"We dance round in a ring and suppose,
But the secret sits in the middle and knows,"
The secret sits, By: Robert Frost
11
*Secrets...
Xana's brain whirled and her tongue got tied. Between her hands, she held a picture of Billy, looking happy and laughing. Beside him was a young woman, pretty and looking at the camera with pure joy and love all over her features. Billy's arm was over the woman's shoulders, but what disturbed Xana was the woman's eyes. They were scarlet. A vampire! Billy was shifting his weight from one foot to another while Xana stared at the picture, silent and puzzled, then she lifted her face, giving Billy a quizzical look. "Her name is Jane. She is my girlfriend." Billy answered Xana's unspoken question. Xana handed Billy the picture. "For how long?"
"Two years." Billy said, giving Xana a small, sad smile. "How did you manage to keep such a secret?" Xana asked, amazed.
"Not without difficulty." Billy admitted, the soft wind blowing his brown hair around his face. "I see, but I don't understand what you want me to do?" Xana asked, worried and thoughtful. "You are the only one who would understand our relationship because you treat everyone equally despite what they are, and my mom and dad adore you. They will listen to you," Billy was keeping a steady, hopeful gaze on Xana. "I want you to talk to them, convince them to accept Jane as my girlfriend." His light brown eyes softened when he said 'Jane.' "Are you sure she is the one for you?" Xana asked. She only wanted Billy to be happy. Billy's face lightened up a little. "I fell in love with her the first time I laid my eyes on her. I saw her at the bookstore and I couldn't stay away from her ever since." Xana remembered Billy's passion for books. He liked to read almost as much as she did. "I will talk to them, but I can't promise their reaction." Xana's tone was apologetic. "I know they would be furious and worried, but once they meet her, I'm sure they will like her. Jane is very nice and gentle. You would love her too." Billy was excited and anxious. Xana admired his feelings but Calum's words came uninvited into her thoughts, 'Relationships between people from two different worlds don't work out as they should,' but Sam and Haley were perfect for each other and Billy looked head over heels in love with Jane, why wouldn't Xana be happy with Jamie? "I will help you, Billy, but can we wait a little bit. I mean until I get a chance to be with Accalia and Fenris?" Xana asked. "Sure, but we can't take long. I want to invite her to my brother's wedding," Billy winked. Xana giggled. She knew that wink was a family trait among all the Oakstaffs. "Thank you." He said with gratitude and awe. "You are family Billy, I would do anything for you." Xana said, clapping Billy's muscled arm gently. "And I you, Star," Billy ruffled Xana's hair playfully. "Let's go see your human." He teased. Xana rolled her eyes, but she didn't argue further. She wanted to be with Jamie and to keep Alston at a safe distance from him.
***
Back inside the sanctuary, everyone was busy. The twins went to the training room. Sam and Haley were nowhere to be seen. Fenris had gone to his office. Charlie and Adam were in the living room. Michael, Jamie, and Alston were standing awkwardly outside the living room. The three of them sighed with relief when Xana approached them. "What did Billy need?" Michael asked. "I can't tell you, Mikey." Xana shrugged apologetically. "Interesting," Michael gave Xana a sly grin. "Wanna go train?"
"Yeah," Xana agreed without thinking. "Jamie, you are welcome to join us." She added. Alston crossed his arms, exasperated. "The mundane cannot bear our training." "I'm sure I can keep up." Jamie said defiantly, raising his chin and running a hand through his fine hair. "Maybe I can use you as a target." Alston teased, giving Jamie a scornful look. "Alston," Xana warned. "That is not how we treat our guests." Her tone was calm, but it held a slight warning. Alston rolled his eyes, imagining aiming at Jamie. An adamas arrow will be a perfect addition to Jamie's silly face, he thought. "Let's go then, shall we?" Michael said cheerfully, as always Michael was the one who saved the situation. "I'll be there in five minutes. I just need to change." Xana said, turning on her heels heading for her room. Michael led Jamie to the training room, while Alston followed them reluctantly. The room was enormous, with a high ceiling and wooden floors, training pads were scattered here and there, a few ropes hung from the ceiling that were apparently for climbing, the walls were filled with weapons such as knives, throwing stars, daggers, and a few swords. There were at least five sandbags and a shooting target on one of the walls. At the far end of the room, there were a few chests of drawers, also stuffed with knives and more weapons. Xana appeared after a few minutes in black sweatpants and a white tank top, her hair loose and flowing around her petite frame and her emerald eyes luminous, her feet hiding underneath red socks. Jamie beamed when he saw her, her sight always had the same effect on him. He felt ecstatic, relaxed, and safe. Butterflies zoomed in his stomach and the familiar flutter was in his chest. Xana blushed when she caught Jamie's eyes, a reaction she was not used to, but his intense blue gaze always made her shy. The way his eyes twinkled when he caught her eyes made her hold her breath every time their eyes met. Michael noticed, and he gave Xana a wink. Alston, on the other hand, hated the effect Jamie had on Xana, so he aimed one of his arrows at the far target, released it, and the arrow hit the target with a loud bang. It made everyone turn and look at the target. Including Mark and Simon, who were training with throwing stars, the twins started snickering.
