“We felt the negative energy and heard yelling, so we shifted and raced up here. Your dad and I were outside training and going over the details of tomorrow,” my mom added.
“Oh, that’s good,” I smiled through my tears. “I will be fine. I just need to rest now and prepare for tomorrow,” I said.
I wasn’t about to tell them what happened between Maddox and me tonight. My heart was breaking, crumbling into tiny pieces, and my mind was racing with emotions and scenarios that were playing out like a bad movie in my head. If Maddox didn’t forgive me, I would lose a piece of my heart and soul. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I wanted to curl up and cry but I couldn’t. I had to keep focused. Even when times were at their worst, I had to remind myself that I still had a battle tomorrow. The moment I forget the danger ahead of me, is the moment I place myself in real danger.
“We are going to go and try to get some rest, I suggest you both do the same. Asher, your parents will be here early in the morning along with the Vampires Council, Witches, and the rest of the pack. I know you probably won’t want to sleep, Elle, but please try to just relax your mind,” my mom said, as she leaned in and gave me a kiss on my cheek.
My parent’s left to go to bed; they too, needed all of the rest they could get. Funny thing was, I didn’t think any of us would be able to sleep. Too much was on our minds to shift our focus to prepare.
Asher and I settled back onto my bed and focused back to the television still playing in front of us. My mind was now reeling as I thought about our fight with Maddox. I hated that he had to bring up our issues the night before I was going to face the Witches. I knew he was hurting, but we couldn’t be divided right now.
“I’m sorry Maddox got so upset,” Asher began. “You need to just get that out of your mind and get some sleep. I am here to protect you,” Asher sighed.
I nestled into his arms and allowed him to warm me with his strong arms and safety. I was so exhausted, and sleep sounded so good. Sounds of thunder boomed in the distance as echoes of Maddox’s howls flooded into my bedroom. The sounds blended together in an eerie and dark lullaby, but somehow it helped me drift off to a restless sleep.
Chapter 16
I woke the next morning feeling groggy but prepared to fight and end this battle with the Witches tonight. Asher left that morning to get ready with his parents. Part of our plan was to meet with the pack at noon and then head to the open field. I could feel the electricity growing in the air as the dark storm clouds rolled into our area. I knew the Witches rage was creating the wild weather. That thought didn’t help my growing uneasiness and worry about the situation.
After showering and dressing in a pair of black Nike leggings and a matching long sleeve black shirt, I went downstairs and found my parents in the kitchen.
“Elle, we need to eat breakfast and then discuss the plans again,” my dad stated, as he motioned me over to the kitchen table.
Spread out all around him were papers and maps. As I sat down, my mom placed a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast in front of me.
“You will need all the energy you can get,” she said, kissing me on the head before sitting down across from me.
“What is all of this?” I asked, as I took a bite of my fluffy scrambled eggs and pointed to the papers covering the table.
“These,” my dad began pointing to a stack of papers, “are our plans. I wrote the directions for each group, so everyone knows their location and timing of the attack. This next set of larger papers are maps of Shady Oaks. They show the forest and surrounding areas. I thought it would be helpful to see how close we are to residential areas in case the battle moves out of our anticipated area,” he finished.
I began to review his notes and directions of attack on the papers. As we discussed, he had listed each group of members of the pack, the location they should be set in, and the time they are to attack. I was impressed with his tactics.
We ate our breakfast and reviewed all of the notes again. As I got up to place my empty plate in the dishwasher, I heard a knock at our back door.
My dad stood and went to the door, opening it to reveal Maddox’s family along with Jim and other members of the pack. It was only ten in the morning, they were definitely early. Asher and his parents joined us after a few more minutes. I looked behind them for a trace of Maddox, but he was nowhere to be seen.
