Mother of Black Hearthstone (Book 1 of the Northern Territories Series)

Chapter 2

Mother of Black Hearthstone

Chapter 2

Rayne’s POV

We have arrived back at one of the Council safe houses. Why we were redirected here, I have no idea. Jayce mind links me, “Clay is already inside. I sense him.”

I nod, “Whatever this is, it is top secret. The other members of Council are not here. He is alone, that means they don’t want anyone knowing about this meeting.”

Jayce grins at me, “Maybe something fun!”

I chuckle as I open the cabin door. Clay is sitting in one of the living room chairs by the window. We set our bags down and sit side-by-side in front of him. “What do you have for us, Clay?”, I ask.

Clay smirks, “How are you… Jayce?”

Jayce narrows his eyes at Clay, but says nothing. Jayce and I are identical, not even our mother can tell us apart. I reply, “We’re tired, Clay. We need a shower, dinner, and sleep. All due respect, we need to get this meeting moving or delay it until morning.”

Clay nods his head, “I know you’re coming off a rough assignment. I hate to put you on another so soon, but the seer has called upon you two specifically.”

This has both Jayce and I sitting up straight and staring a Clay. What would the seer want with us? It is an honor to be given an assignment by the seer. No shifter would ever deny a seer, only creatures of magic think they’re superior. “What is it she asks of us, Clay?" Jayce asks.

Clay leans back in his chair, “She foresaw the downfall of Scarlet Light...”

I arch my brow, “I’m assuming these aren’t dramatic pauses, Clay. You’re not into theatrics. What’s the bad news?”

Clay sighs, “As you know, the Black Hearthstone Coven has agreed to assist us in the war against Scarlet Light. The seer has called upon you to assist the Mother of Black Hearthstone hide and protect the Maiden. The Maiden is now wanted by Scarlet Light for her power. If she falls into their hands, Black Hearthstone will fall.”

Jayce and I look at each other, “Witches!” Jayce snarls through the link, “The seer wants us to babysit witches!”

I silence him, “Why would we have both the Mother and the Maiden if only the Maiden is sought after? Also, why do we care if a coven falls?”

Clay looks out the window for a moment then back to us, “We care because Black Hearthstone is the only Coven on our side of this war and their alliance with us is keeping many covens from joining Scarlet Light. They fear opposing Black Hearthstone not Council of Wolves. I’m not entirely sure why the seer insists the Mother be with the Maiden. The seer said that the Maiden's magic is not yet awakened. She needs the Mother’s guidance and protection, but I felt like there was more to it than that. The seer warns you not to provoke the Mother or all will be lost for you. I’ve met the Mother in the past. She is a feisty little woman. She has a commanding presence, a quick wit, and a smart mouth. She is more powerful than any witch Scarlet Light has, even more so than their Crone. It is believed that the Maiden will be the next great force, like the Mother.”

Jayce goes on another rant through the link, “Just great! Now we have to babysit some old witch hag and her witch daughter. If she is so powerful why can’t she protect them. What does she need us for?”

I consider Jayce’s words, “Clay, what are we needed for? If the Mother is that powerful, what use are a couple lycan to her?”

Clay shakes his head, “Being powerful isn’t enough when you’re outnumbered by witches, hunters, and wolves. You can’t just protect them, you must hide them. Scarlet Light has rogues by the hoard searching for any opportunity to take the Maiden. The Mother does not need your protection, she needs your help to protect the Maiden. They were attacked last week, hoping to catch the Maiden alone. Luckily, they underestimated the Mother and she destroyed the 40 rogues they sent. It weakened her greatly and witches take much longer to recover than our kind. The Mother will help conceal them. She will change their scents and set up shields around your perimeter to conceal your location from the witches. She will take care of the Maiden. You two will protect the Maiden and hide them both until the war begins. When the war begins, you will return. Both of you, along with the Mother, will be needed to fight.”

I don’t like the idea of living with witches and protecting them for Goddess knows how long. What if they turn on us? “Clay, we will not turn down an assignment from a seer. We don’t like this though. This sounds like an awful idea.”

Clay seems to have only heard the first sentence, or he chose to ignore the rest, “Wonderful, I knew we could count on you two. I will be back in the morning with the Crone, Mother, and Maiden. We will do introductions and answer any additional questions then. By the way, the seer says you will find your ultimate treasure, but you’ll be in danger of losing it before you even know it is there. Have a good evening, gentlemen.”

He stands and we walk him to the door. As soon as it closes, I head for the kitchen. Jayce is following close behind. “Rayne, what the hell? Why did you agree to do this? What if those witches turn on us? A single witch that can take out 40 rogues is a cause for concern… and what the hell does a ‘power awakening’ entail?”

