Fated (The Stratton Pack Book 1)

by Stella Blue

  “Where did shifters come from? How did they come to be? I know what the Aunts told me, but I want to hear it from you,” she requested.

  Emmett thought for a moment. “There was a man, a human, who fell in love with a witch. The villagers wanted her dead, but he was ready to lay down his life to stop them. She offered him a spell that would turn him into a powerful wolf, and he accepted it. On the first full moon, he shifted into the wolf, and he saved her.

  “As time went on, the villagers attacked again and again, and he was forced to shift into the wolf more and more. Eventually, it twisted his mind. He lost sight of his humanity. His witch tried to change him back, tried to bring him home, but it was too late. He couldn’t separate the wolf from the man. He knew she could never love the violent beast like she loved the kind man, so he left to save her from himself.”

  “So shifters are his descendants?” she clarified. He nodded. “Are there others in Eaton? Besides you and your family?”

  Emmett nodded again. “Our pack is centered in this county because there’s so much free space in the mountains,” he explained.

  “Does anyone else outside of the pack know?” she asked.

  “A few people. Dr. Gilligan at the clinic. Waylon Woodall. The pack-mates,” he said. When Teddy frowned, he continued. “Non-shifter partners of people in the pack. Like Phee.”

  Teddy’s eyes grew wide. “Does Phee know about Kitt? About any of you?”

  “Yeah. He told her a long time ago. He always knew she was the one, even when we were younger,” he added.

  She studied his expression. “Did you know that about me?”

  “Wolves always know their mates,” he said simply, smiling. He sat up and took her cheek in his hand. “Always.”

  She kissed him tenderly and leaned her forehead against his, feeling like everything was at peace. “The witch and her wolf,” she whispered, staring into his blue eyes.

  Emmett laced their fingers together. “The wolf and his witch,” he corrected, smiling. When she raised an eyebrow in argument, he sighed. “Agree to disagree?”

  Teddy laughed. “It’s wrong either way. I’m not a witch,” she admitted.

  Emmett frowned. “I thought all of you Kanes were witches?”

  She shook her head. “My mother and my aunts, yes. My grandmother, too. But not me. I don’t have magic,” she explained.

  He stared and leaned into her neck. “You sure smell like you do.”

  “How can you tell?” she wondered.

  “Witches have a different scent than humans or wolves. And you,” he said, kissing her neck, “smell like a witch. Maybe you just haven’t found your magic yet.”

  Teddy smiled and looked away, his words echoing in her mind. As a child, she’d dreamed of the day that her mother trained her in the craft. But after they’d moved away, that dream felt impossible.

  If there was anything she’d learned in the last twenty-four hours, it was that the impossible was sometimes extremely possible.

  Chapter Eleven

  It was the late in the evening, and Teddy helped the Aunts close up shop. Neither had asked her about where she’d run off to that morning, but she had a feeling that they knew. As Teddy restocked the bottles of citrus-infused lotions, she worked up the nerve to ask about her lack of magic. Anxious, she knocked over the bottles, undoing her work.

  Seph came to her side and waved her hand, righting all of the bottles. “What is going on with you lately? First, all the shifter stuff. Now, you’re all nervous.”

  Teddy sighed, hesitating. “You found out about Emmett, didn’t you?” Andie said, watching the two from the doorway. “About his family. His pack.”

  Teddy stared. “You knew about them? Why didn’t you say anything to me this morning?”

  Seph crossed her arms. “It’s complicated,” she warned.

  “Complicated like Ella? Complicated like the reason why I don’t have magic?” Teddy cried.

  Andie watched her niece. “You should get in the truck. Seph and I will close up,” she advised.

  Teddy stared. “I need answers, Andie. Things aren’t adding up.”

  “They will. Trust me,” her aunt promised.

  Grudgingly, Teddy grabbed her bag and went to the truck. She waited as the Aunts closed up the shop and got in the car. As Andie drove them back to the house, Teddy fidgeted. “I’m adopted, aren’t I? That’s why I don’t have any magic,” she whispered, as they rolled along.