My stomach dropped, and I felt tears prick my eyes. Maddox wasn’t’ here. Asher looked over at me and he noticed I was looking for the one person who wasn’t here. Asher offered me a sympathetic smile and a nod. I felt like a piece of my heart had died as I realized Maddox wasn’t going to show up. He left last night, and he wasn’t going to forgive me this time. How could I do this without him?
Seeing my distraught look, my mom walked over and placed her arm around my shoulder.
“Elle, it’s ok to be nervous,” she said.
“I know. But, it isn’t nerves about the Witches,” I sighed.
“What is it?” she asked, looking at me with an unnerving glance.
“Maddox isn’t here,” I said, a little too loud than I had anticipated.
Everyone in the house got quiet as all heads turned to look at me.
“Where is Maddox?” my dad asked, unsure now that he, too, became aware that he was missing.
Maddox’s parents gave my dad a knowing look before answering. “Maddox has decided not to join us today. He needs some time to handle the recent…changes,” Maddox’s dad added.
Asher looked visibly hurt that he was the reason Maddox wasn’t here. Losing Maddox today could be a deadly loss if things went wary with the Witches.
“We will surely miss him, but we need to continue on,” my dad stated, glancing at me quickly before leading everyone to the back door.
I was thankful for his quick change of discussion. I couldn’t fathom the idea of having to talk about the real reasons why Maddox wasn’t here today. I wasn’t sure what all he shared with his parents about what he knew about me and Asher and our…options for my future, but I was sure everyone knew there was something going on between him and me.
As everyone piled into the house, voices began to fill the room and my mind. I needed some quiet, but I knew that wasn’t going to happen. I would eventually find that solace I craved only it would be after we defeated the Witches or I was dead.
Eventually, we all ventured to our backyard where we decided to stretch and train before heading to the woods.
“Elle, we need to practice your shifting into another human before we leave,” dad noted as everyone circled around me.
I had grown used to this annoying spotlight of attention, but that didn’t’ mean it made it any easier.
“Ok, let’s do this,” I stated, exhaling a deep breath. My shifting into a human or inanimate object was usually the result of my growing angry and using that increased rage. Lucky, I was full of wild fury that would help me transition and shift.
Stepping toward me, Asher took on the role that Maddox usually held. I felt another piece of my heart crumble as I realized so much of my shifting relied on Maddox. I needed him more than I ever could have imagined.
Leaning in close to me, Asher tried to hide his annoyance with my hurt over Maddox’s absence. “Elle, I know it hurts you that Maddox isn’t here, but you have to put your trust in me. Let me help you and guide you,” Asher said, a hint of annoyance radiating in his voice.
Feeling irritation and a maddening anger grow inside of me, I looked at Asher and spoke. “Asher, I love you more than the air I breathe, but right now, you need to understand that I am dying inside. Maddox not being here changes everything. Maddox is who I train with. He was with me when I first shifted. He took me on my first run. He has been my protector since I was a baby. I need him here. Regardless if you understand this or not, you can’t guide me through this the way Maddox can,” I finished.
I watched as Asher’s face transformed into one of hurt as my words assaulted him. I knew that Asher want
ed to be everything for me, but he just couldn’t be. I think in life, we can have different soulmates. Some are meant to love, some are meant to cherish as friends, and others are meant to be part of your soul as more than a friend and more like family.
Shaking his head, Asher just walked away from me and went and stood beside his parents. Jim took the opportunity to step up and help.
“Elle, let’s focus on building your wrath,” Jim began. “I know you are upset about Maddox not being here. The reasons for his absence are none of my business nor is it anyone’s business here. However, we have a mission to complete. Channel that emotion you are feeling right now. Let that lead you to shift.”
Nodding, I didn’t’ bother to try and talk. Jim was right. I could use my hurt emotions to do what I needed to do.
Closing my eyes, I allowed the power and magic that had built inside of me to grow and course through my veins. Darkness swelled deep inside the pit of my stomach and traveled up through my veins and into my mind. A swirling gust of wind cradled me as I grew irate with a maddening and exasperating hurt provoked my Maddox’s anger over my love for Asher.
