by C Zinnia
“Do you need a break?” Eli asked.
“No, I feel good,” she said. It was partially true. Mel still felt and underlying level of fatigue that she couldn’t seem to shake. She didn’t want to bring it up to Eli because she knew it would somehow lead to Mel confessing that she was doing energy work on Viola.
“Why don’t you find Viola?” Eli suggested. “You know she’s somewhere training with Daren, but not specifically where.”
“Okay,” Mel said. She closed her eyes and put up her protective layers first. When she felt they were secure and in place, she turned her attention to Viola. Mel remembered Viola’s loving and strong energy. She felt it. Mel knew Viola was on a mountain in wolf form.
Mel was on the mountain. Two wolves were running up the mountain. One was black and the other was dark brown with red and blonde highlights. They were both panting. It was their second time up the mountain. Much to their dismay, there wasn’t a good breeze to help cool them off.
When Viola reached the top, she howled with joy. She wished Mel was here to share the gorgeous view.
Daren collapsed on the ground dramatically. Viola tackled him. They play fought. Their “yips” rung through the woods. Viola and Daren broke apart and ran down the mountain.
Mel was amazed by their speed. They were both swift and fluid with their movements. Mel knew if she had physically been there, she wouldn’t have been able to keep up.
Viola and Daren reached a creek at the bottom of the mountain. They splashed through the creek to cool off. They jumped out and shook the excess water off.
Mel laughed. She could feel how happy they were with their training.
“Come back,” a voice said.
Mel realized it was Eli. “How?” she asked silently.
“Picture your body and know how it feels,” Eli said. “Go to your body.”
Mel imagined where she had left her body beside Eli. She saw herself sitting in the chair. Mel sunk back into her body.
Mel opened her eyes to find Eli smiling at her. “How did it go?” he asked.
“Great,” Mel said.
“Good,” he said. He studied Mel for a moment. “How are your energy levels?”
“They’re okay,” she said. She didn’t want to mention how tired she was because she knew it would lead to a bunch of questions.
“I’ll bring you some more tea this afternoon to drink before our session. Our focus this afternoon may have to be on building your reserves since you’re so depleted,” he said. “Why don’t you go play the guitar for a bit? Maybe that will help raise your energy levels some.”
“That’s a good idea,” Mel said. “Thank you for everything, Eli. I’ll see you this afternoon.”
“See you then,” he said. “And Mel?” She looked at him and saw he was fighting to be diplomatic with his next words. “You have many wonderful gifts that could save a lot of lives, but you’re going to have a lot of people who will try to exploit your gifts. You have to learn to put up and uphold boundaries so you aren’t quickly depleted. Anyone who doesn’t respect your boundaries is not coming from a place of love. You are not obligated to sacrifice your wellbeing for anyone. Understood?”
Mel couldn’t look at him. She had forgotten Eli was just as powerful in his own right. She realized he knew exactly why she was so depleted. She wanted to ask if he would do the same as her if their positions were reversed. She wanted to ask if what she was experiencing was love and if it was normal in a relationship. She was also afraid of the answers. She didn’t want to know the truth.
She nodded her head. “Understood.”
Chapter 25
Mel’s concentration was interrupted when she felt Viola outside. She quickly put up her guitar and rushed downstairs. She reached the living room as Viola and Daren were coming in.
“Mel!” Viola said happily. She greeted Mel with a kiss. “How are you on this lovely day?”
“Great,” Mel said.
“Did you finish the laundry?” she asked.
“Yes,” she said.
“Great! How did your session go with Eli? Did you learn how to heal?” Viola asked.
“It went well. And no, not yet,” Mel said.
“Oh.” Viola was disappointed.
Before she could say anything, Bruce walked in from the office. “You got back just in time, Viola. I just got a call from Alpha Stephanie in North Carolina,” Bruce said.
“They have a female alpha?” Mel asked.
“Yes,” Bruce said. “Unlike Mason’s pack, there are packs out there open to the concept of having a female leader. Stephanie asked if a special match could occur tonight.”
