by V. Vaughn
“Nope,” says Mom. “Kelsey’s living proof they don’t.”
Val nods. “Before they had a chance to find out, they discovered when bitten, halves change into werebear.”
Mom says, “So I hear. Is that what you plan to do to my daughter?”
He raises his eyebrows at her abruptness and says, “Perhaps. I thought we’d date for a while and get to know each other before making any rash decisions.”
“Good,” says Mom as she glances at both of us. “What do you know about the change? Has anyone died?”
I inhale sharply but let Val answer, because it’s something I should know. He says, “No. Actually, two ended up becoming alphas.”
Mom gulps her wine. “Interesting.” Her gaze darts over to me, and she quickly adds, “You’re not an alpha, in case you were wondering.”
“Whew.” I smile at her. “Leading a clan isn’t something I’d want to do.”
Mom frowns at me. “No, probably not. But you do realize that becoming a werebear is going to change your life dramatically.”
“I guessed that. I haven’t had much time to grill Val about what life will be like, though.”
Val reaches across the table for my hand. “We have plenty of time for you to learn about clan life, and you’re the one who will decide when and if you change.” His warmth seeps into my skin, and for a moment I forget my mother is with us as desire for my mate ramps my temperature up too.
My mother clears her throat, and when I look at her I notice her eyes dance with laughter as she smiles. I think about how my happiness has always brought her joy, and I wonder about the sacrifices she made for me. I want to understand what really happened between her and my father. I stand up, and dishes clash as I begin to clear the table. I say, “Val, dinner was wonderful, but I think it’s time I took my mother upstairs for some mother-daughter bonding.”
He takes my stack of plates from me and kisses me quickly. “I’ve got this. You two go enjoy each other.”
My mom says, “Thank you, Val. Dinner was delicious, and I look forward to spending more time with you in the future.”
“Anytime, Rachel. The pleasure was all mine.”
As we walk up the stairs to my apartment I gaze up at the stars as I ask, “Was it like this for you too?”
“It was, honey. While I’m not so sure about you becoming a werebear, I’m happy that you get the choice.”
“Thanks.”
My mom and I take a moment to watch the moonlight flicker over the water before going inside. I ask, “Want to tell me about what happened with you and Dad?”
“I think I should.” She tugs on my door, and it sticks with the moisture of swollen wood before breaking free. “The day you were born was the happiest day of my life, and the saddest.”
We step into my apartment, and the light switch flips when I turn it on. It illuminates my mother’s face to reveal great pain. My stomach sinks, because I think I’m about to hear something I’ll wish I didn’t know.
28
Izzy
Xavier assured me Tally is safe, but my gut tells me something is wrong. While I can understand why Tally would find an excuse to skip training today, the fact she won’t answer her phone has me worried. I’m on the couch with Jean Luc, watching a movie. But I can’t focus on it, so I glance at my cell again. “Izzy,” says my husband. “Your boyfriend will call when the movie is over.”
I smile at his joke. “I’m worried about Tally. She’s not answering my texts or calls even though Xavier and Jace both assured me she’s inside, they’ve spoken to her, and she’s perfectly fine.”
My mate places a hand on my back and asks, “So what do you want to do? Go see her?”
“Do you think I should? I mean, that’s kind of pushy, and while the old Isabelle would have just shoved my way into her house, the person I am now is trying to be rational.”
Jean Luc stands up and reaches his hand out to me. “C’mon. I’ll drive you over.”
“No. This is silly.” I know my husband doesn’t want me going out alone at night with hunters in the area, so I can’t visit my friend without someone with me. “You have to work in the morning.”
“It’s Tally. If your gut is telling you something is wrong, then we should listen.”
“Okay.” I kiss him quickly. “Thanks. And if it’s nothing, I’ll buy you ice cream.”
Tally lives a couple miles away, and the trip to her house will take less than five minutes. The light of an oncoming car flashes at us as Jean Luc drives. The faint scent of coffee and cut pine lingers in the cab of his truck as he asks, “How’s training with Tally going?”
