by Mandy Adler
Lily grabs ahold of the picture of her parents and herself as a baby and hugs it to her chest. “Thank you, Thomas.” She says with a watery smile. She then looks around the room at each of us. “I think it’s time to start training. Abby and I can help the pack with this fight.” Her gaze meets mine and holds it. “This is my fight, I don’t want to be left out of it.”
“Alright Lily.” I tell her gently. I hated the thought of her fighting these monsters, but I knew she was right; this was her fight to. She has lost just as much, if not more than the rest of the pack because of these monsters. She needed to be included in everything that has to do with the mages.
“I’m in!” Abby calls, making my girl smile slightly. “We’ll get ‘em Lil. We can help each other learn our magic, we got this. Let’s kick some fire-throwing-stupid-mage’s butts!”
Lily nodded and took one more look around the room. “Okay, let’s head back. There’s nothing here, we need to find out where the mages are and where they took my dad.”
Look at my mate taking charge, hard to imagine how far she had come to get this this point. She was an alpha alright and I don’t think the mages knew what they were creating.
Lily
“Concentrate.” Abby was trying to find the root of my magic, with no luck. When I walked into the house I could feel dad, but I have no idea how.
We have been out here every day for a week, with no luck. Abby’s was getting stronger, she could levitate things and do minor spells. I was a stick stuck in the mud, with no clue how to access my water magic. Being half wolf may have twisted it into something new. Zach said it may be anything, and have nothing to do with actual water. Problem is we have no idea what the magic of an omega and water mage can produce.
“I am. If I knew where to pull from, I could grasp it. I can feel something, I just don’t know what it is.” I tell her.
The boys have stopped sparring and were listening to us now.
“Maybe she needs to be under pressure.” James said, his head tilted to the side in a very wolf-like gesture.
“James…” Zach started but he had already grabbed Abby and had her pinned against the nearest tree. “She’s in trouble… how are you going to save her?”
I rolled my eyes. “That might have worked, but I know you would never really hurt her, my wolf knows that.”
James sighed and released her. “Sorry.”
“No problem.” Abby replied. “It was a good idea. Lily’s omega instincts are to protect the ones she loves, we just need a better villain. No offence, you’re a very scary beta.”
Zach snapped his phone shut. I didn’t even know he had it out. “I have an idea, but you’re not going to like it.” He tells me, dread pooling in my belly.
Just when I was about to tell him to stop whatever he was thinking Sue walks out, with five other wolves I recognize but rarely talk to.
“I think I may be the villain she needs.” Sue says with a sneer as the six of them surround Zach.
My heart races in my chest as I watch them circle around him, three shifted to wolf form. Zach is just standing there, eyes fixed on me. I watch with baited breath as the wolves converse on him, taking him to the ground. I could feel magic stirring, but hard as I try I can’t get it to do anything. This was a bad idea, he was going to get hurt. He was going to get injured because I couldn’t make this stupid magic work. He can’t take on six shifters. The small sound he made is what snapped me, like a rubber band breaking after being to stretched out. He made a grunt of pain as first blood was drawn.
“Enough!” I bellowed in a voice unlike my own. The wolves shifted back to human, seemingly against their wills. The others were on the ground in a submissive pose. I walked to Zach, following instincts I didn’t understand and placed my hand on his bleeding neck. My heart pounding so hard I felt as if it would burst from my chest any moment. Slowly the wound started to close and the bleeding stopped. I should be amazed, but I was still reeling from seeing Zach bleeding.
“She’s a healer!” I faintly heard Abby exclaim. “The omega part can control the wolves and the mage part can heal them. Maybe find supernaturals? If the thing back at her dad’s house means anything.”
“Don’t do that to me again.” I tell Zach, while meeting his eyes. “Don’t make me watch you being hurt and not know if I could do anything about it.”
“I’m sorry Il mio bel fiore, but it worked. You are amazing.” He gently kissed my frown. “I won’t do it again, it was just the only way I could think to trigger your magic. You would do anything to protect me, just as I would you. Its what mates do.”
A part of me wanted to stay mad, to scream and throw a fit that he would put me through something so terrifying after what I’ve been through lately. But I understood, he better not pull that crap again, but I understood why he did it. I have magic! Healing magic! I can make sure the people I love are okay in the battle to come. That is amazing!
“I know how to pull it out of me.” I say softly, feeling the magic flowing through me. It feels like gentle waves rolling through me, flowing through my blood. It’s not really a fighting magic, but I can help all the same… I can make sure not to lose anyone else I love to these mages.
Chapter Five
Zach
This next part was going to be the most difficult for her. I know she can fight with her wolf, she can access her healing magic, and turns out she can control the wolves through her omega powers. But in order for us to win this fight… she has to face her fear. I can’t take her into a battle with fire mages and have her panic at the sight of fire.
“Scintillam.” Abby whispered, bringing a small flame into piece of the wood she held.
Lily’s breathing immediately grew heavy, and sweat dotted her brow. She stayed standing which was an improvement from where she was a few hours ago, but the fear was still there… and still strong.
