shoes. I will deal with him.” “Thank you, and you can monitor the new hunters. I got this place covered.” “Sure you do...” “And what is that supposed to mean.” “Nothing, just be careful, like I said she might break your heart.”

“Like I will break his face.” Phantom said in my head. “I will see you around Erick and keep an eye out.” “I will...don’t worry.”

“Why would new hunters be coming here?” I asked Phantom as I change back into him “You know she is rightfully the head of their council.” “I know, but she doesn’t even know who she is.” “Maybe they just want to see what she knows, that’s all.” “I don’t care. I don’t like this.” “We will look after her. No one will get near her.” “Agreed.”

Then I took my seat in the branches of the tree by her window, watching every corner of the house as the queen rested peacefully in her bed.