I chuckle as I picture my friend going through the motions of something she doesn’t enjoy. “She’s a good sport, but there is nothing natural about working out for Tally. I’d say she’s starting to like it, but that would be a lie. She’s tolerating it.”
Jean Luc flashes me a toothy grin in the dim light of the dashboard. “I’m proud of you for managing to keep her on task. I didn’t think she’d last more than a day.”
“Half-naked werebear seem to keep her motivated.”
Now Jean Luc chuckles. “Yes. I’ve noticed the effect they have on her.”
I sigh. “I wish she and Marcel would just get on with it. The heat those two generate when they look at each other could start a fire.” Jean Luc doesn’t say anything, and I think it’s because he doesn’t agree werebear should get involved with humans. I ask, “Would it bother you if they did?”
We’ve arrived at Tally’s, and gears clunk when Jean Luc puts the truck in park before turning to look at me. “I wouldn’t interfere, but both Marcel and Tally understand it can’t be long term. That’s fine when we’re younger, but they’re both at an age when it’s time to settle down. Someone’s heart is bound to get broken, and it would most likely be Tally’s.”
I sigh because he’s right, and I bet that’s the reason they continue to stay apart. “I guess I’ve become a romantic, because I wish there was a way for them to act on their attraction.”
Jean Luc pats my thigh. “C’mon. Let’s go check on Tally.”
Jace nods at us as we approach her door. I notice the strong aroma of what makes me think of male cologne mixed with cough drops. I knock on the door and call out, “Tally, it’s me!”
Something thuds, and a rushing noise makes me picture her in shuffling in bare feet as she comes to let us in. When she opens up, I’m startled by the pungent smoke that wafts out, and her disheveled appearance. There’s a spot of something on her shirt that might be chocolate, and her eyes are swollen from crying. I grab her arms in shock and ask, “What’s wrong?” as Jean Luc pushes past us to search the room quickly.
I take in the half-eaten bowl of popcorn and empty ice cream container on the coffee table as she says, “Marcel’s a portal.” Fresh tears fall down Tally’s face, and I pull her into an embrace. I have no idea what that means, but it must be a big deal.
I say, “Go ahead and cry. I’m here as long as you need me. Okay?”
She nods and pulls away to swipe her sleeve over her nose as she sniffs. “I’m fine. I should have known better and moved on before my crush became love.” She sighs and glances at Jean Luc. “I suppose you want to know what I’m talking about.”
He says, “When you’re ready, yes.”
She says, “Come have tea, and I’ll explain everything.”
We go into the kitchen, where the incense is less strong. Jean Luc pinches his nose, and Tally says, “Goodness. I’m sorry. Your hyperactive sense of smell must be making you miserable. Go open the window.” The tea kettle clatters as Tally sets it on the stove, and a cool breeze blows through the kitchen to clear out the air.
Jean Luc and I make ourselves comfortable at the kitchen table. Tally says, "So Marcel came to see me earlier this morning."
Mugs thump down on the counter as she pulls them out of the cabinet. She gazes at me. "Turns out he's had a crush on me for a while too."
Tally huffs. “The signs weren't exactly clear to me.”
"Because you were too blind to see what was right in front of you."
Jean Luc clears his throat, and Tally glances at him. She says, “Anyway, he told me he knows the tarot readings we’ve been doing weren’t ever going to tell him who his true mate is. He's been coming to see me all this time."
I raise my eyebrows but keep my mouth shut so she'll go on. "He kissed me."
“Oh my god! That's wonderful.”
"It was." Tally sighs, and her face falls. “But then it wasn’t.”
“Why not?” I ask.
She moves her gaze to Jean Luc. "Have you ever heard about portals?" He shakes his head, so Tally goes on. “I’d heard of them and thought they were something rare I needn’t worry about. And even when Tokala told me he’d used one, I thought it was something he was making up.” The kettle begins to hiss, and Tally removes it from the stove. “But after something happened this morning, I called Kimi from the Le Roux clan, and she confirmed what I feared. They do exist.”