“Extinctus.” The flame went out and Abby eyed Lily with worry. It took everything in me not to rush over to my mate, but she had forbidden me from interfering. “Lil?”
“I’m okay.” Her breath was coming out in puffs. She harshly wiped the sweat away and laughed bitterly. “How many times have we done this? And I still want to freak every time!”
“That’s enough for today.” I calmly stated, knowing she was going to argue. But she was pushing herself to hard.
“Zach! But I’m not nearly strong enough…” Called it.
“It is enough for today. We can do it again tomorrow, and the next day, however long we need to. But pushing yourself until you pass out is not the way to do this. It will take longer than one session. We are not fighting them today, give it a little time Il mio bel fiore.” I walk over and place a small kiss on her forehead. She was still sputtering out excuses why we shouldn’t stop yet. “I’m playing the Alpha card. It’s not a question… and I’m calling it a day.”
She hates when alpha her, and she proves this by letting out a low growl and spinning away, storming back towards the house.
“Well. That went well.” James laughed. Lily pissed was kind of cute, as much as she hated it. She was a tiny thing for a wolf, and so fierce in her anger.
“Had to do it. She wouldn’t have stopped otherwise.” I sigh, dragging a hand down my face. She was going to be a pistol when I returned to our room.
“She’s nearly there.” Abby added. “She barely flinched this last time. A few more sessions and I bet she can master her fear.” She laughed. “I understand why you pulled the ‘I am Alpha, my word rules’ card. But I am the best friend so I must be furious on her behalf. You suck Zach Carter for doing that to her. You should have just calmly explained why stopping at this point was a good idea, she’s not unreasonable.” With that she to spun and followed in Lily’s wake. James let out a bark of laughter. These females would be my undoing.
Lily
“I cannot believe he did that!” I was still fuming. Abby was being a best friend and calmly letting me rant. I wasn’t pushing myse
lf too hard, I wasn’t. I knew my limits and I could have gone longer.
“I can. He’s alpha, and your mate. He wants to protect you.” She shrugged. “Be happy you have people that want to protect you, it could be worse.”
I was a terrible friend; how could I forget Abby didn’t have anyone? “Abby…”
She waved my start away. “No. I know I have people now, I have you. I just meant instead of being so mad as him, you should look at it from his point of view. He loves you, he wants to protect you. Even from yourself. Wouldn’t you do the same thing if the roles were reversed?”
I sat on my bed with a huff, she was right. “Okay, but there could have been a better way to handle that.”
“And I told him as much. Remember he’s been acting Alpha for a long time, it’s ingrained in him. As hard as you’re trying to change, remember he is to.”
“I guess I should apologize for running off.” I didn’t want to, I wanted to stay mad.
“I didn’t say that. Make him suffer a bit.” She said, making me laugh. “It does him so good to have someone that can challenge him. Want me to give him fleas or something?”
“As lovely as that sounds…” Zach laughed as he walked him, eyeing me; trying to gauge my mood. “How about I just talk this over with my mate?”
Abby looked at me and I gave her a nod, I could handle my own mate. She laughed and headed to the door. “Be nice to her Alpha flea-ball. Or you will become unexplainably itchy all of a sudden.”
“Thanks for the advice Sabrina the teenage witch.” I laughed at their bickering, making Zach’s eyes light up.
Then the door shut behind her and we were alone. I didn’t know what to say. I acted childish, I know I did. But I hated when he pulled the alpha card on me. We were supposed to be equals.
“You promised. You promised that you wouldn’t do that anymore.” I said quietly, anger still in my voice.
He stalked forward until he stood in front of me, pushing me back until I laid back on the bed. His arms held his weight as he stayed inches from my face. “You’re right, I did. But in times where you put yourself in danger I veto it.” When I tried to cut in he stopped me with a kiss, making me melt and lose all thoughts in my head, not fair. “You were. You were straining too hard, I felt it Il mio bel fiore. It wouldn’t have been long before you passed out. I will not let you harm yourself because you think you’re a weakness. I love you, and we are equals. But your safety will always come first, even if you stay mad at me. You asked me to stay out of the sessions, I did. But I will not stand by and let it go so far that you do more harm than good. I can’t. Don’t ask me to. You told me not to make you stand by and watch me get hurt, and not be able to help. Give me the same respect.”
He was right, I did the same thing I asked him not to do. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think of it that way. I just… I have to get stronger. I need to get my dad back, who knows what they are doing to him.”
“I know. And we will get him back, trust me. Thomas is looking for where they could be holding him.” He cupped my cheeks tenderly. “Trust me baby, we will get your father back and the Fires will pay.”
“I trust you.” I murmured before he leaned down and kissed me again, more urgently. I wrapped my arms around him, toying with the ends of his hair. And I let everything go, just for this moment… and lived in the now, with the Alpha I loved.
Zach
We had a bonfire tonight. It would be a test to see how far Lily has come. Most of the pack would be in attendance. To says she was nervous was an understatement. She has changed her outfit at least four times, and ended up with the first one back on.
“Lily honey, it’s dark. I will be right beside you the whole time, everything will be okay.” I called though the bathroom door.
