Jordan: Everything will be ok, Daddy and my brothers will make sure of it. Please don't be sad anymore. I'm hungry.
His stomach growled reminding us it was time for 3rd meal. Denise and Nina were inside with us, and the men were outside finishing clean up. I moved Jordan so that he was sitting on Charlie's lap and went to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, I pulled out a big bag of salad mix, the tomatoes and cucumbers to go along with it. From the freezer, I grabbed the steaks and chicken we had inside. I knew the men would be hungry from the fight. Denise took the tomatoes and began cutting them, while Nina did the same with the cucumbers.
Denise: Char, you might want to take off the weapons harness before defrosting that meat. We can't risk getting any silver in the food.
Looking down, I'm shocked to see I'm still decked out in weapons. Moving to the other room, I remove my harness and put it in one of the boxes. I removed my tri-point daggers from my boots, and reach into my shirt to remove “Mr. Pointy” as I call him from the front of my bra. Just as Lucas and Julius walk in the door.
Lucas: You have a bra dagger?
Char: Yes, I always wear Mr. Pointy. He's 100% silver from hilt to tip.
Lucas: Julius, you have been warned. Don't try copping a feel on her or you might get cut and burned.
Jason came in as Lucas said that and hit the back of his head sharply.
Jason: Just because your mind is permanently in the gutter does it mean Julius’s is. He respects woman and doesn’t try to “cop feels” on them, unlike you.
I laughed and muttered “Manwhore” under my breath as I passed them heading back to the kitchen. After washing my hands, thoroughly to get any and all silver flakes off. I slipped into the laundry room and changed from my shirt quickly. Coming back into the kitchen I put on gloves and a full size apron and begin cutting the steaks and chicken up, so it will defrost and cook faster. I cut a smaller portion for Jordan per Nina’s instructions. I had a big pot of water always on the stove and asked Denise to turn it on full heat and to place the lid on so it would boil faster. Taking a cookie sheet out of the cupboard, I placed the cut meat on it and stick it in the oven to defrost. Taking my gloves off, I go to the pantry and grab pasta and sauce I made and jarred last weekend. By now the water was boilling, so I asked Nina to add the spaghetti to the water. I gave Denise the jars of sauce to warm up and checked the oven. Since, l was not affected by silver as the others were, I was extra careful to not risk contaminating the food with any stray bits that may hang on it weird places. Nina strained the cooked pasta and Denise added the warmed-up sauce. I pulled the tray of meat from the oven, forgetting to put a mitt on for the heat. Now, I have a high pain threshold, but Julius cried out in pain holding his hand. I quickly put the tray down and went to him. He turned my hand over and looked at the burns.
Char: Oops, sorry forgot to use the oven mitt again, but you shouldn’t have felt this. (Referring to my burn.)
I took his right hand and saw similar burns. Without thinking I shifted into Lottie and licked his hand, then licked my paw. I forgot to change my fur color and heard the gasps from our visitors. Julius began running his fingers through my silver fur and Jordan came over and just stared at my eyes, they were a beautiful violet color. He moved closer and Lottie nuzzled his neck making him giggle. He threw his arms around our neck and we lifted him up to sit on our back. He was in heaven. I looked at Julius, who leaned down to nuzzle our neck with his face, we nuzzled him back.
Lucas: Really, guys, with Jordan watching? Sheesh, you two are acting like Mom and Dad already. Get a room, would ya?
Carlos: Lottie, time to shift back.
Daddy commanded as he lifted Jordan of our back. I obeyed and winked at Jordan. {If your parents say it's ok, we’ll give you a ride after we eat.} I promise him in a separate link only he can hear. He squeals with joy at the thought. Before I can move back to the kitchen, Julius grabs my hand and pulls me into his lap.
Julius: Mom and Denise are finishing the cooking. We need to talk about Lottie. Silver wolves are very rare, little one. Thank you for healing my hand. Looks like you healed yours too.
He laces his fingers with mine and nuzzles my neck again, scenting me.
Julius: I'm very curious what color your Lycan will be, now. I can't wait for her to mature. What about your families’ wolves, what color are they?