“What's a portal?” I ask.
Liquid gurgles as Tally fills a teapot. “It's black magic that allows one magical person to become a door that allows another witch to possess a soul.”
“Whoa,” I say.
Jean Luc asks, “Did you possess someone?”
“Yes.” Tally hugs herself. “And it wasn't anything I ever want to do again.”
“Who was it?” asks Jean Luc.
“I’m not sure,” says Tally. “It wasn’t present day.” She shakes her head and turns back to the tea. Steam rises as she fills our cups, and she says, “I was helping a woman give birth to twins, and when I delivered the second one I lied to the mother and told her it was dead.”
I place my hand on my stomach as I imagine losing one of my babies. The churning in my stomach makes me push the thought away, and Tally says, “It was awful. I felt the person’s intent, and the baby wasn’t dead. She wanted the child for herself.”
“Wow,” I say. “That's creepy.”
“I know.” Her face falls, and I notice moisture fill her eyes. “Kissing Marcel is what opened the portal, and Kimi told me the last witch she knew that went through one never came back.”
Jean Luc asks, “You mean you could have been stuck wherever you went?”
She nods. “When I realized I was possessing someone I came back as soon as I could.” Tally shudders. “I don’t practice black magic, and I hate to think about what would have happened if I'd stayed too long.”
I think about how scary that had to have been. No wonder she's eating her way back to comfort. I also think about what this means for her relationship with Marcel. I say, “Oh, Tally. What does this mean for Marcel and you? Can you put up a shield or something to keep from being sucked into another world?”
Tally’s teacup hits the table with more force than necessary when she sets it down. “No. Marcel and I can't be together."
Jean Luc says, “I’m sorry to hear that, Tally.” He pauses for a moment and says, “I don’t mean to sound callous, but can we get back to where you went? I need you to tell me the whole thing, because if a baby was stolen from our clan, I need to act.”
Tally nods. "Sure." She gives Jean Luc as much detail as she can remember about the vision. The only clue we have is the mother’s name is Rachel. And while she’s positive it happened in the past, the more I hear, the more worried I become.
When she finishes talking Jean Luc says, “If you think of anything else, don’t hesitate to contact me. We don’t have a Rachel in our clan, so I’m not sure I have enough to go on for an investigation right now.”
“I’m sorry,” says Tally. “I wish I could tell you more.”
“I know.” My husband’s voice is filled with concern as he says to her, “I think it's best if you and Marcel stay away from each other. I don't want to think about what we would have done if you had been lost forever.”
As much as I know it’s got to hurt Tally to stay away from the man she’s in love with, I agree with my mate. I pipe in. “I’m afraid Jean Luc is right. I don't think you should take the risk of the portal being activated by accident.”
Tally's eyes glisten, and she says, "I know. I told Marcel the same thing.” She sweeps her hand in the direction of the living room, where the remains of her comfort binge are. "That's why I camped out on the couch all day.” A sob escapes from her before she says, “The man I've been in love with for so long can't be mine."
I reach over and grab her hand. "Tally, I'm so sorry. What can I do?"
She shakes her head and swipes tears from her face. "Nothing. I've got my herbs and sugar to get me through this. I'll be fine."
Jean Luc asks, "Would you like to come stay with us tonight?"
"No. Thanks for the offer, but I'm more comfortable at home."
"I can stay," I say.
"That's not necessary. I'm exhausted and plan to go to bed. You don't need to watch me snore. Jace does that.” She offers a dry chuckle.
Jean Luc's chair scrapes as he stands, and he walks over to Tally to embrace her. “We love you, and I'm so glad you were strong enough to resist the pull of black magic.”
"Thanks." Tally steps back and says, "Now you two go on home." She glances at my stomach. "Those babies need rest, and so does their mommy."