I glance back at Jayce while I raid the refrigerator, picking stuff for sandwiches from the items stocked for us, “I don’t know, Jayce. If this brings the downfall of Scarlet Light, how can we say no? I don’t like it any more than you do, but it is necessary. Seers do not just come out and spout nonsense. It has been foreseen. There is a reason the Mother and Maiden are being placed in our hands.”

Jayce just nods, but I can see he is still stewing over this. I make our sandwiches and set his plate in front of him at the table. Passing him a beer and sitting down across from him with my own. I begin eating and thinking this over. I open our link so I don’t have to stop eating. “We will have to establish a clear line of communication with the Mother. We cannot have any distrust between us. We can’t afford to have her hesitating and slowing our actions.”

Jayce nods, but remains silent as he eats his sandwich. We clean up the kitchen. Jayce goes to shower first. This cabin consists of a living room with 2 large couches and 2 chairs, a kitchen, and a single bathroom. No bedrooms, no TV.

I pull out my computer and start researching Coven leadership and what a Mother and Maiden is. I found that our Mother may not actually be the Maiden’s mother. She may not have children at all. Their leadership is made up of Enchantress.

The Enchantress are incredibly powerful magical beings that live to be around 500 years old. The Enchantress are a form of witch, as witch is a broad spectrum term. Practice of alchemy defines witches. They are different than others as their magic comes from within rather than the earth around them and it awakens when their bodies can handle it. There is no set time, but it is typically before 70 years of age. The Crone, Mother, and Maiden are each representative of something specific and are at their most powerful together.

The Maiden is the Enchantress that has recently awakened or has not fully awakened yet, she represents the youth. Each coven has a single Maiden.

The Mother is the Enchantress that represents growth and fulfilment. It is not uncommon for covens to have 2 or 3 Mothers, especially if it is a larger coven.

The Crone is the Enchantress that represents knowledge and power. There are many Crones in each coven, but only 1 acting Crone. The other Crones are the Elders.

Could this lead to our mate? Is the Scarlet Light after her, is that what us ‘losing it before we know it is there’ means? The seer said it would lead us to find our ultimate treasure. “Jayce, what do you think the seer meant by ‘ultimate treasure'?”

There is a pause, he is considering this, “Perhaps our mate, dear brother. That is the only treasure I would find to be better than average. It kind of sounded like us failing this mission would cause us to lose her before we even had her.”

I knew he would see it the way I did. He comes out of the shower with a pair of joggers slung low across his hips. I went to get in the shower while he got comfortable on one of the couches. I stand under the spray trying to calm my nerves. Will we finally find our mate? Goddess, I pray so. I finish washing and put on a pair of athletic shorts with the waistband tied across my hips. I walk back to the living room and throw myself down on the other couch. Jayce throws a blanket at me. I cover up and pass out in seconds.

Kara’s POV

We have put our bags in the back of the car, Tania turns to me, “Drink this shielding potion. It will prevent anyone from being able to draw power from you.” She glances at the Crone, “Just in case this turns out to be a set up.” I nod and drink the small vial she handed me. She offers one to the Crone, she accepts it as well.

We have many powders and vials in our bags. I assume she will be making more as shielding potions only last 24 hours. We all get into the car and we start the hour drive for the Council of Wolves, in wolf territory. We are to meet Head Councilman Clay. I’ve met many magical creatures and shifters, but this is my first opportunity to interact with a lycan shifter. Until our powers awaken and we can defend ourselves, we are kept within our coven. Shifters do not trust magical creatures, so we never get visitors of their kind. We have were-creatures mated to witches in our coven, but none of them lycan.

I have so many questions now that I get to meet some, “What is the difference between lycan and were?”, I ask.

Meri answers me, “Both are shifters. Were-creatures are of 2 separate minds, sharing a body. They have separate thoughts, ideals, desires, even names. Occasionally, battling one another for control of the body. Lycan-creatures are 2 of the same mind. They have the same name and do not battle for control. The beast surfaces at will. Their impulses are naturally more animalistic, but the beast and man are one and the same. Were-creatures shift from man to creature of their species. Lycan shift into incredibly large and bulky forms of their species, walking upright like a man. Lycan are the superior bloodline, making not only their life spans much longer, but often making them 2-3 times more powerful than the strongest of the were-species.”

So… that means my first interaction with the lycan species will be a highly intelligent wolf with minimal social skills. I’m both terrified and intrigued. I can’t wait to sketch them in beast form. I sit imagining what they would look like for the remainder of our drive.

Jayce's POV

I woke to find a message on my phone.

Clay- We will be there within the hour.