I understood Maddox was confused about his emotions and feelings for me, but that didn’t’ give him any right to abandon me today. My life and all of our lives depended on the results of the fight today. I needed Maddox and he wasn’t here for me.
I pictured Maddox’s face and then my mind wandered to that of the Witches. As their evil and sinister smiles protruded through my thoughts, I could feel the change happening. At first, it was slow, but then it grew like a raging volcano about to explode. I was awakening as someone different and new and while that should have terrified me, it only evoked a new sense of pride in me. I had shifted without Maddox.
Gasps rang out around me and as I opened my eyes, I was certain the metamorphosis was complete. A clapping erupted from behind me and as I swiftly turned, my eyes caught those of the Vampires Council.
“Very impressive,” Jameson clapped. “I have to say, I was fascinated when I first learned you could transform yourself into human form. Shifters for centuries have been known for changing into animal form. Their spirit animal if you will. What you just accomplished is truly captivating. Elle, you are much stronger and powerful than you believe. I see why the Witches are so enthralled with you,” he finished.
I knew the Vampires Council might attend today but seeing them in person made a part of me feel relaxed. It was nice to have more help and support.
“That was wickedly mesmerizing,” Eliza chimed in, as the Witches stepped forward.
I almost let out a scream as I spotted them watching us. Now that they were here, we could all form a united front. The power and magic that had been flowing through me now seemed to radiate through me. I was full of darkness and power and I was bound to use every ounce of the magic inside of me to stop the rogue Witches once and for all.
Chapter 17
We arrived in the open field at exactly two in the afternoon. As discussed, the groups were stationed around the forests and waited for their signals to attack. I stepped into the clearing as myself again. Now that I had the will and power to shift into the Witches, I could do so just by seeing them, I was certain.
Taking in my surroundings, I watched as the hunter green leaves of the trees danced along with the raging wind blowing all around me. The green grass below me swayed and moved like waves on an ocean. Thunder rumbled above my head, an ominous warning of the events to come.
“Are you ready?” my dad asked, standing firm and strong next to me.
“Yes,” I stated, with more courage than I honestly felt.
We stood there, out in the open like sitting ducks. We were playing into the game as prey to the predators. I knew it wouldn’t take long for them to sense we were out here in the open, waiting to be seen. They were on to us and had been watching us for a while. Whether they knew we were trying to set them up or not, I knew they were aware of our presence.
A crackle in the air was my first indication that something strange was about to occur. I felt the energy around me shift as the air grew heavy and thick, almost too heavy to breathe.
I glanced over at my dad and he nodded, letting me know he felt the change, too.
“They are near,” he stated, sniffing the air. My dad had shifted before we left my house as did all of the other Shifters. The Vampires and Witches were obviously still in human form and I, was, too, for now at least.
Looking at him, I smiled as I took in his regal and powerful stance. As a large, dark brown wolf he towered over me. He had run with grace and the true strength of an alpha leader. He was proud of his pack and for the first time, I felt like he was really proud of me, too.
My eyes cast around me while I remembered watching all of the Shifters race through the enchanted woods we all loved and adored so much. My mom was sleek as a midnight black panther. Her golden yellow eyes had twinkled in the shade and darkness of the forest where the sunlight didn’t register. Jim had run beside my dad, his golden fur flowing all around him like a lion’s mane. We were a powerful group and one the Witches hadn’t considered being as lethal as we truly were.
A devilish cackle was heard in the distance, echoing around us like a taunting tease.
The hair on the back of my neck stood as I looked around for the source of the evil and maniacal laughter.
“Don’t move, Elle. They think they have us surrounded,” dad whispered to me.
The clouds began to race across the sky at unnerving speeds. The light from the day faded and darkness surrounded us as though night had suddenly fallen over us.