"Fine." I hug my friend and notice how fragile she feels in my arms. "I'm coming over first thing tomorrow morning, and we're getting you back to the gym. I know you don't believe me, but exercise is very healing."
Tally offers a weak smile. "There is that nice view."
"I'll make sure there's plenty of sweaty guys without shirts to keep you distracted."
"That René should probably do the punching-bag thing he does." Tally sighs. "The way the muscles in his back ripple..." She glances at Jean Luc and winks at me. "You know what I mean."
“I sure do,” I say as I walk toward the door. "Tomorrow, and no excuses."
She salutes me before Jean Luc and I step out the door.
The night air is cold on my face as we walk to the truck. I say, "That portal thing is crazy."
Jean Luc says, "It's more than that, and I’m concerned.”
"Why?"
He stares at me across the cab of the truck as he says, "Black magic knows no rules. I'm afraid there's a reason Marcel is Tally's portal. I don't think it's a coincidence."
“You think someone made it happen? Who?”
“Either the hunters have tapped into witches, or the Veilleux clan isn't as aboveboard these days as we've been led to believe.”
I recall the Veilleux are now led by a former half named Tori. While she is of alpha decent, she didn’t grow up in a clan, and there is speculation about her loyalties. I don't buy it, though. I met Tori, and she appeared to be very interested in the good of her clan. I say, “My bet is on the hunters.”
Jean Luc’s voice is firm when he says, “Mine too.”
29
Kelsey
Once Mom and I returned from Val’s we got in our pajamas to snuggle up on the couch. The fleece blanket I have on my lap is soft on my skin as I yank it up and stretch my legs out alongside my mother’s. She’s leaning against the opposite arm of the sofa and says, “The day you were born I woke up with a backache. I had finished my finals the day before and was so ready to have you. The last month of pregnancy is the worst. So I sat down to eat a big bowl of sugared cereal to console myself.”
I ask, “The stuff you wouldn’t let me have as kid because you said it would rot my teeth?”
“Yes.” Guilt flickers on her face for a moment. “Anyway, about an hour after I ate it I threw up. Apparently my body knew it was time before the labor pains started.”
“And clearly sugared cereal has no place in a delivery room.”
Mom smiles. “I didn’t have you at a hospital.”
“Why not?”
“Let
me back up a bit.” She grabs my foot and begins to massage. I sigh as her strong fingers work my arch.
“I met your father the first week of school.” Her face lights up as she speaks. “He was behind me in the cafeteria line and commenting on the choices to me. He was funny and made me laugh. But I think I fell in love with his Canadian accent first.”
I recall the lilt that affects Val’s speech patterns and say, “It is sexy, isn’t it.”
“From that day on we were inseparable.” She frowns, and her voice turns stern. “Just so you know, werebear and birth control don’t mix.”
“Got it. No sex unless I’m sure I’m willing to have Val’s babies.” The thought warms my heart a little. I’m so head over heels in love it’s ridiculous.
Mom says, “When I got pregnant, I was afraid to tell your grandparents because Grandma had been a teenaged mother, and she never wanted me to repeat her mistake.”
“So you kept it a secret?” Mom is working on my toes, and my muscles have become relaxed in her touch. I lift her foot to massage it too, and her skin is smooth under my fingers as I ask, “Even though you knew eventually she’d notice you had a kid?”
“Nineteen-year-olds aren’t always that smart, honey.”
I think about the time I skipped school knowing I’d most likely be caught. “True. What did my father do?”
“I didn’t tell him either. My best friend, Julie, was a werebear who came from your father’s clan, and she told me he’d be cast out if he wanted to be with me and raise a child. I was sure your father would want to, and I couldn’t let him give up what he was. Since he was graduating, I told him it would be best if he moved on instead of trying to keep a long-distance relationship going with a woman he couldn’t marry.”
I frown as I imagine having to make such a decision. My mother says, “Once I’d broken up with your father, Julie promised to be by my side through everything.” She pauses. “I regret that I never told your dad, but since we weren’t allowed to be together I thought the secret would make things easier for him.”