That was about 10 minutes ago. I woke Rayne. We get dressed, pack our belongings back in our bags and straighten up the cabin.

Rayne updates me on all he researched last night on witches as we sit at the table finishing our breakfast and drinking our coffee. I link him what I was able to find out about Black Hearthstone from the other Enforcers and warriors, “They are the largest and most powerful coven, residing partially in fae territory and partially in wolf territory. They have 6 Crones, but Meri Lilac Sinclair is the acting Crone Enchantress of Black Hearthstone, she is 426 years old. They have 1 Mother currently, she is 247 years old. They would have a second one, but she was killed. No one was aware of how or when. The Maiden is 62 years old. They weren’t sure what the Mother or Maiden’s names are because they’re only ever referred to by the Crone and they don’t use names. The Maiden has never been seen, only the Mother travels outside the coven with the Crone. Many warriors describe her as a stunning beauty.”

We hear Clay's car so we wash our plates and put them away. We do dishes as we cook so only our plates are left. “I hope you know what you’re doing, dear brother. I sense a great deal of power about to enter through that door.”, I link Rayne. He gives no response.

Tania’s POV

Meri, Kara, and I have met up with the Head of Council of Wolves and he is driving us out to a safe house where we’ll find the Enforcers assigned to us. Clay is still just as gorgeous and intimidating as the first time I saw him, but I’d never give him any sign that I thought so. He is a very tall man, around 6’5”. He has jet black hair, dark hazel eyes with gold and green flecks, a thick goatee softening his hard jawline, and a bulky muscular build. Most lycan are incredibly built. Werewolves too, for that matter. Must have something to do with being part dog. This has to be the most absurd thing I have ever been a part of.

We pull up to a small cabin, Clay exits first. Meri, Kara, and I follow him up to the door. I don’t have to ask if they are meeting us or if they are already here. I can feel their auras even from outside the house. Goddess, please don’t make me fight a lycan. I chant a silent prayer before following onto the porch.

Clay opens the door and walks in, we follow. There are 2 identical men leaning against the kitchen counter drinking from their mugs. They are around 6’8”, somehow larger than Clay but still more lean. They aren’t so large that you would think their muscles slowed them down. They have light brown hair, cut short and spiked, icy blue eyes, and golden tan skin. Strong chiseled jaws, with a little stubble there accentuating their full lips. They’re dressed in blue jeans and t-shirts with running shoes. These mirror images of each other are absolutely the most gorgeous men I have ever seen in my life. No man should ever be so breath taking.

Clay speaks, “These men are Rayne and Jayce…” I notice he does not gesture to which is who, “Gentlemen, this is the Crone" gesturing to Meri and she nods, “The Mother" he gestures to me and I nod, “and the Maiden" he gestures to Kara.

“Hi! I’m Kara! It is nice to meet you.” Kara responds, her same bubbly self. I can tell the lycan make her nervous, but I’m not so certain they can as she steps forward and holds her hand out to shake theirs.

They seem hesitant, but then one unfolds his arms and steps forward, taking her hand in his. “Rayne", his deep voice is incredibly sexy.

He releases her and the other steps forward, “Jayce, little lady", his voice is just as deep as his brother’s but his carries a playfulness to it that his brother’s lacks. Kara beams at them, she must be feeling delighted that they aren’t the rabid dogs she had pictured in her mind when the word 'lycan' was spoken. I smile at her as she steps back to me. Meri and I have met many lycan, we aren’t quite as excited about this as Kara is. The Enchantress are quite sheltered until their powers awaken. Clay smiles at Kara also. She responded to him much the same, she even hugged Clay when she met him. I’ve never seen a lycan more stunned in my life.

Clay speaks to the twins, “I will contact you when it is time to come out of hiding and tell you where to meet. I’m not sure how long it will be, at this point I would guess a few months. Does anyone have any questions?” The twins both say they do not. Clay looks back to us, “Ladies, we will leave you in their hands. Do not worry about your Crone. I will escort her back to your coven safely.”

I turn to face him, breaking my eyes away from the figurative gods in the kitchen, “I appreciate it, Clay.” I say to him, he nods.

Then I embrace Meri. She whispers to me, “I will be fine, Tania. Protect Kara, keep you both safe. We will meet again soon.” I nod and release her.

Kara hugs Meri next, “Goodbye for now, Meri. I love you.”

Meri squeezes Kara, “Not forever, dear child. I love you. Follow your Mother and do not be afraid. She will protect you both. Be blessed and farewell.”

She releases Kara, “Goodbye, Clay! It was nice to meet you.”

Clay smiles fondly at Kara, you can’t help but like her. She is so happy and warm, “Goodbye, Kara. It was truly a pleasure to meet you as well. I pray you’re less mischievous than your Mother when your power awakens,” Clay smirks at Tania and she blushes slightly. He opens the door for Meri and they exit the cabin. We hear the car starting.