Xana retrieved her equilibrium, lifted her chin, and cleared her throat. "Mikey, you wanna attack first?" Xana asked Michael, who grinned. "Sure, whenever you're ready." Michael said pushing his hair back. He was in his gear's pants and shirtless. He stretched and flexed his muscles with an amused look on his face. Mark and Simon joined Jamie. Alston left his bow and leaned against the wall to watch Xana and Michael. Xana stood facing Michael. She kept her hands beside her body, and her gaze fixed on Michael and a half-smile at the corner of her mouth, her pendant gleamed like her eyes. Michael arched his back and reached out his hands ready to grab Xana, the winged-wolf tattoo on his back caught Jamie's eyes but he didn't stare at it for long. Jamie turned his gaze on Xana and wondered what her tattoos meant. It was the first time he saw her wearing a tank-top which gave him a chance to see all of her tattoos and her pendant. He wondered if someone gave it to her, and what might be a perfect gift for her. After all, she did save his life and the least he could do was buy her a nice gift. "What are they going to do?" Jamie asked Mark. He wasn't quite sure what they meant by 'Attack first.' "Mikey will attack, and Xana will try to escape." Mark said matter-of-factly. "Mikey will try, and Xana will escape." Simon corrected his twin. "WHAT??? He will squash her flat." Jamie exclaimed in alarm. "Shhh, just watch." Simon said and grinned. Jamie gaped at the twins. Were they seriously going to let Michael attack Xana? Michael was three times bigger than her. These people were crazy, no doubt about it, Jamie thought, and focused all his attention on Xana. She was going to get hurt badly. Should he try to stop Michael? But how to stop the muscles' train? Without warning, Michael launched forward swiftly and briskly, his arms stretched before him and his eyes blazing. Xana was immobile as a statue. She didn't even blink when Michael moved. Jamie tensed and held his breath. He knew he wasn't fast enough to stop Michael, or at least to push Xana out of his way. Michael reached Xana and clasped his arms around her to hold her in place but he only caught the air, Xana jumped up above Michael's head, flipped herself in midair, and landed behind Michael with a thud. Jamie's mouth dropped open, what he just saw was simply impossible, she was almost floating in the air. Xana turned and stuck her tongue out at Michael, who grinned and shook his head. Once again, they stood at a distance facing each other. Michael attacked and this time Xana flipped backward, landed on her hands first before bringing her feet on the ground without staggering. The twins cheered and whistled. Jamie sighed. She was good. The muscles' train wasn't fast enough to catch her or squash her flat. Jamie was gloating over Xana's perfect moves. This time when Xana faced Michael, she noticed that Jamie was staring at her. She couldn't focus on what Michael was doing completely. That shade of blue devoured her, those high cheekbones and that lovely smile, his perfect jawline and blond hair. Jamie was a walking piece of art. She couldn't help but stare especially when he was smiling at her like that. Her whole world shifted entirely and she was dancing on the clouds, but Jamie's face changed. Xana didn't understand why Jamie's face fell at first but it didn't take her long, she knew almost immediately when Michael collided with her, knocking her down on the wooden floor, hitting her head and her elbow, crushed under Michael's weight. "Xana, oh my God, I'm sorry." Michael threw himself off Xana, scrambled to his feet, and offered her his hand. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" He asked, alarmed and apologetic, scanning her for injuries. Everyone ran toward Xana, Alston was angry, the twins were worried and Jamie was shocked and scared for her. "Ouch." Xana said, taking Michael's hand and sitting up. "What exactly were you thinking Michael?" Alston snapped, kneeling beside Xana. Jamie also kneeled beside Xana, scanning her face with concern. "It's not Mikey's fault, I wasn't paying attention." Xana said, gripping her elbow. Alston gave Jamie a scornful glare. "See what I meant by a 'liability,'" He spat his words. "Alston! That's enough, I said it was my fault." Xana scolded, suppressing the pain that shot through the back of her head. Alston and Jamie glared at each other with hostility, challenge, and disdain. "I'm sorry, how badly are you hurt?" Michael asked gently, rubbing Xana's back and tugging her hair behind her ear. "It's okay Mikey, I'm fine, only my head and my elbow." Xana assured Michael without tearing her gaze away from Jamie and Alston. "Let me get you some ice." Jamie said. He was the first to break eye contact with Alston, offering Xana his hand. Xana took Jamie's hand and stood up, she was glad she wasn't dizzy. Jamie's hand was warm, she felt an electric current in her fingers so she shyly withdrew her hand after standing up. "Thank you." She smiled at Jamie, gave Alston a disapproving look before she walked with Jamie and Michael out of the training room.