Char: Daddy is a gray wolf and Charlie takes after Mama and has a stunning black wolf. When I'm in public, Lottie changes our color to black, since Mama said we would be safer that way. When I shifted the first time it was here and not at the ceremony. Lottie decided she wanted to make her appearance at the time of our birthday, straight up 1:22am. Daddy heard it and helped me change back to human form. When we told Mama, she insisted we be a black wolf at the ceremony that night. She made me practice so that I don't show my silver.
Jason: Your Mama was right. Given what everyone had said of your former Alpha, you wouldn't have been safe. He might have tried to sell you. That's how rare your wolf is, she is coveted by all manner of evil people. Carlos, it might indeed be safer to have us take her back with us. Most wouldn't dare try to attack a Lycan pack and my warriors are highly skilled and trained. We should discuss it more after your grieving period is complete.
Lucas: We can't all stay here for 2 months, Dad.
Jason: You're right. I can leave my guards here to help with protection and I doubt Julius will want to leave. Lucas can fly back and pick them up when the time comes.
Carlos: Is Julius a pilot, too?
Jason: Yes, Jordan will be too when he gets old enough. My warriors are pilots as well.
Carlos: You don't have to send anyone back. Julius can just fly Charlotte’s plane.
All heads turn to me.
Char: What I have a twin engine Cessna, I rebuilt. Is that strange?
Lucas: For a 15 yr. old, yes, very strange. Did your have a pilot check it out and make sure it flies? If you rebuilt it, you have to have someone test fly it. It might not even take off.
I blush and am saved from answering as we are called to the table to eat. Conversation is general around the table for awhile. Jordan begs his parents to agree to let me giving him a wolf ride, and I make sure they know it's safe due to the harness I wear to keep him on my back and not falling off.
Charlie: It is perfectly safe, she gives rides to pack pups all the time. They love it because no one runs as fast as her. Many have tried but she easily beats them.
Lucas: Bet I can beat her. Ten bucks, Charlie, what do you say?
Charlie: 4th gear, Char? Want to teach him a lesson in speed?
Char: I'm in, I'll see your $10 and raise you $1,000. Let's see if you can keep up after I give Jordan a ride. Is it a bet, Lucas?
Lucas: Yeah, I'll be happy to take your money. Show me the money.
I go up and get some cash from my safe. Coming back down, I put my money on the table, Lucas pulls out his check book, stating he will write the check out after the race if needed. I get my harness on and Julius puts Jordan in it on my back. We go outside, and I ask Jordan of he's ready. When he yells, “Yes.”, I shift quickly and take off as Lottie. Jason and Nina have the family link open so they can hear Jordan, who is shouting joyfully on my back as I run at 1st gear. I link with Dad to get their permission to speed up to 2nd gear, the fastest I go with passengers. He tells me its ok, so I speed up and hear the laughter ringing from Jordan. I run for 10 minutes, going back and forth on front of the house, so they can watch. When I come back, Jason helps Jordan out of the harness as soon as I shift back.
Jordan: Daddy, that was so fun. She really is very fast. Can I ride on your wolf on day?
Char: You can have this harness, it will adjust to fit a bigger wolf, and I used Daddy to get the size right. I have like 3 more upstairs.
Jason (takes the harness): Only if you’re sure.
Char: I would not offer if I want sure, sir. (Turning to Lucas) Ready to lose some money? You can go into the bathroom to strip. So, you don't have buy new clothes as well. Daddy will let you out once you've shifted. Do you see that barn in the distance? (He nods) First one there and back 3 times wins. Got it? And I won't shift until to come outside.
He goes into to strip and shift and takes off as soon as he is let it the front door. I count to 10, wink at Julius, shift and take off in full 4th gear. I easily catch and pass Lucas, waiting for him at the barn. As soon as he gets there, I let him head back and pace him for a bit, he can't keep up with me in 3rd gear. So, I pull ahead and make the next 2 laps with him eating my dust pretty much the whole time. In fact, to rub salt in the wound, I shift back as soon as I got the porch and I go inside to get the bowl I use for Lottie after a hard run, fill it with water and put it down for him as he finally gets there panting heavily. He greedily drinks his fill and Dad lets him back inside to shift and dress.
Jason: Char, has anyone every clocked your speed? When you took off you were just a blur. Any idea how fast you were going?
Carlos: 1st gear for her is about 20 mph, 2nd is 40, 3td is 60 and 4th gear she can reach 80 mph. Not only that, she can keep that speed for about 2 hours at a time. We had her tested right after she shifted because of the blur factor when she went for her first run.