  Seph laughed. “You are the spitting image of a young Magnolia Kane, and you think you’re adopted?”

  “You’re not adopted. We helped Maggie give birth to you,” Andie swore. “Still remember it like it was yesterday.”

  Teddy tried to think of another explanation. They arrived home, and she followed her aunts into the house. Andie led her to the kitchen, while Seph rummaged around in an upstairs closet. Andie waved a hand and set the tea kettle to boiling as Teddy sat at the table.

  Her aunt sighed. “Ella and Maggie came to Eaton together when they were sixteen,” she began. “They might not have been sisters by blood, but they were sisters in everything else.

  “As you know, your mother had the Gift of Enchantment. The power of the New Moon. Ella was blessed with the Gift of Vigor, like Hazel. A power of healing and life. They were polar opposites, but they used to fit together so well.”

  “Maggie was always very careful with her magic. She knew that Enchantments could be dangerous. But Ella was wild, reckless. She used her magic whenever and however she pleased. She only calmed down when she fell in love with a boy here in Eaton. It was right around the time that Maggie met your father. Everyone was happy.

  “What happened?” Teddy inquired.

  “Ella’s boyfriend ended things after three years, and he left her for another woman. She was heartbroken. She begged us to help her curse him, but Hazel wouldn’t let us. She said it wasn’t right, and we agreed. So she left.”

  “Years later, she came home,” Seph announced, returning with a white gown in hand. She hung it up and sat down. “We thought she meant well, but she poisoned her ex’s new wife with aconite.”

  “Maggie tried to stop the poisoning with an Enchantment, but it backfired. It ended up killing the woman, and Maggie blamed herself. After that, she felt she had to protect you from magic,” Andie revealed. “She cast a spell to bind your powers, and she never used magic again. She moved you away, and we never saw her again.”

  Teddy listened to the story, overwhelmed. “Why didn’t anyone tell me any of this?”

  “Because it’s what Maggie wanted. Because we thought maybe we were protecting you, too,” Andie admitted.

  “But we think we can reverse it,” Seph announced hopefully. Teddy looked to her.

  “How? How can you possibly reverse a spell if none of us have the Gift of Enchantment?” she wondered.

  “We won’t,” Seph confirmed. “The moon will.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Moonlight filled the conservatory, bouncing off of the many potion bottles and distilling tubes that rested upon the shelves. Teddy watched the Aunts prepare for her formal Claiming, the ritual in which they would confirm which Gift the moon blessed her with. The Aunts estimated that the power of the moon would be strong enough to break Maggie’s binding spell.

  Teddy stood, barefoot, in the center of the room, the tiled floor cold against her toes. They’d dressed her in a flowing white gown, the same one from her mother’s Claiming, and they’d woven flowers into her hair. Andie sprinkled a circle of salt and some fragrant powder around her niece, and Seph handed a chalice of white willow tea to Teddy for her to drink.

  Andie looked up at the skylight. “It’s time,” she whispered, stepping back. “The moon should be at its peak now.”

  Once Teddy finished the tea, Seph handed her a long violet candle. “Just focus all of your energy on lighting the candle. The tea will help the power of the moon flow through you,” she coached.

  “When you light t
he flame,” Andie added, pointing to the circle of candles they’d laid out on the tables, “the candles will light to form the Phase of your Gift.” Seph joined her sister to watch the young witch close her eyes and channel the moon’s power.

  It was as if the world had gone silent in Teddy’s ears. She felt as if her entire body was abuzz with electricity, every cell in her body charged. Slowly, the energy of her magic centralized, focusing in her chest. In that one moment, she understood her true self.

  All of the candles in the circle burst alight, flames flickering to life. The Aunts shared a look as they took in the sign of the full moon. Teddy opened her eyes, feeling stronger and surer than she ever had.

  “The Gift of Vigor,” Andie announced. Seph grinned.

  Teddy stared at her hands, still feeling the buzzing in her fingertips. “What does it mean? I’m a healer, right?” she asked.