"What is it that she sees in the mundane?" Alston asked, frustrated. "He is handsome." Said Simon with a dreamy voice. "And seems like fun." Said Mark, teasing. "He is not worthy of her," Alston growled. "You should not encourage her." "Do you think if we tried to stop her, we would succeed?" Simon asked, wondering why Alston was so angry. "Xana always does what she wants. You should know that better than anyone else." Mark said, scanning Alston's resentful expression. Alston was frustrated. He turned around, leaving the twins staring after him as he stormed down the corridor, heading downstairs to the living room where Xana went. Xana was lying on the couch, Jamie beside her, and Michael was nowhere to be seen. Alston stormed into the room. Then he came to a halt awkwardly in front of Xana, who lifted her face and looked up at him, expecting him to say something, but he stood silent and grim. "How bad does your head hurt?" Jamie asked with concern. Seeing her hurt scared him. It brought his worst nightmares alive and kicking. "Not so bad. I'm used to getting injured. That's not the first time I got knocked over." Xana assured. "But it was the first time you were distracted." Alston said between gritted teeth. Xana wished Alston would just drop the subject. He was embarrassing her, and she didn't even know how to reply without hurting his feelings or worse, hurting Jamie. Michael came rushing into the room with a pack of frozen peas and handed it to Xana, then he helped her and lifted her hair up with one hand so she could place the frozen peas on the back of her head. "Better?" Michael asked. "Much, thank you," Xana squeezed Michael's other hand. Michael was crestfallen. He hated to see Xana hurt, and he hated it more when he was the reason she was hurt. Xana knew that and kept assuring him she was all right. "It's okay Mikey, don't blame yourself." She pleaded with him. "I should have noticed and stopped. I thought you were aware of my movements." Michael said, lowering his head. "You didn't know. Besides, this way I will learn to stay focused and not get distracted again," Xana pleaded. "Please Mikey, I hate seeing you like this." Michael lightened up a bit, but he got annoyed again when Alston snapped. "I think we all know what should happen, so you remain focused," Alston shot Jamie an ugly look. Xana paled and looked pained. Alston wasn't backing down. He was persistent in humiliating Jamie, and she had no idea how to stop him. Alston saw the expression on Xana's face and regretted his words. He wanted to hurt the mundane, not Xana. "I will be in my room." Alston said and headed out of the room with angry, wide strides. "Charming, isn't he?" Michael said to Jamie, without letting go of Xana's hair. "He doesn't want me here and I think I understand why." Jamie said, he was almost certain that Alston's feelings for Xana weren't the feelings of a friend, they were similar to how he felt about her. "It's not up to him, I'm sorry about his behavior and I will talk to him about it." Xana apologized to Jamie. "Don't worry about it, I can handle him," Jamie assured Xana. "Just relax for a while until you feel better." He ordered, but gently. "I heal faster than humans." Xana said and leaned back against the couch. Michael stood up and sat near the TV, switched it on, and started flipping the channels absentmindedly. "He looks very upset." Jamie whispered. "Mikey blames himself for hurting me." Xana explained. "He always feels responsible for my safety." "He is a good friend," Jamie said and ran his hand through his hair. "I'm glad you have him to take care of you. You seem to take risks all the time." "It's part of the job." Xana said matter-of-factly. "Speaking of jobs what does Fenris do and everyone else?" Jamie had been curious about that for a while. "Fenris is the leader of the werewolves in England, the job pays well because every werewolf pays for keeping the sanctuary up and running but Fenris is originally rich, his family is one of the first primitive werewolf families. One of his great-grandfathers was bitten by Edon himself …." Xana was explaining when Jamie raised his hands, a gesture to stop her. "You lost me at 'primitive werewolf', maybe a little explanation would be useful." Jamie gave Xana a bright smile, he was ebbing with joy when Alston left and gave him the chance to talk with Xana. Jamie didn't mind Michael listening, he liked Michael and he knew he was a good friend of Xana's. Xana blushed, he was sitting near her on the couch with his luminous eyes and supernova smile. "Okay, let me start over," she said and smiled a shy sweet smile. "Edon is the king of wolves, the real normal wolves. He is the reason why there are werewolves today, he bit a man named Lucian Wolf and turned him into 'Primus Lupus,' or the first werewolf. Edon is not any regular wolf, of course, being the king of wolves means he has magic in him. Magic that turned Lucian and gave him the ability to transform into a werewolf. You saw how Michael phased." Xana jerked her chin toward Michael, who was still silent, staring at the TV. "Why did Edon bite Lucian?" Jamie asked, amazed. He couldn't stop looking into Xana's eyes, he loved the shape of her mouth when she talked, he loved how she moved her small hands explaining her words, and most of all he loved how she blushed when he looked deep into her emerald captivating eyes, that beautiful color. He felt she could see through his soul and it amazed and frightened him at the same time. He didn't want her to see what an emotional wreck he was, or to find out what his secret was. "To help him fight the vampires who went wild and were a danger to humankind. Nobody knows exactly how the vampires were created but it's believed to be demon-related, anyway, that's how the werewolves were created. Edon bit a few of Lucian's friends and one of them was Alastair Oakstaff who was a very rich man. Money has always been in Michael's family since then, Fenris inherited it and proved himself worthy of becoming the leader. Sam is a photographer, you should see his work, he is really good. Billy owns a bookstore. The twins just bounce from one job to another, they are quite the troublemakers and Fenris always pays for the disasters they cause. Charlie is a painter and his paintings are beautiful, and Michael is a slayer, the angels pay us for every mission." She was glad Jamie was interested in knowing all this. "They pay you in gold," Jamie said. "You must be quite rich by now." "I never thought of it that way, it's just money," Xana said simply. "What about you? Is your music what you do for a living?" "Not exactly, it pays well but my family had money also, after my parents," Jamie paused, a hint of agony passed in his voice. "They left me and my brother enough to have a good life." "I'm so sorry about your parents," Xana said gently, she caught the agony in Jamie's voice and wanted to cheer him up. "Tell me about your brother, I wish I can meet him one day." Jamie's eyes sparkled at the mention of his brother. "Sammy is great, he is the nice brother between us." He joked. "You are nice too." Xana said before she could stop herself, the surprised look on Jamie's face made her blush, she made a mental note about filtering her words before she spoke them. She remembered Michael's joke, 'The fairies' glitch,' as he always called it, about how the fairies don't have a filter between their thoughts and their mouth. "Thank you but you are truly the nice one." Jamie spoke softly trying to hide his excitement. Xana said he was nice.
