When I Find You

Chapter 8: Answers

    Julian gave me a tour of the house. It was massive and the theme in his bedroom matched the entire house. It was beautiful, no, grand. It seemed like it’s own palace somewhere in the forest. We walked down one of two curved staircases to the main entrance. The front door, or what I assume to be, was at the bottom of the stairs, complimented with a round table and beautiful roses resting on top of it. To the left of me, there was a seating area with couches and a coffee table filled with people I did not recognize with exception to one. 

    “I hope you’re not too mad at me,” Andrea sadly spoke as she walked closer to Julian and me. 

    Julian walked to the seating area and dismissed the other men. He didn’t have to say anything, he just gave them a look and they all quickly disappeared. I looked at Andrea and shook my head.

    “You promised me answers. You both did.” I spoke, ensuring they heard the seriousness in my tone so that it could not be up to discussion whether or not I get them right now. I did not want to wait another minute. 

    Julian signaled us to join him and we both obliged. I sat down and Julian sat next to me. Andrea took the couch next to us. A maid came to deliver a tray of pastries and coffee then quickly left before I could thank her. I grabbed a cup and sat back crossing my leg, notifying them it was time to talk. 

    “You’re right I promised you answers Ava and I’m here to give them to you. I need you to not freak out.” Andrea was the first to break the silence. What did she mean not freak out? As if, I’m not already freaked out. 

    “I know you’ve been having dreams about the fire that happened 15 years ago. You’re curious as to why these dreams are starting back up. Ava you possess a lot of power; power that people may come looking for.”

    What… I have no power. If I did, I would’ve been able to save my family during the fire. What is she saying?

    “Do you know anything about your parents? Do you remember anything significant about them?” She asked. 

    “No, just that they were good people who did a lot for the community we lived in. My father was the Mayor.” I spoke quietly, unsure of where this was going. 

    “Ava, your father was mayor, this much is true, but he was also Alpha to a pack. The Enchanted Warriors Pack.” Andrea paused giving me a moment to digest what she just told me. 

    “Alpha? Like a werewolf? Meaning I have blood of a werewolf? But how could that be? I never made a transition during the first full moon.” Confusion laced in my voice.  

    “We think a spell was placed on you to restrict you from turning into your wolf, but we can’t be certain. I have a theory on how we can break that…”

    Julian shot her a warning glare causing her to stop speaking to me. I looked at Julian, who turned his head to look back at me.

    “You promised me answers,” I reminded him. He nodded his head in agreement. 

    “What is this theory?” I asked in attempt to get her to continue.

    “Ava,” she paused, looking at Julian, “I was there when you went over the guest list. I saw how you reacted to Julian’s name. Have you been feeling a need to Julian?” She cautiously proceeded. 

    “Um… I don’t know.”

    “My theory is that your mate can break the spell. A bond that deep can break any spell. And it is my…our theory that this is how it can be broken.” She spoke correcting herself.

    My mind was now spinning. I understand why Andrea warned me not to panic. The Enchanted Warriors pack? This explains my father, but what of my mother? My mate can break the spell? But what if there really was no spell? What if I am just completely normal? I’ve read many books on werewolves, I understood how it works when you find a mate. The other voice in my head…screaming mine. How did I not notice this sooner? That must be my wolf coming out to tell me what is hers. Oh goodness how could I not have recognized this?

    Before I realized it I was pacing and Julian was standing next to me talking to Andrea trying to find ways to calm me down. 

    “What do we do?” Julian was growing with worry.

    “Just let her process. She usually does this when she’s trying to understand. You need to calm down.” Andrea said warning him.

    “You do not get to tell me to calm down!” His voice rising with frustration. I could tell he was beginning to panic too.

    “No, but I have known her the longest, I would know her better. She’s so wrapped up in her thoughts she can’t even hear you to calm her down. Let her be whether she is your mate or not.”

    “Andrea.” He warned.

    “That is enough,” I yelled. They both stared at me in shock. I was unaware my voice could even sound that powerful and yet it was and they were quiet. Julian sat back down in the chair. Andrea was still on the edge of the couch. I continued to stand and think about what Andrea just said. 

    “You think Julian could be my mate. Did I hear that correctly?”

    “All signs point to yes.” She said, not meeting my eyes. 

    Julian looked at Andrea with a sour face. I looked between them both still trying to understand what it could take to bring my wolf out. Julian has been possessive of me. Maybe he too believes I am his mate, but I just can’t accept this. I want to go back to the castle. The castle… Oh my goodness. The Queen, I’ve never been gone longer than 24 hours. Julian looked at me sensing my panic.

    “I have to go back to the castle!” I yelled. 

    “Ava, you can’t go back. You have to be here.” Julian said softly.

    “No you don’t understand. I’ve never been gone for more than a day. I have to go back. I need to come up with an excuse. I have work to do as well, I need to go back, Julian. 

    “You can’t just leave after we just had a discussion!” Julian’s voice was elevating. 

     “I already took care of it.” Andrea said.

    “You did?” I asked.

    “Yes I casted a spell so she thinks you’re hungover and in your room. I have someone in your room eating the food they bring and drinking the tea so it looks real, but you will have to go back tomorrow.” She stated looking at Julian, waiting for his disapproval. 

    “Okay,” was all I said as I sat back down. 

    “Tell me about The Enchanted Warriors pack.”

    Julian spoke this time. “They are the most powerful pack. They hold more power than an average pack. This is because of your mother. She was a witch and this is how they got their name, The Enchanted Warriors. Your mother would cast a spell on the warriors to make them stronger, faster, and more invincible. No one messed with your pack, but that is because everyone respected your father. He was gentle, but also intimidating. People who knew him, spoke highly. He was merciful. There was no reason to ever go against them. If anyone did, it was because they wanted the power and not the kindness they had to offer.” He stopped talking. 

    “Did my mother cast the spell on me?” I asked unsure if I wanted to know the answer.

    “Yes,” Andrea paused. “To protect you.”

    “Protect me from what?”

    “I have no answer to this, but all I know is that it was to protect you. This is all I know at the moment.” Andrea said softly.

    “So if I choose not to mate with Julian?”

    “Both of us may die” Julian spoke. “We may not be able to handle the rejection. I have seen it successful once, but more often I have seen…” he stopped. Sadness overwhelmed his face and I felt it. I grabbed his hand. The voice in my mind wanting to stop the sadness he was feeling. Mate with him. Mate with him right now!  

    “Julian I barely know you.” I spoke softly ignoring the thought of mating with him.

    “You’re right. Let me take you on a date tonight. I will answer any questions you may have.” He said with a hopeful glint in his eyes.