Mel was shocked. “On such short notice?” she asked.
“That’s how they like to schedule matches with me now a-days. They think it gives them an edge over me. With who?” Viola asked.
“One of her beta’s sons who is trying to prove himself. We were able to schedule about three fights, but she really wants you to fight,” Bruce said.
“Yes, I’ll fight,” Viola said. “Can Mel come?”
Bruce glanced at Mel. He thought about it for a moment longer than Mel liked. “Yes, she is your mate after all,” Bruce said. “And it would be inappropriate if she wasn’t allowed to attend.”
Mel smiled. “Thank you so much, Bruce,” she said.
“Remember, you’re representing the whole pack,” Bruce said. “How you act reflects on us.” He pointed at Viola. “Viola has willingly agreed to fight someone. This person is going to try to hurt her. You cannot interfere with your gifts no matter how badly you may want to. You have to exert complete control. If you aren’t able to handle this, then you shouldn’t go to the match.”
Mel’s gut churned with nerves. It felt like a huge responsibility was placed on her that she wasn’t accustomed to. She would hate to do something that would make Bruce want to kick her out of the pack! “I understand,” she said. “I’ll be on my best behavior, no matter what. I didn’t interfere with the last match, remember?”
Bruce was somewhat mollified. “Good,” he said.
“Now that that’s settled, let’s eat,” Viola said.
“You’re hungry?” Mel asked. “Didn’t we just eat? I’m still full.”
Viola was surprised. “Full? I’m starving,” she said. “I’ve forgotten that your metabolism is different. That’s all right. I’ll just have a protein shake. We can watch movies on my laptop in my room if you want. On the days of the fight, I like it keep it lowkey and not too much to overexert myself physically.”
“Sounds good to me,” Mel said, grateful to have a break from working out.
Mel joined Viola in the kitchen and watched her make a large chocolate, peanut butter, and banana protein shake with chia seeds. Viola took a large gulp. She had a huge grin of satisfaction on her face. Viola offered some to Mel.
Mel took a sip and was pleasantly surprised to find it was tasty.
They went upstairs and Viola noticed the folded clothes on the dresser. “I don’t like my pants folded like that. Fold them this way next time,” she said as she folded the top pair of pants a different way. “And next time hang up my shirts.”
“Okay,” Mel said.
“Why don’t you fix the pants while I put on the movie?” Viola said as she pulled out her laptop.
Mel refolded the other pants while Viola picked a movie.
They cuddled in bed at they watched an action movie.
“Amor, will you massage my back?” Viola asked.
“Okay,” Mel said.
Viola eagerly laid on her stomach and happily sighed as Mel rubbed her back. Viola could feel a couple of knots here and there that seemed to melt as she worked on them.
“Don’t forget to use your magic,” Viola said.
“I can’t right now,” Mel said. “I’m really tired. I think I need to rest it a bit.”
Viola stiffened up. “Fine,” she said. “I guess you want me to lose my match tonight.”
Mel was stunned by Viola’s statement. “What do you mean? You won’t lose because I didn’t work on you,” she said. “You’ve won all of those matches before and I wasn’t working on you then.”
“I see how it is. You just don’t care,” she said. “You shouldn’t come to the match tonight.”
Mel was hurt. “But I want to watch you fight,” she said. “I want to cheer you on.”
“You want to cheer for me, but you won’t help me when I need you,” Viola said.
“I’m tired, Viola,” Mel said. “It’s a deep bone tired. Why don’t you care?”
“Don’t twist this,” she said. She jumped up and walked away from Mel. “If Jesse was here, she’d work on me.”
Mel’s mouth dropped. She felt like she had been hit in the gut. I can’t believe she’s comparing me to Jesse, she thought. Beautiful, strong Jesse. “I’m not Jesse,” she said. “And that was a low blow.” She rolled away from Viola.
Viola crawled into bed. “Amor, if you’d just work on me, I wouldn’t say those things,” she said.
