by V. A. Dold
“Oh, heavens no. About a hundred and fifty years back, a man in Omaha requested conversion and it went very smoothly. Keep in mind, the goddess may decline the request.”
Anna sat back in her chair and visibly relaxed. “Thank goodness. I didn’t get a lick of sleep over this. So, what do we have to do?”
“Nothing. I will make the request this afternoon during meditation and then we wait.”
“Oh. I sure feel silly now. I was all worked up for nothing.”
Emma sipped her tea. “Leave everything to me, child. You just take care of my grandchild, ya hear.”
Anna finished her tea, feeling much more relaxed than twenty minutes ago. I really could use a nap. “Thank you, Momma Le Beau. Please let me know as soon as the goddess makes her decision.”
“Of course, I will. Now, you run on home and take a nice nap. And don’t worry about a thing.”
Four hours later, Emma knelt before her alter as she prepared for her daily meditation time to speak with the spirits. She drew a calming breath. It wasn’t every day a worshipper requested a human conversion.
She lit her candles and incense, closed her eyes, and laid her hands palm up in her lap.
“My child, your visits lighten my heart,” the goddess quietly spoke.
“If it pleases you, I humbly request a conversion on behalf of your beloved daughter Anna. She asks that her two human sons be converted to shifter.”
“Ah, Thomas and John. Both good, honorable men. Even as humans, they have served me well by protecting my daughter from harm. I grant the request of John James to take place during the next new moon. But, I have other plans for Thomas James.”
Emma bowed her head low. “Thank you, mother goddess. If it pleases you, may I enquire about my sons’ mates?”
A soft chuckle sounded from the wavering image. “Your second eldest son has much to learn and his mate will teach him. Her name is Rachel Jorgenson, owner of the Shadow Hill Stables. She will participate in Simon’s auction. Take care, my daughter, blessed be.”
She watched her slowly fade. Oh goodness, this is going to take some planning.
That evening, Emma invited Cade and Anna and her boys to join her and Isaac on the deck. Sweet tea filled her pitcher on the sideboard, adding to the cooling breeze coming off the river. A secret little smile lit her face and her toes tapped a happy rhythm on the decking.
“Are you going to keep me waiting all night, Emma?” Isaac asked with a grin of his own.
She clapped excitedly. “I received answers from the goddess. She has given me the identity of Stefan’s mate. Rachel from the Shadow Hill Stables. She will be at the ball Simon and Rose are hosting and I already have a plan to get her there. I have other news but you have to wait for the others then I will tell everyone.”
Isaac scowled playfully and sipped his tea. A few minutes later, footsteps were heard on the wooden planks.
“OH! Here they are.” She rushed to hug everyone. Even Thomas wore a grin at her exuberance.
“Hi, Mother.” Cade spun her playfully in a circle.
“Oh, you.” She gave him a swat and offered tea before settling to serious business.
Five faces stared at her in expectation. “I’m sure you already guessed I have news. John, your request will be granted at the new moon. And Thomas, the Goddess told me she has plans for you as well but she has not disclosed what they are. She never does anything without a very good reason or behaves in a spiteful manner. I am sorry, but you will have to be patient. She did tell me you were both honorable men and were serving her well.”
Anna’s hand clamped over her mouth. “So fast?”
“When the goddess makes a decision there is no reason to wait. I will teach you the ritual and we will do it together.” She patted Anna’s hand.
“Cher, it will be fine. There’s nothing to fear, remember?” Cade wrapped his arms around her.
“I know, it’s these stupid hormones. Just ignore me.”
We have fifteen days to prepare. Tomorrow we will go over the ritual and prayers. We will also need to check the herb cabinet to verify we have everything.” Emma was all business when it came to her rituals and magic.
“Let me know when you need me to be here.”
“This is going to be great!” John shot a look at Thomas and received a toast from his brother for his success.
“I would still like to remain here in New Orleans and live on the plantation if that is okay with everyone.” Thomas looked like a kicked puppy.
“Of Course you will,” Isaac nodded. “I have plans for you myself. Can you meet with me in the morning?”
“Certainly,” Thomas replied.
Everyone celebrated for a few more hours before each sought the comfort of his or her own bed.