“You can’t escape us,” a daunting voice cried out in front of me.
I stood straight and clenched my fists at my sides. From the corner of my eye, I spotted Asher in his hiding spot but I could feel his heated gaze on me. My body sensed his unease as he feared for my safety. I couldn’t become overwhelmed with his emotions; Asher had to trust in me right now.
I called on all of my powers as I stood straight. The wind around me began to howl as the wind speeds picked up. I felt like I was being pushed by invisible hands as my body threatened to fall over from the force of the winds.
“I am here waiting on you,” I called, in a voice that exemplified a strength I wasn’t sure I felt. “Show yourselves and stop being cowards,” I taunted.
Flashes of light and movement raced around me, and I moved my head left to right and then back to front as I tried to chase the movements with my eyes. They were running all around us, and I wasn’t sure where they were going to stop. None of us could move just yet, and it was painful keeping myself frozen in place.
“Oh, sweet innocent Elle,” the voice called, now to my right. “We have been watching you while you sleep, while you play with your little Vampires friend, and when you visit with your human friends. We know all about you, but how much do you know about us?” she called. The Witches were on the move, trying to play mind games with me like they had been doing for so many months now. Little did they know, I had my own mind game ready to play, too.
Slowly, as though they were walking on clouds, the Witches appeared before me. Alarm rang through me as I watched their wicked faces analyze me. As they approached, the static in the air continued to crackle and pop, and I felt the burning sparks on my arms like ashes from a fire. As the storm they were building flourished around us, they seemed to be unaffected by the wind and thunder.
“Is this all you can do?” I asked. “Create a little storm?” I laughed, startling them for a brief second.
Loraine stood next to Laney, never speaking a word but keeping her eyes locked on me like she knew I was up to something.
Once they were in the middle of the open field, both women stopped walking. Their stances were strong and arrogant. They believed they could kill me and take my power. They believed they could destroy everyone around them for their own sick pleasure. They were wrong. Very, very wrong.
“Oh, Elle. We can create fa
r greater damage than a little storm,” Laney added, with an evil grin. “However, we are more intrigued to learn what all you can do.”
“Laney, you let me down. I thought you knew everything about me?” I asked, feigning ignorance. “But, since you are so interested, I do have one trick to show you,” I added, with a malicious smile appearing on my face.
Laney stood before me, her arms crossed over her chest. A callous grin spread over her cracked lips as she watched me.
Closing my eyes, I inhaled a sharp breath as I engrained her hideous face into my memory. The extreme power of darkness and rage that was waiting inside of me was finally awakened. I felt it take over and control me as my body began to shift and morph into an evil and sinister beast. This had gone on far too long. I remembered the horrendous dreams where Laney had taunted me and tried to kill me. I remembered the time when they caused the tornado that damaged parts of Shady Oaks and could have killed people I loved. All of that had brought us to this moment right now. And, the last bit of intense rage I needed was knowing that Maddox wasn’t here.
Slowly opening my eyes, I watched as Laney took in the sight before her. A look for shock registered in her eyes before a frightful annoyance flashed across her ugly face.
“You can shift into humans,” she spoke, her eyes locked on mine.
“Sort of. I can shift into ugly Witches as you can see,” I said, pointing from her and back to myself.
“That is a useful gift,” she sneered.
My dad shuddered next to me and this caught the attention of Laney. “Oh, you brought your dog with you, too,” she laughed.
“This is my dad and he is a strong alpha leader of our pack. A dog he is not. He is a powerful wolf and Shifter who can shift into many different animal forms. He is here with me today to tell you all that your reign of terror on Shady Oaks is over. We are also here to tell you that you are done messing with me and manipulating people. I am stronger than you are. I will end this today,” I stated firmly.
Laney and Loraine stood there unmoving for what felt like an eternity. They shared an exchange of smiles before Laney turned back to me again. I was a bit confused by their calmness. This wasn’t what we had prepared for.
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