Mel felt a few tears slide down her cheeks. This isn’t right, she thought. This isn’t how love is supposed to go, is it? “I’m telling you I’m tired. I’m admitting how exhausted I feel and that’s a hard thing for me to do. Yet when I’m showing my vulnerable part, you throw Jesse in my face?” she said. “That’s not right.”
Viola covered the back of Mel’s neck with kisses. Mel didn’t like the fact that her body responded to Viola’s touch and caresses. It wasn’t long before Mel got caught up in the passion of the moment.
Their bodies intertwined as their previous argument was forgotten. Both succumbed to the chaotic passion they were weaving.
~ * ~
After a couple of movies, Viola and Mel wandered into the kitchen to fix a quick lunch.
Silvia and Bruce were sitting at the kitchen table. Bruce was massaging Silvia’s feet while Silvia was finishing her lunch. “Thank you, love,” she said. “My feet have been so swollen.”
“You’re welcome,” Bruce said. “Anything for you.”
They noticed Mel and Viola and couldn’t help but grin.
“You two have been having a great day,” Silvia noted cheerfully.
“Mm-hmm,” Viola said happily. “It seems like you are as well.”
“Nothing makes a pregnant woman happier than food and a foot rub,” Silvia said. “Except for a larger bladder.” She pouted. “Why does he sit on my bladder when I’m getting my feet rubbed?”
Bruce laughed. “I will rub your feet again at our next break, love,” he said.
“Okay,” Silvia said. She slowly stood up. “If y’all will excuse me for a moment.”
“Have you seen anything else about our child?” Bruce asked Mel.
“No,” Mel said. “But I also haven’t looked.”
“That’s probably for the best,” Bruce said. “Sometimes, it’s good to be surprised. All I want is for our son to be happy and healthy.”
“Do you want him to be Alpha?” Mel asked.
“I’ve thought about that a lot,” Bruce admitted. “Silvia and I are trying to figure out how to raise him. Should we start teaching him about running the pack at an early age? Should we wait until he asks to learn? It’s hard to determine. I’ve seen some children of an alpha over the years rise to the pressure and others breakdown. We hope that as we get to know him, we’ll have a better idea of what to do.” Bruce nudged Viola. “By the way, Stephanie was ecstatic you agreed to the fight.”
“I don’t know if she’ll be so happy about it after the fight,” Viola said. She winked at Mel. “Mel can already see the upset look on Stephanie’s face. Right, Mel?”
The suggestion caused Mel to pause. Without realizing it, Mel could see Stephanie after the fight. Stephanie’s face showed her sorrow. Unshed tears filled her eyes as she fought not to cry. “She’s devastated,” she said. “She is so hurt and disappointed, but she has to keep herself from crying.”
“That’s uncharacteristic of her. Normally Stephanie doesn’t take the matches so personally,” Bruce said.
Mel shrugged. “That’s all I got,” she said. “Where are Dana and Lee?”
“They went shopping with Daren for basic necessities,” Bruce said. “I’m glad you were able to get some clothes too. Do you have enough to hold you over until you go home to get your things?”
“Yes, I’m good with clothes, thanks for asking,” Mel said.
“Have you and Eli worked on looking into the future?” Bruce asked.
“Not since we checked the three werewolves,” Mel said. “He hasn’t told me what his lesson plans are. I’m sorry I don’t know more.”
“Don’t stress over it, Mel,” Viola said. “You have to go at your pace. You’ll be able to tell us when we’re meant to know. And there may be other avenues that Eli may feel are more important to address and build up.” Mel knew Viola was thinking about Mel being able to help her heal. “Right, Bruce?”
“Of course,” Bruce said. “Eli is wise and I trust that whatever he teaches you is what is best for both your development and our pack. Well, I better get to work. You two have a nice meal.” He left.
Mel’s stomach growled. “Okay, now I’m starving,” she said. “Let’s eat.”