Finally, it opened. Her cheeks were flushed but she looked determined. “I’m ready. Let’s get this over with.”
“You will do great Il mio bel fiore.” I said honestly, kissing her cheek. She gave me a small smile laced with fear, but barreled on into the hall.
The party was in full blow by the time we got outside. My wolves were around everywhere. I wasn’t taking any chances. We had wolves patrolling the area twenty-four seven lately. Some were here to have fun, but others were here to make sure everyone stayed safe.
“You ready? You got this Lily-bug! I know you do!” Abby bounced over and grabbed Lily in a hug, James at her side.
Those two had grown close lately, I needed to talk to him and make sure he knew what he was doing. I didn’t want either of them hurt if he found his mate.
“I’m ready, let’s just get this over with.” Lily breathed out the last statement and I doubt anyone but a wolf could have heard her. I could feel the anxiety rolling off her.
I slung my arm around her shoulders, protecting her as I could. “Right here. I’m not going anywhere tonight, lean on me Il mio bel fiore.”
“Thanks.” She whispered.
As we approached the large bonfire she stiffened slightly. Her eyes took on that glazed look I knew so well. I stepped in front of her and took her face in my hands. “Breathe. Just breathe Lil. It can’t hurt you, I’m here right beside you. Just breathe through the panic, let it flow through you and out. Focus on me, one step at a time.” I watched as she took slow even breaths till finally her eyes came back into focus and she gave me a small grateful smile.
Her eyes didn’t leave mine for a long while, she took the time she needed to find her focus and leave the panic behind. “I’m okay. Thanks.”
“Anytime sweetheart.” I tell her gently.
Her eyes slowly moved back to the fire with a barely-there flinch. I watch with bated breath as she moved closer to the flames, battling the demons I know were rattling in her head. I only wished I could battle those demons for her, but this was something only she could do.
Lily
For the first time in a long time I felt okay. The fire was still nerve wracking but I didn’t feel the panic attacks coming on. I didn’t feel the need to curl in a ball and cry, I felt… tolerable with it. I don’t think I will ever be a fire-bug, but I think I will be alright. I owe it all to my friends and Zach. They have been through it all with me, making sure I made it out of these sessions without more scars.
“I’ll be back.” I whisper to Zach as talked with James. He shot me a look that I knew meant he didn’t want me to go off alone. “I’ll be fine. Kyle is off with his friends, let him have some fun tonight.”
“I’ll go with you.” Abby butted in with a wink at me.
“Be careful.” Zach replied to me with a quick kiss.
“Yes, we will be careful on our own land, where there are tons of wolves milling about.” I laughed. But if I was being honest, sometimes I loved his overprotectiveness. I giggled as he slapped me on the backside.
Abby took my hand and we began walking through the woods. I just needed some space, there was a lot of wolves around and it was a lot to take in while battling my fear of fire.
“You’re doing great Lil.” Abby told me. “And I won’t even bother telling you I told you so.”
I let out a laugh. “You kinda just did.”
She shrugged. “Well truth be told, I did. I just didn’t want to rub it in, I’m awesome like that.”
We laughed as we kept walking further into the woods. I loved this place, loved the nature of it. I could always find peace out here. I could hear voices ahead, no telling who they belonged to. The shifters were everywhere tonight.
“He must have jacked up security.” A voice was saying. A voice that was eerily familiar.
“You said she would be here.” Another one growled out.
Abby grabbed my arm and we hid behind a nearby tree. I waited as she whispered a cloaking spell so softly I barely heard her with my wolf-hearing.
“She is. Theirs is no way he would let his precious mate off grounds after we nabbed her father, useless as he is.”
“We will have to come back another night. There�
�s too many of them around tonight.” I knew that voice… it had haunted my nightmares for a while now. Caleb was working with the mages. Well, at least we knew where he disappeared to.
Chapter Six
Zach
“What do you mean Caleb is working with the mages?!” I knew the kid was messed up, but come on! I didn’t think he was this stupid. All I could think was that the girls were so close to them, so much could have gone wrong so easily. I could have lost her.
I felt her hand on my cheek, blowing the clouds of doubt and rage from my mind in the way only she could do for me. “I’m okay. They didn’t even know we were there. I told you I would be careful and I was.”
I nodded before crushing her to my chest. The thought that I was so close to losing her was making my heart pound. “Okay. You’re right. But this needs to be dealt with and soon. I can’t have you a prisoner our own home.”
“They’re planning to kidnap her.” Abby chimed in. “That’s what they were saying, whatever they need her for… they need her alive. At least we know that much.”
“We need to have a meeting with the pack.” I said, looking at James, but still I held Lily in my arms. I wasn’t ready to let go of her just yet, I don’t think I would ever be ready for that.
“I’ll make the announcement.” I nodded to him and he headed out the door, Abby close behind. I called a thank you to her before she left, she turned and gave me a wink. Thank god for her quick thinking, cloaking them before they were found.
“That was too close Il mio bel fiore. I don’t want them that close to you again.” I tell her gently. The panic was slowly easing, but this feeling was still too new to me and I wasn’t sure how to handle the feelings.