The witch's mountain

Chapter 6: The invite pt.2

It was 2 am when I ran with my two huskies, Samson and Toya. I could barely sleep and the thought of Grandpa William almost consumed me. As soon as Julia took Jack, Ianira and I through the portal, I suddenly felt a cold chill running down my back. That light in the sky and that person that Grandpa William was talking about turned out to be my most terrifying fear coming to life. When Julia led my companions and I back to Silverwood Manor I saw my mother greeting someone at the gate.

He was standing at my height 6'1" with broad shoulders, a muscular build with a tan complexion much like my mother's and silver hair. His left eye had a unique golden hue, which may have been passed down from his parents. His right eye was covered with a patch that displayed our family's crest, which was a symbol of our legacy and heritage. He was wearing a grey suit with his cane in his hand.

"Oh wow, I didn't think he would show up today," Jack said. I didn't think so either I thought. But rosewood's scent was unmistakable. My grandfather is here. When we reached the gate, my mother gazed at me with a huge smile and ran over to me. I hugged her tightly and could feel my grandfather's warmth. I looked up and saw him standing there, smiling with the same twinkle in his eye I remembered from childhood. It calmed me for a moment, but also made me curious why he's here now. We exchanged hugs and he said, "I'm here to talk to the family but I see you're not alone." He looks back at Jack and Ianira. Jack bows his head in respect while Ianira bats her eyes and waves.

Grandpa motioned for us to come inside. He said, "Let's talk inside and enjoy some warm tea." We followed him in, my head spinning with questions as to why he was here.

When we got inside my older sister, Erica, with her crimson red hair and golden eyes, walked over with her very pregnant belly to hug grandpa me and Jack. When Ianira asked for a hug, Erica chuckled and said "in your dreams tramp." Grandpa scolded Erica for her harsh words though he ignored Ianira who pretends to be hurt. Grandpa and mom rolled their eyes when Ianira sighed. Erica then said, "Don't even bother, girl. You've been running your desperate ass after my brother when he told you a dozen times he didn't want you."

Ianira once again tried to give my grandpa and mom a pathetic look but they weren't falling for it. "And I'm hoping that this little phase that you're going through Ianira stops." Mom said. Ianira opened her mouth to say something but mom put up a hand to silent her. "Don't think that the King and I haven't heard about you popping up everywhere our son goes being completely undressed." My mother, with her blazing red hair and glimmering golden eyes marched right up to Ianira and looked at her dead in her eyes. "You will not continue this behavior towards my son," she said, her voice strong and unwavering. Ianira felt the force of her words and stepped back, surrendering to my mother's power.

My mother then turned away from her but not without adding, "Your family has been a great ally to us. Stop embarrassing them with your antics and foolishness. When you meet your mate it will be the greatest thing in the world for you. But it isn't my son. Accept that. And move on." Erica seconded my mother's notion by cheering. Jack wanted to laugh. However, he smiled and praised my mother. Grandpa gave Ianira a stern look. She looked at me and I looked away.

Ianira remained silent, her face still. I knew she was hurt, but I was also relieved that the matter had been settled. Ianira needed to learn that her behavior was unacceptable. And once my mother saw that Ianira had backed off, she dismissed her for now and we walked straight into the kitchen. My mother prepared lunch while Ianira sulked in the corner. Although she was still looking at me pleadingly, I wasn't going to give in.

She truly learned nothing. And for that, I ignored her and turned my attention to my grandfather. "What did you want to talk about, Grandpa?" I asked. We all sat around the kitchen table. And of course, Grandpa sat at the head of it. He smiled at me and said, "I want to talk about an invitation I've sent out to an old friend. She and her family will be coming over to the castle and I need you all to be there." We all nodded in agreement. Grandpa smiled and continued, "I'm looking forward to seeing all of you. Let's make sure we prepare something special for her."

Grandpa looks at my mother who was extremely excited about having company coming over to the castle. She can't help it. It's her nature. Her party planning kicks into high gear when she's excited. Although my mother is a partner in our investment company, her passion is party planning. She takes great pride in planning and hosting events for family and friends. She is an expert at creating the perfect atmosphere, from choosing the right decorations to finding the perfect entertainment. She always makes sure everyone has a good time. So this occasion won't be any different.

"When would this meeting happen?" Erica asked. "Tomorrow evening around dinner time." Grandpa answered. "Is this friend anyone we know?" I asked. "No, it's someone I've wanted to introduce to you for a long time." Grandpa replied. "Who is it?" I asked, intrigued. Grandpa smiled and said, "You'll see." After that, Grandpa went with Erica to her doctor's appointment. Mother went to work on tomorrow evening's meeting. Jack and I headed upstairs to my room, while Ianira was escorted out by Lola, our maid.

On our way up, Jack tapped me on my shoulder. "I know you're still shaking up about Grandpa William but he's going to be OK." He said. I sighed. Though I wanted to believe him, I couldn't shake off the feeling that we should've stayed with him. And besides, I wanted to ask him more questions about Camilla. That name alone struck a nerve in Sargon's heart. And mine too. I am a white wolf. And I wander around from place to place. Maybe Camilla is my mate. And that's what I'm looking for.

When we reached my room, we were on the second floor of the manor. My room being down the hall to the right of the second dining room. I opened the door and found myself in a large, spacious room with a fireplace at one end. The room was furnished with a large bed, two nightstands, and a tall wardrobe. Gold paint was used on the walls to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Jack sat in one of the chairs near the fireplace. He gets comfortable and motions for me to sit across from him. "Let's talk about something else," he said. "Like what?" I asked. "Like your dream friend."