Viola laughed. “I’m glad,” she said. “I hope I played a large part in creating your hearty appetite.”
“Yes,” Mel said. She kissed Viola. “A very large part.”
“Good,” Viola said. “Why don’t you help me make lunch?”
“Okay,” Mel said.
Together, Mel and Viola made a large healthy lunch. Viola made a large protein shake to go with her food.
“Is it normal to eat a shake with a meal?” Mel asked.
“Not for humans,” Viola said. “I trained in wolf form today, so I need the extra calories and protein.”
“I saw you and Daren run up the mountain,” Mel said. “And play in the creek. Eli had me practice leaving my body and he said to find you.”
Viola smiled. “That’s great! I’m so proud of you,” she praised.
Mel enjoyed the way Viola’s praise made her feel.
When lunch was over and the dishes were washed, Viola said; “You have an hour before your next session with Eli. You can massage me some more and I’ll take a nap while you’re gone.”
Before Mel could respond, Viola picked Mel up and threw Mel over her shoulder. Mel squealed in shock. As Viola carried Mel upstairs, Mel couldn’t help but enjoy the fact that Viola was able to carry her. It was silly and partially barbaric, but Mel still liked it.
Viola placed her lightly in bed. Viola immediately dove under the covers and threw off her shirt. She rolled so her back was to Mel. It wasn’t long before Viola fell fast asleep from Mel’s massaging.
Mel quietly slipped out of bed. She grabbed her phone and went to the porch. She was grateful to find no one was around. She called her mother. “Hi, Mom. How’s your Saturday going?” she asked.
“It’s going well,” her mother said. “How are you doing?”
“I’m good,” she said.
“Your voice sounds a little strained,” she said. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, Mom. You’re just being paranoid,” she said.
“Okay,” she said. “How is Viola?”
“She’s doing well,” she said.
“Good,” she said.
“Well, I just wanted to call and check in with you. I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” Mel said.
“Okay,” her mother said. “Bye.”
“Bye,” Mel said. She ended the call.
Eli joined her on the porch with a quart mason jar filled with tea. He handed it to Mel. “Did playing music help with your fatigue?” he asked.
“Not really,” she said. “I wasn’t able to tap into the music like I had when I was with Papa. I think I’m overthinking it.”
He laughed. “Probably. Some of us get so into our heads that we interrupt the flow,�
� he said.
“How do you get out of your head?” she asked.
“I like gardening. Playing in the dirt helps ground me,” he said. “Going on walks. Fuzzy socks.”
“Fuzzy socks?” she said with a laugh.
“Yep. The texture of the fuzzy sock helps bring me back into my body,” he said. “Otherwise, there are times where I can get so in the spirit side that I feel like I’ll float away.”
“I feel that way too,” she said.
“We’re going to take a field trip outside,” Eli said. “Come on.”
They walked down one of the trails. They came across a large oak tree.
“Take off your shoes and socks,” he said.
Mel complied. She wiggled her toes, enjoying the sensation of the ground on her bare feet. “What are we going to do?” she asked.
“A couple of qigong exercises to gather qi,” he said. “These will hopefully help replenish your energy source as well as help ground you.” He took off his shoes and stood with his feet hip width apart. “You’re going to start with your arms by your sides. You’ll bring your arms up, palms up, as you imagine you’re collecting qi from the universe. With your arms are completely above your head, you’ll turn your hands face down and bring your hands down along the center of your body. While you do this, imagine the pure energy of the universe pouring into you, filling your reserves.”
Mel followed his movements and his breathing techniques. She could feel warmth accumulate in her hands and spread along her body.
“Now, we’re going to do the movement in reverse. As we do the reverse version, imagine any stagnant energy, harmful energy, or energy that no longer serves you, being pulled out of your body to return to the universe to be transformed and utilized by the universe in a beneficial manner,” he instructed.
They turned their palms up and brought their hands up along the center of their bodies. When their arms were directly overhead, they turned their palms out and brought them back down to their sides.