Golden Rule

Chapter 11

Chapter 11 – Fernanda

I was standing on the concrete front patio outside the small cottage that I was brought to. My wolf was stirring relentlessly in my head wanting out. She had been since we drove up to my family’s home. She recognized this place as her home. I have absolutely no memory of this place. I kept watching, making sure Jackie drove away after she show me around the cozy house.

Earlier, we had walked into the house after a couple of young wolves had taken all of my luggage out of the SUV. I did not think it was a lot, but everyone gave me amused looks. They had all left except for Jackie, the human school council member. We were standing in a small foyer-like area between the living area to the left and the dining room to the right. We turned into the dining area and walked through into the kitchen that wasn’t too big but was spotless with brand new appliances and all the necessities.

“We stocked it with everything you might need and there are some food staples in the pantry and in the fridge to hold you up until you’re settled. Everything is from this morning, so don’t fret about freshness.” She said.

“This is quite nice, I like it.” Was all I could respond with.

“it was my pleasure dear!” she said cheerfully. “thank you so much.” I responded turning to look at her.

The kitchen had a door that led to the back, though it was dark enough that I couldn’t see much out of the windows because of the reflections. But I could make out a patio with furniture already there. We went back through the dining room so she could show me the two bedrooms that were both suites; complete with decent sized remolded bathrooms and walk-in closets. The house felt like a home perfect for a single she-wolf. Miriam would have enjoyed it, I was sure. It was small and cozy; it felt open with nine-foot-high walls and the ceilings had beams running across them, giving the house a warm feeling. Jackie continued.

“…they literally finished the house three days ago, we had just enough time to furnish it and get it move in ready. Obviously, all the furniture is brand new from the factory in the village. My brother is a foreman there. I just loved this little project! It’s not often I get to spend other people’s money.”

“Who paid to have the house done?” I asked.

“The pack, well the Alphas I assume. I don’t really know how their um, system works, but they sent me a credit card to use as I saw fit!”

“Wow, well the place looks great. It’s completely furnished and decorated; the kitchen is fully stocked. I’m impressed Mrs. Jackie!” The pretty petit lady’s full cheeks blushed with pride at her work.

“It was my pleasure dear. Now, we have always gotten the Monday before school starts off. I trust you’ve seen the schedule for the rest of the week. Hopefully, you can get settled in and comfortable. There is a binder in the kitchen with the town’s information. Restaurants, the church, the village square and such. We printed a map for you since cell phone service can be spotty sometimes. If you want, I can swing by tomorrow, and we can go to lunch, and I can give that tour that was due today!” she said.

“oh, I am so sorry about being late. Sure, I think I would enjoy your company for lunch and the tour.” I say, thinking I could get her talking and get some information from her. Even if she doesn’t know much about the pack’s ‘system’, I thought she was sure to know the ins and outs of the village.

She beamed at my response, “I can stop by around 11:30, would that be good?”

“that sounds perfect.”

She was now driving away, and I needed to get back to Miriam, Violet and Frida. I look around me, all I could make out were a few houses through the trees. The neighborhood was quite and all the lawns we passed on the way in were kept nicely. The street was lined with old-fashioned lamp posts and gave off a nice warm glow. The road we came to the house on was visible from the large front yard, by the light from lamp posts. But I had no idea how to get back my family’s house, even if it was the middle of the day. I could figure out the general direction but there seemed to be roads and paths everywhere.

This definitely did not call for using the amulet Violet had given me. I walked back into the house thinking of how I could get back or get in touch with them when I felt a swoosh of air and Rachel was standing between the living and dining areas. I looked at her, shocked, as a wave of relief washed over her face.

“thank god! I was afraid I would end up in a piece of furniture.” Rachel said taking in and letting out deep breaths. I could only look at her with big eyes, these women were amazing. She looked at me and began to explain.

“witches can transport ourselves and others, but we have to know where we are going or we can end up stuck in an object which can be fatal. They sent me to get you back to your home, to check on the teacher. They’re worried and want to know what happened at the Alpha’s residence. I didn’t tell them much; we all want to hear from you.” She said. “hold on to me tight, both of my hands have to be touching you. Are you ready?”

I could only nod my head. I hugged her tight as she hugged me with her palms on my back and next thing I know; we are standing in an empty room and looks similar to the one we had Miriam in. Frida and Violet are standing beside the door.

I let go of Rachel as I thank her. She gives me a warm smile as do the other two ladies, but I could tell they want to know all about tonight. First thing’s first though. I need to check on Miriam.

I follow the women into the room that looks like a hospital room. On our way here with Miriam, Rachel used spells and the water trick to set it up with everything. Down to an x-ray machine. I had made a mental note to ask about their magic later.