"She is." Michael said, standing up from his chair and walking toward Xana. His expression was amused again and not crestfallen, like a while ago, shirtless still and smiling. For the millionth time perhaps, Xana was glad for Michael's attempts to save her from her own big mouth. Jamie figured that Michael was saving Xana from the embarrassing comment she just said and he decided to change the subject. "Tell me about your tattoos. What do they mean? And that necklace, it looks unique." He pointed at the two tattoos under her collarbone. Xana handed the peas pack to Michael. "That one, 'Salvator Mundi' savior of the world, and this one is, 'Lux et Lex' light and law," Xana stretched her left arm, showing Jamie the one on her left forearm. "And this, 'Semper Ardens' always burning." "Burning?" Jamie asked, amused. "We are always eager to destroy the evil." Michael said cheerfully, showing Jamie his own tattoo on his left forearm. "You have matching tattoos. That's nice." Jamie said, eyeing Michael's tattoo. "Victoria did all our tattoos. She is also a werewolf, and that pendant was a gift from Alston on the day I received my weapons and started taking missions," Xana explained then showed Jamie her right arm. "This is 'Semper Liber' always free, and this 'Beati Bellicosi' blessed are the warriors." Her eyes twinkled when she looked at the last tattoo. Jamie touched Xana's wrist gently, running his index finger on her tattoo. "I like that one." He said, giving Xana a charming smile. For a moment, he forgot about the whole world around him. All that existed was Xana and himself. Xana blushed, swallowed, and felt a current race through her veins, starting under Jamie's touch and ending in the depths of her heart, a welcome new feeling. How can a simple fingertip touch cause such a strong current? "I like that one too." Her voice came as a husky whisper. Green stared into blue when Jamie's and Xana's eyes met, an unspoken admiration and anticipation in their gaze. They both didn't know for how long they stared into each other's eyes. It could have been seconds, minutes, or even hours. Time stood still and the world around them dissolved. "Xana has another tattoo she hasn't told you about yet." Michael's steady voice came, confident and clear, breaking the profound silence between Xana and Jamie. Jamie withdrew his hand away from Xana's wrist. "I would like to see it." He said in a wavering voice. Xana's touch did wonders to Jamie's soul. It changed his perspective and how he saw the world. Xana blushed and thanked Michael secretly for bringing her back to her senses. She held her hair with her right hand, pushing it to the side and exposing the left side of her neck. "I have these four stars. Four is for April when I was born and the stars for my family name." "Why blue?" Jamie asked, intrigued to reach over and touch those stars under her earlobe but he suspected Michael would not let him go that far. "My favorite color," Xana said dropping her hair and admiring the shade of Jamie's blue eyes. "Um… you have tattoos too, I saw them in the park when you rolled up your sleeves."
"I do," Jamie said and took off his right sleeve, exposing his arm. He was wearing a white knit sweater and black jeans. Along his arm, there was a skull, an anchor, and roses. Xana watched with amusement. "And I have a heart under my left collarbone and a skull under my right collarbone." Jamie said while moving his sweater away from his tattoos. "Do you have trouble finding where your heart is?" Michael laughed. "It's to show that I have two sides to my character, the soft side of the heart and emotions and the evil dark side of death and skulls." Jamie said, wearing his sweater again, avoiding eye contact with Xana. "We all have both darkness and light inside of us and the power to choose which would devour the other," Xana said scanning Jamie's expression, she sensed he was hiding something and the meaning behind his tattoos was more than what he was showing. "I need to change and be prepared in case we get a mission." She said and straightened up and headed up the stairs to her room. 'Get a grip, Xana,' she scolded herself. Her emotions for Jamie were developing rapidly, and she had no control over them. She feared for him because of the danger she put him through by saving his life and she feared what might happen to them if Uriel found out and most of all, she feared what would happen to her heart if she lost him. She hid in her room until she was able to restore her equilibrium.
***
Jamie watched as Xana walked out of the room. He got anxious every time she walked away from him. He didn't notice when Michael left the room but he decided to go to his room too and think about what was happening to him. On the way up, he found a vase filled with red roses. He picked two roses and headed to Xana's room, but instead of knocking; he laid the roses on the doorstep and went to his room. Jamie splashed his face and stared at his reflection in the mirror. He was developing strong, serious feelings for Xana and he knew it. Feelings, he had promised himself, he wouldn't feel again after what happened to his parents. He knew what it meant to lose someone you loved. He had his heart broken and shattered, something he didn't want to happen again. He had his share of agony and pain and despair, and for that he decided to limit the people he loved, no dating, not so many close friends, and no falling in love. He kept his relationships superficial. He thought that was the right way to protect his heart. His only passion was his music and his only love was his younger brother, but since Xana came along and his world had turned upside down. It was as if she was the center of gravity that kept pulling him deep under the surface of his world and into the depths of her magical, crazy world. He was able to stop himself before, to stop himself from falling for someone or becoming too attached, but this time he was helplessly falling, which frightened him. Jamie was not certain about how Xana felt about him. Was she falling in love with him, or was he only another mission? How badly was he going to get hurt if she didn't feel the same about him? And if she did love him, how broken would he be if he lost her? Would he be able to bear that pain again? Would he be able to survive without her after he knew what it felt to be close to her? Could he face the dangers of her world? Was he brave enough? He had never felt that safe or happy before. He never knew that something as simple as Xana's half-smile could brighten his entire world or that if he made her laugh, he would finally find a good reason for his existence. Those feelings amazed and frightened him, but he decided to take things slow. First, he would find out exactly how Xana felt about him, and after that, he would decide what to do, but for the time being, he would try to fall carefully, he had no idea how he would be able to do that since the look in Xana's eyes made him lose all his senses, but he promised himself he would at least try.