  Andie smiled proudly. “It’s much more than that. The Gift of Vigor is a power of life. It means you’re in tune with the life forces of all around you. You can heal and strengthen yourself and those around you,” the woman explained.

  “But, you should know that there’s harm in it, as well. You can affect the health of others around you, giving and taking health away,” Seph warned.

  Andie approached her niece, her hand extended. She opened her palm to reveal a delicate moonstone ring. “It was your mom’s,” she explained, offering it to Teddy. “She left it with us for the day of your Claiming.”

  “Hazel gave each of us a moonstone at our Claiming. Keeps a piece of the moon with us,” Seph added.

  “It’s beautiful,” Teddy murmured, taking the ring and sliding it onto her finger.

  Teddy watched the flickering flames before her. It was like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders with Maggie’s spell finally gone. She had the same Gift as her beloved grandmother Hazel and her murderous aunt Ella. Andie and Seph hadn’t lied about the duality of the Gifts. Teddy wondered which side her Gift would fall upon.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The warmth of summer began to fade, and the coolness of fall moved in. And with the changing seasons, violent animal attacks had come to Eaton. A few people had been mauled by mysterious beasts, and the small town was on high alert. Teddy had delivered healing balms and other charms to the victims, but many wouldn’t accept the gifts. With the recent attacks, the people of Eaton had grown tense and suspicious of anyone and anything that was unusual.

  Teddy alleviated her stress by working in Hazel’s garden and growing her skills. She had figured out ways to grow full plants from seeds with one touch, and she’d started experimenting with her own recipes, recording all of her efforts in a journal of her own. Between her time in the woods and her time spent with Emmett, she was able to relax.

  In the afternoon light, she cleared dead branches from the garden and beckoned a fresh patch of sage to grow. As the plants twisted their way out of the earth, Teddy heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Emmett approaching. “Hey, stranger!” she greeted with a kiss. “What are you doing here? I thought you were working at the garage today?”

  He smiled and plucked a honeysuckle blossom. “I was. Went by Hazel’s shop to let you know your car was ready, and the Aunts told me you stayed home,” he explained. “I drove your car to the house, but you weren’t there, so I followed your trail. What are you doing out here?”

  She gestured around her. “Magic. Ever since the Aunts helped me figure out my Gift, I’ve been coming out here to practice my skills. Watch this,” Teddy said, plucking a red rose from the rosebush. She nicked her finger on a thorn, watching as a tiny bead of blood formed. Emmett tensed and reached for her hand just as the cut sealed itself.

  “Please don’t hurt yourself like that,” he pleaded.

  “It was just to prove a point,” she promised. “I can heal myself, and I’m pretty sure I can heal others. I would try to heal those people who were attacked, if I could do it without revealing myself.”

  Emmett sighed. “Speaking of those attacks. What are you doing in the woods by yourself?”

  Teddy paused. “So, maybe this wasn’t my best idea. But I wasn’t going to be out here long, and I figured I’d be fine,” she admitted.

  He went to her and wrapped her in his arms, staring down into her honey-brown eyes. “Teddy, you can’t just wander around the woods by yourself. I need you safe, okay?” he said, his eyes intense.

  She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and leaned her face against his chest. She could feel anxiety in his energy, and she sent her calming energy washing over him. As she pulled away, she studied his face. “They’re wolves, aren’t they? The creatures behind the attacks. That’s why you’re so nervous,” she realized.

  Emmett grew quiet, knowing he couldn’t lie to her. “Some of our pack members have gone missing,” he revealed. “Only a few, but still.”

  Teddy sighed and shook her head. “But why are they attacking people?”

  “We think they might be going rogue.” Teddy frowned in confusion. “Kind of like the wolf in the story? Their animal instincts are taking over, and my dad can’t reach them anymore. They were already missing by the time we noticed anything was off.”

  “So what can we do? How do we track them down?” she asked, ready to help.

  “You don’t. Let the pack handle it, and don’t go anywhere alone in the meantime,” he warned.

  Teddy crossed her arms defiantly. “Let the pack handle it? People are getting hurt, Emmett! I know I can help. The Aunts can help,” she pointed out.