I took in Miriam’s vitals and felt for her ribs, I checked all her bruises and for any leakage. She had three fractured ribs that thankfully did not break all the way. Her clavicle and femur were also fractured. She had a hairline fracture on her skull. Her wolf worked hard to try and save as much as she could before she left Miriam completely. The amount of wolfsbane in her system was enough to kill an alpha. But this girl and her wolf fought as long as they could. I did not even know her, and I felt proud of her. But how would she react to me using her identity?

“She had a moment where she was trying to wake up. I dropped the tray by accident, and it jerked her awake. I told her I was going to give her medicine so she could tolerate the pain and so she could rest and I think she could hear me.” said Violet. “she has been asleep since.”

“Her braces and bandages should keep everything steady. We should expect her to be disoriented when she wakes.” I relay to them.

“Fernanda, what happened at the Alphas’ residence? Rachel said she was impressed with the way you handled yourself. Did you notice anything off about the young alphas?” asked Frida. I proceed to tell them all about the dinner. I try and remember everything I think could be important.

“……only one of the Alphas was there, the single one who is also the oldest. I couldn’t read him, he gave off some type of vibe, I don’t even know how to explain it. My wolf was trying to call to his, I fought her for control throughout the dinner.”

“Was she hostile towards him?” asked Frida.

“No, not at all, which confused me. I don’t really know what to make of it.”

“Alphas Brandon and Nathan are the ones from your memories, Fernanda. They were your childhood friends.” Said Frida.

“What?” I was taken aback. “Why are you just now telling me this? They know about me, then. Was it them, or one of them that had my family killed? That ordered Miriam’s death?” I was grasping for straws. They were the Alphas and Miriam was attacked outside of their territory.

“That is what we are here to find out. Let’s not jump to conclusions.” Said Violet.

Rachel started; “the alphas are very well liked and respected in both the pack and the village. Everyone looks up to them in how they run everything and how well they treat everyone. I don’t think…”

“And they want to keep it that way I’m sure. They found me and wanted me dead so I would never come back here and risk me taking control of what is rightfully my family’s!” I all but yell.

“But Fernanda, that doesn’t explain why an alpha would come after Miriam. She is an educator. What risk could she pose to them, or him?” asked Frida.

“damn I don’t know! But I will find out and I will get what I came here for, whoever killed my family will be given no mercy.” I’m fuming. But at least I had someone to talk it out with. “hopefully Miriam wakes up soon, maybe she can tell us something so this can make more sense.”

“Agreed. Fernanda, you need to get some sleep. Your eyes are already turning green.” Says Frida.

“What? What’s the big deal about that?” I ask.

“Well, everyone here knows your mother had eyes like that. Some might get suspicious.” Says Rachel.

“I want to walk through the house” I say looking around the room with tall ceilings and beautiful woodwork.

“This was the room the female servants stayed in. There are rooms for the few couples that lived here and sections for a couple of families also. They all worked here full time. The bottom rooms were theirs and top was for your family and your Nana Regina who stayed in the nursery with you. We can do a walk-through tomorrow when its daylight.” says Frida.

“Frida, you should rest tomorrow. You’ve been out in the daytime too much. You’ll be drained.” Said Violet.

Realization hits me then, of course vampires are hurt by sunlight. “Why didn’t you say anything before? I need you to take care of yourselves. I can’t do this without you.” I say to them, and the sisters get teary eyed, and Frida nods her head. “I’ll go now, but if there is any change with Miriam, go get me immediately. You both still have to explain how your magic works. You shouldn’t drain yourselves either.”

“I’ll take you back Fernanda. Frida can take most of the night shift and then Violet and I can cover for her before sunrise.” Says Rachel. I nod. We need to play this safe, we cannot risk exposure. Them having a picture of the real Miriam on her file is a major risk.

“There is one thing that worries me. The school council member mentioned I don’t look like my, or Miriam’s school picture.” I inform the ladies.

Violet responds, “Rachel and I might be able to fix that. I’m sure we can think of something.”

“Ok, but before I forget I need your cell phone numbers so we can communicate when we need.” I tell them.

Rachel transports me back after we all exchange numbers. She says her goodbyes and I start digging through the suitcases for something to wear to bed and my toiletries. Thankfully, Violet packed everything very orderly.

I finally climb into the bed and my wolf starts stirring again. I try and convince her its too risky to shift now. Maybe we can another night with Frida, Violet and Rachel guiding us. I have so many thoughts I’m trying to process but I know I need sleep. My thoughts go to my Nana, Maddie and Noah. Goddess how much I miss you Noah. I miss you so much. I begin to cry into my pillow and eventually fall asleep.