***
Xana threw herself on her bed and stared at the ceiling. What was happening to her? She wondered. Is this what love felt like? That current into her veins! How the world dissolved and only Jamie's eyes remained. Did he feel the same? Should she ask him? Xana felt lost and annoyed for a moment. She had no experience in this field; she knew how to dispatch hellhounds and tame dragons, but she didn't have the slightest idea about what to do when she felt like this. Drown into the blue of Jamie's eyes and helplessly getting devoured by his charm and beauty. Xana was lost reminiscing about Jamie's voice and how it disarmed her, his half-smile and his gentleness with her. Xana knew she needed help, and she planned on getting all the help she could get from her friends and she would start by taking things slowly until she knew how Jamie really felt about her, but what if he liked her? It was unfair to expose him to the dangers of her world. She already had demons attacking him and he would be in danger until her trace wore off and not to mention that it was forbidden to get involved with mundanes or to expose her true nature to them, the thought of what Uriel might do frightened her to the core. Suddenly, the room showered in bright light. Xana blinked a couple of times before she realized what happened. She was lying in the dark; the stars gathered in the sky outside her window and she didn't even notice. Michael stood by the light switch and crossed his arms, a wry smile on his face. "I knocked, opened the door, and called your name twice," Michael raised one eyebrow and emphasized his words. "Twice, Xana, and you were lying here and didn't even notice until I switched the lights on. What's going on?" Xana sat up and gave Michael an apologetic smile. "I was just thinking, sorry, Mikey." Michael crossed the room in three long strides and sat beside Xana. "About him, for sure." He teased. Xana nodded. "I have no idea what to do. I'm so confused." "Leave it to the expert." Michael placed one hand on his chest, proudly indicating himself. Xana laughed aloud. "Behold the love expert who's never dated." She teased. Michael ruffled Xana's hair. "You and your smart mouth, it's true though I haven't dated, but I know how boys are." He gave her a wink and a sly grin. Xana crossed her arms playfully. "Okay Mr. Expert, what do you recommend for this helpless maiden to do?" "My fair lady, the important thing is finding out how Mr. Trouble really feels about you." Michael threw his hands in the air. Xana sighed. "And how am I supposed to do that, tie him up and threaten to whip him with my electrum whip?"
"As intriguing as that idea is and I'm sure Alston would be more than pleased to watch or more, to be part of the action, that's not what I have in mind," Michael's tone changed from amused to serious. "If he loves you he will tell you," he said. "I just want you to be cool around him, no honest compliments and no flirting." He pointed his index finger playfully. "I did not flirt with him." Xana said, appalled. "Not intentionally," Michael raised his hands, a peace offering gesture. "But he will misread your honesty and we don't want him to get full of himself because then he would turn into a douchebag who had guaranteed your feelings, we want him uncertain and eager to show you how much he cares and even more eager to know how you really feel about him." Xana blinked. "Mundane relationships are so complicated," she ran a hand through her hair. "Will you be there with me to stop me from saying the wrong things?" "How can you even ask me that?" Michael asked, offended, but he quickly got over it. "Of course I'll be, silly. Plus, it will be so entertaining to watch." He teased. Xana slapped him playfully on his upper arm. "Let's find you a shirt and see what we will do tonight." She jumped off the bed and headed for her cupboard, took a sweater, and put it on. "Just remember, act friendly, but not too friendly." Michael reminded. Xana shook her head and went to the bathroom to put on jeans and her boots. When she came out, she asked. "Do you think I'm being unfair to him, to expose him to all of this?" she sounded sad. "Don't go there and torture yourself like this. He wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you," Mikey placed his hands on Xana's shoulders gently. "And he is old enough to choose." "What if he is making the wrong choice?" she lowered her head, staring at her boots. "Having you in his life is a privilege that I'm not entirely sure yet if he deserves. He has a lot to prove before I allow him to be in your life," Michael lifted Xana's face gently. "Don't doubt yourself, Star." He winked and gave her a warm smile. Xana only nodded before she and Michael went outside. Xana found something on her doorstep. She bent down and grabbed it, examined it, and it turned out to be two crushed red roses. They must have been pretty before a certain obnoxious prince had crushed them. Xana sighed heavily, looking wistfully at the roses. "A rebellious act from our prince." "Jamie's presence is really getting on his nerves." Michael said, matching Xana's wistful look at the roses.