Char: I can run for 3 hours at about 30 mph in human form without having to take a break. My speed has increased since Lottie was let loose. Before that, we would dream together about how fast we would be able to go.
Nina: Are you saying you've talked to Lottie before you shifted the first time?
Char: Yes, ma’am. Lottie had been with me all my life. 2.0 as well.
Jason: 2.0? Who is that?
Char: My Lycan, sir. Lottie 2.0 is what I call her, because she’s the upgraded version of Lottie.
Lucas (coming out of the house): How do you have a Lycan already?
Char: My grandma was Lycan, Daddy’s ½ and Charlie and I are a ¼ Lycan, but I take after Daddy's side and Charlie after Mama’s side.
Carlos: I will explain everything later. Right now it’s been a long day. Charlie, you and Char will sleep in the same bed tonight and I’ll stay in the second bed in your room. Alpha and Luna, you can have my room. Julius, you can take Char's room and Lucas, you can have Carlotta’s room. The sofas here folds out, so your warriors can sleep in the living room. Girls, go get extra blankets. Now, what to do with you, little man. Would you like to sleep in a room with one of your big brothers?
Jordan: Can I sleep next to Lucas, l please?
Lucas: Ok, but don't snore, little brother.
They head upstairs with Nina calling out she’ll be there soon to tuck them in. Uncle Edward and Aunt Denise head home to the Alpha palace, and the rest of us get ready to head to bed. I’m still wired from my run and upset at not getting to get much action in the fight earlier. So, I take the side of the bed closest to the window, knowing I will be sneaking out to go to my secret training area. I don’t really sleep like everyone else, with 3 voices in my mind at all times, I can let one part sleep and the others take over my body. Daddy understands that I only get like 2 or 3 hours a night and am fine. Some nights, I’m up reading school books so that I can test out of that grade and stay home. I’m not that social, I would rather watch Daddy training the pack warriors then sit in a classroom and listen to a teacher drone on about a subject for hours. Because of the way my mind works, I retain everything I read or see. Lottie is the natural fighter, even in human form, she is the one with control of my mind when I am training or fighting. I have been learning to throw knives, daggers and axes since I was old enough to hold one in my hand, thanks to Lottie and 2.0’s help.
My Grandma had always told me I was special, since the moment of my conception. See, I can remember EVERYTHING! Every thought spoken to me from Mama and Daddy and my sisters from the womb to this very moment. Let me explain something, Daddy’s side of the family has the gift to hear thoughts. Grandpa’s ancestors were gifted this by the Moon Goddess herself, so the story goes. When a child is conceived by a female in the family, they know right away if it’s a boy or girl. Boys can reach out with their minds to link with the verbal skills of their mother from the moment of conception and once a family member places their hand on the female’s stomach they get a jolt of electricity, which is the pup connecting to that person’s mind. When pregnant with girls, generally the jolt doesn’t happen until the doctor confirms the pregnancies at like 3 or 4 weeks. With me though, Daddy felt the jolt within like an hour of my conception, I was kind of sad for him when he realized I was another girl the first time our minds linked. See, I’m the first female in family history, over 300 years, to be able to link with my parents and family so soon after conception. The males pass on their genetic memory to their sons, but since Daddy only had girls, I got the memories. Also, we always get the full memories from womb to current the first time we shift, most males can take the mind burst with just a slight swaying but females generally pass out from it for a few minutes. It’s the first time they get to speak with their wolves and the overload happens when the wolf tries to pass on everything at once, instead of like over a few weeks. This was needed when there was constant fighting of packs, cause the males would know how to fight and be ready to jump in and help on that front, and the females would get the knowledge to be instant medics if need be. Although, I did shift less 2 years ago, I never had the mind burst, because I have been aware of my wolf and Lycan since before birth. They have been my constant companions, most of the time their voices are harmonious unless we are talking ice cream flavors or pizza toppings. Grandma took me out at 2 years old to get ice cream and even she could hear them bickering about vanilla and strawberry, while I wanted chocolate. Being the wise woman she is instead of getting me 3 scoops, one of each, she opted for 1 scoop of Neapolitan. I think they were disappointed but Grandma was wise to their game. And don’t get me started on pizza, cause no matter how much 2.0 whines, Lottie and I are firm NO ACHOVIES EVER.