I perk up a bit the moment he mentions her. My dream friend that I've been talking to for 8 years --- I finally asked to see her in real life. But she refused.

"What did she say about you two meeting?" Jack asked. "She doesn't think we're ready." I said. Jack raises an eyebrow. "Why?" he asked. "Well, she said that we don't know what to expect." I replied with a chuckle. Jack chuckles too and we both gave each other the look. "She's scared." We both say and laugh. It didn't take rocket science to know that she making up every excuse in the book because she was scared. But I couldn't take it anymore. Here I was talking to this great person in my dreams no less and we haven't even met in the dream not once. And I know she real because she talks about her job in San Fransico. And I've looked it up just to make sure.

And when I talk to her, it feels as though I could talk to her forever. So naturally I'm getting curious on what she looks like. Is she tall medium or short? Is she plus sized or skinny? What color are her eyes? Her skin. And most importantly, is she the one that I've been looking for all this time? So many things that I wanted to know. I feel as though she's truly special and I don't want to miss the opportunity of having someone like that in my life.

Jack noticed that I was getting lost in thought so he decided to tap me with his tail. "Hellooo, earth to Rowan. Come back to reality man." He giggled. "Sorry man. I was just thinking of how cute she might be." Jack shakes his head amused. "I bet you are. But we you also have to be prepared if she's not what you've expected." I nodded my head. "I'm sure she's great." "I just have to convience her that she has nothing to worry about the next time we talk."

Jack nods and summons a table with a white table cloth, two cold drinks, a bowl of chips and salsa and his realistic version of the game Battleship. He smiles and says "Let's play!" as he magically puts the pieces down. He looks up at me and says, "Are you ready?" I take a sip of my drink and nod. "Just don't get upset when I beat you again," I mused. He laughs and says, "No worries, I'm always willing to let you win!" I smile and reply, "Game on!" After a couple rounds, the score was 3-2. With me winning 3 games and Jack winning 2. Jack wanted to keep playing and I agreed to keep playing with him. But suddenly, Lola burst through the door!

"Rowan, come downstairs. It's about Grandpa William!" She cried. I quickly got up and ran over to Lola. She told me that Grandpa William was extremely hurt after an intense battle. This news angered me and Jack and I followed Lola downstairs to the main living room. There I saw my mother talking and from what I smelled was a red haired hybrid wearing a doctor's outfit. The red haired doctor was introducing himself as Doctor Richards and he was there to help Grandpa William. Doctor Richards had a very soft and calm demeanor, but his eyes were serious and stern. He soon began to explain the severity of Grandpa William's injuries and what needed to be done.

"It's going to take precious time but my team and I will do everything we can to help him. Though, whoever attacked him was extremely powerful. And so we must be prepared for the worst," Doctor Richards states. "When can I see him?" I asked grimly. "Not for a while I'm afraid." Doctor Richards replied. "The dark magic surrounding him is intense. And it could spread to those who can't protect themselves from it." "I'll let you know when you can see him. I was just spreading the world to the kingdoms that something dangerous is coming so be prepared for battle."

As soon as that was done, the doctor went back to the hospital to check on Grandpa William. I let out a whole frustration growl and decided to go outside to let out some steam. Whoever the hell attacked Grandpa William will pay dearly for this. And even though Jack tried to calm me down, it wasn't enough. It was my mother that told me to come back inside and have faith in the doctors. And to think clearly about what the next steps would be. She called my father. And he came straight to the manor with my grandpa and Erica following behind him.

We talked about our plan of attack in father's office just in case. After that, Jack stayed here to make sure I wouldn't do anything crazy. And I'm glad he did. So that's how I got here. I didn't see my dream friend. But I was restless anyway because of the news. I ran inside the manor with Samson and Toya and headed straight to the kitchen. I grabbed some food and a bottle of water from the fridge. And fed Samson and Toya. Then suddenly, I heard footsteps coming my way. And I was trying to leave before I ran into the person that was coming my way but no such luck.

"Oh Rowan. I didn't know you were up." She says softly. Her bluish-grey eyes look at my sweaty body with lust and I rolled my eyes as she tried to step closer. "I went out for a run and now I'm going back to my room." I said coldly. She stepped closer, putting her hand on my shoulder. I moved away, avoiding her gaze. "Why can't we talk?" She asked, her voice full of emotion. "Because I don't want to Robin. And you have no right to ask me that anymore." She reached for my face and I tried to pull away. "I just want to talk, Rowan. Please." She pleaded. I stepped back and turned away from her, annoyed.

I walked away, my pace quickening. I could feel her eyes following me and I felt my heart racing. I rushed back to my room and slammed the door behind me.

I plopped myself on my bed and let out a much needed sigh of relief. I didn't want to deal with Robin and her bullshit tonight. The moment I caught her in bed with her mate, she knew we were over. And ever since then, she's been trying to find any chance she can find to talk to me. But I don't care to hear it. It would've been fine if she told me she had found her mate. But she found him and has been with him for months, using me for my money and until Jack told me to look at the bank statements that were being made in my name.

And that's when I came home and found both of them in my room. The only reason she's still around is because she's a warrior with healing skills. But that's about it. Her mate is still in the royal pack but he stays far away from me which is fine considering I would've killed him if it wasn't for Jack. It was for the best. I don't need that kind of drama in my life. I'm better off without it.

Taking off my running clothes, taking a hot shower, I put on some boxers and pajamas and climbed back into bed. All that thinking left me exhausted and all I wanted to do was sleep. As my eyes got heavy, I was hoping that in the morning, it would be much better. Especially the evening dinner event. And little did I know it was.