"I need to talk to Alston. I can't stand their bickering anymore, and Alston needs to explain himself." Xana was annoyed. She took the crushed roses back to her room and went to Alston's room. "I'll grab a shirt and follow you." Michael called after Xana. Xana didn't bother to knock, she sprang the door open and dashed inside to find Alston sitting on the windowsill, in black pants and a white linen shirt and boots, his silver hair blazing under the full moonbeams and his green eyes clouded with sadness. Xana stopped dead in her tracks. It made her heart ache when she saw her friend like this. She ignored how neat his room looked as if no one lived there. Everything in its place, the bed was perfectly made, not a single wrinkle in the covers. The dresser had only a hairbrush on it. Alston's room always gave Xana an eerie feeling, it was too organized for her taste, she was messy like Michael, she didn't mind having piles of clothes scattered here and there, an unmade bed didn't bother her, unlike Alston who would freak out if his clothes were untidy or if there was a single speck of dust on his dresser. "Alston," Xana said in a miraculously calm voice, suppressing her anger. "Why did you crush my roses?" Without looking at Xana Alston replied. "I do not want the mundane giving you romantic gifts." "What makes you think it is a romantic gift? Maybe he just wanted to thank me for saving his life." Xana managed to keep her tone calm. "And he could not find anything other than roses?" Alston asked with disdain. "Roses are not a proposal for mundanes Alston. They give each other roses all the time for all different purposes and occasions." Xana explained gently, as if talking to a child. She understood Alston's anger. For fairies, roses were equal to a marriage proposal, especially red roses. She approached Alston and stood beside him. She wondered if she should touch him to comfort him, but she thought that maybe she should wait until he calmed down. "I do not want him gifting you anything." Alston said, turning his head and looking at Xana with hurt-filled eyes. "Alston, Jamie now is a part of my life, I'm responsible for his safety and I care for him, please respect that and try to be less angry with him," Xana paused when Alston's eyes went wide but she decided to continue. "For me, could you please try?" Alston didn't like hearing that Xana cared for Jamie. He clenched his fists, thinking hard of what he was supposed to say to that. 'I do not want you caring for him,' was his first thought, or maybe he should tell her he wasn't worthy of her, but he knew she didn't care. Xana treated everyone equally, mundanes or enchanted, but before Alston could say anything an ear-splitting scream echoed through the sanctuary, it made the hair on the back of Xana's neck stand in alarm. Xana turned and launched toward the door, Alston leaped after her. Michael came running from his room and Jamie sprang his door open and stood gaping at them in the corridor. Another scream echoed, a scream filled with rage and pain, Xana didn't hesitate, she dashed down the corridor and headed to the stairs. Without bothering to take the stairs, she jumped off the wooden fence and landed in the main hall, three stories below. Michael mirrored that jump and landed with the same grace as Xana, leaving Jamie shocked after them. Alston was taking the stairs four at a time, then Xana dashed to the basement, where the screams were coming from. Alston, Michael, and Jamie were on her heels, although Jamie was a bit behind. Xana had been in the basement only a few times, most of it was closed with huge wooden double doors and no one was allowed inside, the corridor was dark and the doors were on both sides of it. For the first time, one of the double doors was open, Xana went right through and stood in the middle of the mayhem behind it, wide-eyed, panting, and alarmed. It was a wide room where shackles, manacles, and ropes hung on the dirty walls, no windows were showing the outside and only one door, the door Xana came in from. Mark, Simon, and Charlie were standing in alarm in front of a wide glass window at one side of the room, behind the window there was a smaller room with walls that looked like mattresses and the door to this room was a heavy steel door, locked with several locks. Inside the room was, Fenris, Billy in his wolf-form and Adam. Crumpled on the floor, thriving with pain, his body shuddering and convulsing, his breathing heavy and his blue-gray eyes turned blazing silver, his fingernails turning into claws and ivory fangs shot down from his jaw, Adam was phasing unwillingly and painfully. Fenris was talking to him, telling him he would be all right, Billy was standing in alarm, watching Adam's every move, prepared and ready, but ready for what? Xana's mind quickly calculated the odds and she didn't like what she realized, Billy was ready to stop Adam if he turned wild and attacked Fenris or tried to escape that room.
Charlie stepped away from the glass and faced Xana, blocking her view of Adam. "Xana, you don't need to be here. We can handle him." He ordered, which was uncommon for him. Xana blinked at Charlie. It was the first time she saw a non-primitive wolf phase in his first three moons, and she didn't like what she saw. "No." She shouted, ignoring Charlie and heading for the steel door, unlocking it hastily. Michael grabbed Xana's shoulder. "It's too dangerous. You can't go in there." "He is in pain. I won't just stand and watch." Xana shouted again, ignoring the horrified expressions on Alston's and Jamie's faces, the scared look in Michael's eyes, and the warning in Fenris's expression. The twins were ready to strike. Adam phased completely and stood snarling at Billy and Fenris. Billy growled a menacing growl, showing his fangs and scratching at the padded floor beneath him. Xana didn't stand watching for long. She managed to escape Michael's iron grip and leaped forward, unlocking the steel door as fast as she could, dashed inside, and closed the door behind her. Jamie leaped forward to stop her, but Michael grabbed hold of Jamie's arm, stopping him from going after her. "I can't let you go in there. You don't have a chance against a new werewolf." Michael explained to Jamie, while following Xana's movements inside the room. Jamie paled when he saw Xana approaching the little boy, who was now a big brown wolf, snarling and baring his large fangs. The blood pumped into Jamie's ears, deafening him. He felt his heart thundering, as if it was going to explode in his chest. Memories from his parents' car crash came rushing into his vision. Jamie pushed those images to the back of his mind and focused on Xana as she approached the growling wolf. Alston pressed his palms against the glass window, begging Xana to come out, but she didn't even waver. Jamie struggled to free his arm from Michael's iron grip and failed miserably. "Xana, stand where you are, don't make any sudden moves." Fenris warned, keeping his gaze fixed on Adam. "He won't hurt me." Xana said, stepping slowly toward Adam. "He might not recognize you." Fenris said, trying to stay calm but failing at keeping the alarm out of his voice. Xana was now standing beside Billy, looking into Adam's eyes. Her heart sank for a moment when she saw the menace in his eyes. Surely he would remember who she was. He wouldn't hurt her, would he?