Rayne’s POV

They walk in and I immediately lock eyes with the second woman to enter behind Clay and my heart stops. My mouth waters, but my throat is too tight to swallow. She is a stunner. Long, thick golden blonde hair, falling in curls over her shoulders down to her waist. Her piercing bright emerald eyes stare into my soul, she has a full pouty mouth, and high cheekbones. Large full breasts, a tiny waist, beautifully rounded hips, and long toned legs. She is wearing a long green flowing skirt that sits low on her hips with slits on each side that stretch all the way to the band. She is wearing a matching off-the-shoulder crop top that reveals the tops of her full breasts. She has different bands and bracelets on each arm and some type of gold amulet. I don’t know what has come over me, I want her so badly and my pants are tightening as I fight the hard-on just looking at her stirs. I’ve never wanted a woman so badly in my life.

“Is this witchcraft, can anyone be so beautiful?” Jayce links to me.

“I’m not certain it is witchcraft, but I agree. She is exquisite.” I try to look at the other women with her. There is an older lady with them, she has silver hair, straight down to her hips as well. She is very lean and appears almost fragile, but there is something about her that just screams power and danger. She wears a long skirt also, hers has no slit, a full matching top and a gold amulet.

Then there is the other young woman. She has a bright smile and looks genuinely happy to be here. She has long ebony hair, that reaches just beneath her ribs, falling in waves around her with only the front section pinned back. She is petite, small breasts, nice rounded little bottom. Her long skirt has one slit that reaches her mid thigh and a matching crop top. She also wears a gold amulet, similar to the others. She is cute. I don’t feel much power radiating off her like I do the other 2. She must be the Maiden.

Clay has already introduced us and we nod to the women. Now he begins introducing them, the older one is the Crone. The beauty is the Mother. Both the Crone and Mother nod to us. There is so much power radiating off them, I can’t get a good read on either one.

The Maiden bounces toward us excitedly, startling us. “Hi! I’m Kara! It is nice to meet you.” She holds her hand out to us. I’m not sure how to take her, she appears happy to meet us.

I uncross my arms and take her hand, “Rayne.” She smiles happily at me.

I step back and Jayce moves forward, “Jayce, little lady", he shakes her hand as well. I can tell by his smile that he is amused by her. She smiles back at him then steps back to the other witches, smiling happily to the Mother. The Mother returns her smile, there is genuine affection there. The Mother loves this girl. Clay tells us that he will call us when it is time to come out of hiding. All the usual pleasantries are shared between everyone, I acknowledge Clay’s words, but I’m only focused on the Mother. She is so beautiful, I just can’t look away. She seems hesitant to let the Crone go.

Clay promises to see her home safely.

The Crone wraps the Mother in her arms and we can hear her whisper “I will be fine, Tania. Protect Kara, keep you both safe. We will meet again soon.”

“Tania.", we both say through the link. Such a sweet name. I'm rolling her name over in my mind, watching this poised beauty. Before I’ve realized that Clay is done with pleasantries, he is saying something to Kara about hoping she is less mischievous than the Mother. I don’t like the way Clay is looking at her. She blushes, why is she blushing? Does Clay have a s****l relationship with this witch? I’m trying my best to control the anger building, as the image of Clay on top of her surfaces in my mind. I scold myself, who Clay sleeps with is not my concern. They are closing the door and I hear the car starting.

Tania looks to me, without the Crone beside her, the power radiating is not so overwhelming. She is incredibly powerful on her own, still one I would be leery of approaching, just not one I would necessarily run from now.

“What are we doing now, Rayne?”

My name rolling off her tongue sounds so seductive. Oh the things I want to do to her now. “I need to get a grip, this has to be some sort of enchantment.”, I link to Jayce.

“I feel it too, we will resist it and show her that her magic is not as powerful as she thought.”

I feel myself becoming angry again. “We will move out shortly. Conceal your scents, do what you feel you must.”

Tania does not move from her spot, “They’re concealed. What you sense now is not our true scent. I will change it again in each time we switch locations.”

Her voice is music to my ears, NO, RAYNE! STOP IT THIS INSTANT. HER VOICE IS NOT MUSIC. SHE IS A WITCH, THEY ARE DEVIOUS! I scold myself.

Suddenly, Tania has an enormous amount of power radiating from her. I look back at her and Kara is now hiding behind her. They must sense our anger and feel threatened by it. She could seriously injure one of us. I take a step forward and stand a few feet from her. Trying to think of how I can diffuse this situation before anyone is hurt, but Jayce speaks first.