  Emmett’s grim expression didn’t falter. “I’ll walk you to the house,” he offered, ending the argument. Teddy grudgingly gathered her things and stomped back to the Kane home. As Emmett kissed her cheek and ran off into the woods, Teddy started plotting a way to help the people of Eaton, whether Emmett liked it or not.

  Later, Teddy sat at the kitchen table, poring over spellbooks and Hazel’s journals. She’d been noting all sorts of protective charms and locator spells that might be useful in drawing the rogue wolves out of hiding. The Aunts came back from a day at the shop to find her hard at work.

  “What on earth are you doing?” Seph wondered, looking over Teddy’s shoulder.

  “Trying to find a way to stop the attacks. Emmett and I were talking, and he told me that he thinks they might be rogue wolves. I was thinking we could cast some sort of protective charm over the town,” she explained.

  “Are you sure you want to get involved with this? It’s clearly pack business,” Seph pointed out. She looked to Andie for support, but the other witch was quiet.

  “Why wouldn’t I get involved? Innocent people are getting hurt, and I might be able to help,” Teddy stated.

  Seph shrugged. “I just think that, maybe, you’re biting off more than you can chew. You’re still new to your powers.”

  “Then, why don’t you and Andie help me?” Teddy suggested.

  “Those wolves would never accept our help,” Seph scoffed. “And they’re dangerous. How do you know Emmett won’t lose himself to his wolf? What if you get hurt? I don’t think you should see him anymore.”

  Teddy stared in disbelief. “It’s not that easy,” she warned. “I’m his mate. We’re tied together for life.”

  “How do you know?” Andie asked, breaking her silence. “How can you be certain?”

  Teddy stared in disbelief. “Because I feel it. Right here,” she said, gesturing toward her heart. “The same way I know how to make things grow. The same way you know when something bad is about to happen, or Seph knows how to change a spoon into a butterfly. Because you just know.”

  The women fell silent. “Ella thought she knew, too. And she ended up dead because of it,” Seph warned.

  Teddy glared. “What are you talking about?”

  “Ella was killed by a shifter,” Andie clarified, tears in her eyes.

  “So, you’ll have to forgive us if we’re not too excited about you and Emmett,” Seph spat.
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  “Just promise us that you’ll stay away from Emmett and his pack,” Andie asked. “For your own safety. At least, until the attacks are stopped.”

  Teddy was quiet, her mind racing. She had never questioned how Ella died, thinking it was an accident. If Ella’s death had come at the hands of a shifter, Teddy could see why the Aunts were so worried about her relationship with Emmett.

  She closed the books on the table. “I won’t see him anymore,” she promised.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Over the next few days, Teddy was true to her word, staying out of contact with Emmett. She spent her days at the shop and her evenings with the Aunts. She and Phee overheard Emmett’s brothers discussing the missing pack members, and she knew the attacks were only going to get worse.

  Emmett had tried to reach out to her, to apologize for not listening to her. But the Aunts blocked him from her at every turn. They were completely out of contact with each other, and Teddy felt the weight of their distance dragging her down.

  Friday night arrived, and Phee suggested Teddy spend the night with her to break out of her funk. Grudgingly, Teddy had agreed. She’d thrown on some clothes, grabbed her things, and met Phee outside the house. As she approached Phee’s car, Teddy noticed Phee’s freshly tamed hair, and she frowned. “You look awfully put-together for a pajama party,” she pointed out, climbing in.

  Phee pulled away from the house. “That’s because we’re not headed to my house. We’re headed to the Strattons’,” she revealed.

  Teddy sighed. “Phee! I can’t show my face up there!”

  “Why not? You’ve both been so gloomy and grumpy lately. And you’re not talking for some mysterious reason. What even happened? Did he hurt you?” She frowned. “If he hurt you, say the word, and I’ll break his face.”

  Teddy shook her head. “It’s complicated,” she murmured.

  “Is it about the shifter thing?” Phee wondered. “I freaked out when I first found out, too. But Kitt showed me that they’re good people. You don’t have to worry about getting hurt.”