"Adam," Xana said gently. "Don't be afraid, you will be all right, I promise you." Adam snarled and howled in pain. Billy stepped in front of Xana to protect her, but she touched his back, assuring him that there was no need to. "Xana, be careful." Fenris said in a worried tone. Xana nodded and stepped closer to Adam, who scratched on the floor with his claws in a warning. Xana had an idea. Quickly, she made her wings visible. She heard the surprised gasp coming from Jamie and remembered that the only time he saw her wings was when he was shot and dying. Xana shook that memory away and focused on Adam. Adam went still, eyeing Xana with caution, his jaw open and his eyes still blazing. Xana's aim to distract him seemed to be working. He stopped growling. Xana's heart was pounding fiercely, the blood pumping into her ears. She feared for Adam. If he attacked her, Billy would take him down and Adam would be hurt. It was a crazy move, but there was no backing down now. Xana stepped closer to Adam. She was able to touch him now. She stretched her arm slowly, reaching for his head, showing him her fingers. Everyone around her held their breath. Michael tightened his grip on Jamie's arm to keep him from going after Xana. Adam was growling again, keeping his silver eyes on Xana. He licked his snout and sniffed Xana's hand. Xana swallowed soundly before placing her palm on Adam's head, gently stroking his fur. Adam howled again, but Xana didn't withdraw her hand. Instead, she kneeled slowly in front of Adam and placed her other hand on his head as well. Adam crouched on the soft floor beneath him and rested his head on Xana's lap. Fenris exhaled sharply. He had been holding his breath all that time. Xana looked up at him with sad emerald eyes, and he gave her a small nod. Billy edged closer to Xana and sat beside her, still in his wolf form. Outside, Michael let go of Jamie's arm. "She is okay. He won't hurt her." Michael assured and explained to Jamie why it was hard for Adam to phase, unlike himself or anyone in his family. Alston was still frozen in his place, palms spread on the glass window, grim and not taking his eyes off Xana and Adam, who was resting his head on her lap like a puppy. Charlie and the twins were silent as well, watching the odd scene. It was unusual for a non-primitive wolf to calm down during his phasing and be that tame and without injuries.
Xana kept stroking Adam's fur gently, letting the soft fur run through her fingers, her glorious wings spread and their silver glow was reflected in her eyes, her hair falling like a waterfall over her and Adam. His body shivered and his eyes changed back to their blue-gray color. His curly blonde hair started to appear under Xana's hands. He was phasing back to his human form. Xana held him as he sobbed in her arms, his body convulsing as he fought for air between his sobs. Xana's heart ached for the little boy. No one that young should be this sad and hurt. He was so small when he phased back, so vulnerable. She was glad they killed Liam Hunt. He deserved to be dead for what he did to Adam and his family. "It's .. so ... painful." Adam said between ragged breaths, clutching Xana's arms as if he were drowning and she was his only hope to be saved. "I'm sorry." Xana whispered, not letting go of Adam. The steel door opened and Doctor Carl came inside with his tousled black hair, glasses, and wide, worried blue eyes. He didn't expect the scene in front of him. A new werewolf phasing was supposed to be ugly with a lot of injuries and definitely not of a young boy crying in the arms of a young lady. The doctor stood for a while. Amazed and puzzled, Fenris stepped closer to the doctor and greeted him. "Carl, thank you for coming on such short notice." Fenris said with gratitude. "It's my pleasure, although I'm not sure if I'm truly needed here." Carl said, looking at Adam in Xana's protective arms and admiring her wings for a moment. "It was a surprise for us as well. It is the first time a fledgling phase back without causing any damage," Fenris explained and walked toward Xana. "My dear, Adam needs to be checked now," Fenris spoke gently to Xana. "Don't worry, he is in good hands." Xana looked at Adam, pushed his curly hair away from his puffed eyes. "Are you better now?" Adam nodded and stood slowly, then offered Xana a hand. "I think so." He said in a small voice. Xana took his hand and stood up, patted him on the back. "I can stay if you want me to." Adam gave her a small smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I think I'd better do that alone."
"Okay, you know where to find me if you need me." Xana took a last look at Adam, studying his expression, glamorized her wings back to invisibility, gave Fenris and Carl a nod, then went out of the room.
Charlie, Mark, and Simon gave Xana proud and amazed looks. Michael was the first to walk to her and pat her arm. Alston and Jamie were grim, silent, and fidgeting. "Are you okay?" Michael asked, gentle as always. "I will be," Xana said, looking back at Adam. "We better give him some privacy." She headed out of the room and stood at the end of the corridor by the basement door. Michael followed her, Alston and Jamie on his heels. "Do you always have to take insane risks?" Jamie asked in a harsh tone. Xana was surprised by it. He was always gentle with her. But he couldn't contain his anger. He thought he was going to lose her, to have his heart shattered again. Before Xana could answer, Alston was almost yelling. "You should not have gone into that room." "You could have been hurt." Jamie said exasperatedly, glaring at Xana with intense blue eyes. "You could have been killed." Alston spat, also glaring at Xana. "Don't you ever think about who might get hurt because of your recklessness with your safety?" Jamie accused. "No, she never does." Alston replied, infuriated. Xana raised her dark eyebrows at the scene in front of her. Alston and Jamie were agreeing on something!! What was happening to the world? Michael was as surprised as Xana was, his mouth open, staring from Jamie to Alston. "You better start being more careful from now on." Jamie warned. "She just loves to fall in danger headfirst." Alston mocked with bitterness. Xana raised her index finger, silencing them. "Let me get this straight. You two, of all people, are actually agreeing on something. Since when?" Xana wondered incredulously. "Since you are going to act that crazy." Jamie replied defiantly. "She is always that crazy." Alston confirmed. "I really don't understand why you two are angry with me." Xana said innocently, all wide emerald eyes and puzzled expression. "And you never will." Alston snapped before he stormed out of the basement door. "You are going to be like that all the time, aren't you?" Jamie asked nervously and, without waiting for an answer, he stormed out of the door as well. Xana blinked after them. "Was it something I said?" Michael threw his arm over Xana's shoulders casually. "Don't mind the two mean boys with over-protectiveness issues. Come let's find something to eat. I'm starving," he said. Why couldn't Alston and Jamie understand why she had to help Adam? He was in pain. She had to do something about it, and she could defend herself if something bad had happened.
"Xana!" Michael said softly. "Hmmm." Xana replied automatically, still puzzled by the weird behavior of Alston and Jamie. "They weren't entirely wrong. What you did was crazy. Noble, but still crazy." Michael said gently. "You can't be a demon slayer unless you are crazy." Xana joked. "But you can try to be a careful crazy slayer, right?" Michael teased. "I can't promise you anything." Xana teased back, playfully.
***
It was a cold night, only five days left until Christmas. It was supposed to snow later that night, Xana wanted to stay out for a while before it snowed. She went to her favorite thinking spot, on the roof of the sanctuary. Which had a wooden triangle roof over the small stone balconies at each side of it. She climbed on one of the triangle roofs and laid on her back, watching the clouds gather, covering the full moon and dimming the night. The sound of the waves was loud that night. Xana fumbled with her headphones' tangled wire for a while until she gave up and decided to lay her cellphone on her chest because this was as far as the tangled headphones allowed her to. 'Where is Michael when I need him,' she thought and closed her eyes, letting herself drift with the music, clearing her mind and finding some peace, at last, the first song that played was "Think of You" by Reeve Carney, an old but a beautiful song. Xana didn't know for how long she lay there until she felt a hand on her shoulder, tapping gently, bringing her back to reality. Xana's eyes flew open to find Jamie smiling at her while clutching the side of the wooden roof. Clearly, he was struggling to stand still on the edge of the balcony. She removed the headphones from her ears. "Is this your idea of a nice place to relax?" Jamie wondered, amused. Xana was glad he wasn't angry with her like before. "It is a nice place from up here and not from where you are trying to stand." Xana teased. The trees were swishing as the wind grew stronger. Jamie laughed heartily. "Help me up and let me decide for myself then." Xana sat up and gave Jamie a hand to help him climb beside her on the steep wooden roof, carefully holding his hand. Trying so hard not to focus on their touching palms and laced fingers, she didn't want to drop the boy off almost five stories high if she lost her attention due to the current in her veins caused by his touch.
Jamie managed to climb and sat beside Xana, gazing around. He whistled. "Wow, it really is a nice place, after all." The sanctuary was in a deserted, beautiful area outside London, surrounded by trees everywhere you looked, the sound of the North Sea waves filling the air and the cold wind blowing their hair. "I told you so." Xana teased, playfully. "How did you find me?" "Mark and Simon, though I thought they were playing a trick on me at first," Jamie noticed the ball of tangled wires coming out from Xana's phone and laughed. "Here, let me help you with this." Xana handed him the phone with a shy smile. "Michael always fixes that for me. I guess I don't have the talent of detangling headphones." "You're lucky I came to your rescue then," Jamie said, untangling the wires with an ease that made Xana jealous. "What are you listening to?" Jamie asked and before Xana could answer, he pulled the headphones free. The song "Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith was playing. Jamie gave Xana a quizzical look. It was the second time her taste in music surprised him. "Clearly that wasn't what you expected." Xana said, amused. "Yes, I thought you would be listening to fairy melodies or a whale's cry, perhaps." Jamie handed Xana her phone back. "Why would I want to listen to a crying whale?" Xana asked and giggled softly at the puzzlement on Jamie's face. "I've been listening to mundane music all my life, thanks to Michael." Xana explained simply. "I see, and you like Sam Smith, then?" Jamie asked, amused. "Pretty much. He is like the male Adele." Xana said with admiration, then stopped the music. Jamie laughed. "You never cease to amaze me," Xana blushed and Jamie gave her one of his dazzling half-smiles. "Anyway I came up here because I owe you an apology, I shouldn't have yelled at you or acted the way I did. I'm sorry, and I really hope you would forgive me." He looked straight into Xana's eyes, the clouds were moving over the full moon and now and then, a glimpse of silver beams would fall on Jamie's face, illuminating his eyes and brightening his hair, he looked magnificent under that light, as beautiful as an angel, his ever blue eyes were marvelous. "I can't forgive you because I'm not mad at you, Jamie," Xana said, giving him a sincere smile. "I just need you to understand that I had to help Adam." "I understand that." Jamie said, surprising Xana. "You do?" Xana asked, confused.
"Yes, I know that you feel responsible for him and you wanted to protect him," Jamie explained. "And when you saw him in danger, you didn't think of your own safety." "That's exactly how I feel about Adam. How do you know that?" Xana asked. Jamie sighed before he spoke. He ran a hand through his hair and stared at the darkness ahead of him. "I feel the same way about my brother. When he was in danger, I didn't think about myself. Only him. I'll tell you a secret I haven't shared with anyone before. My parents died in a car crash and my brother and I were in the car with them. A drunk truck driver," he squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. "He drove over our car, crushing my mom and dad in the front seats. Sammy was only six. Thank God he was asleep. When I saw the truck heading toward us, I threw myself over him. I wanted to protect him and to keep him alive and safe. I covered his face so he wouldn't see the bodies. The people who dragged us out had to carry both of us together because I wouldn't let go of Sammy. He doesn't remember the horrible scene to this day because of what I did. I never regretted that, and I would do it all over again if I had to." He worried on the hems of his sweater while he spoke, still looking at the space in front of him and not into Xana's eyes. "How old were you?" Xana asked in almost a whisper. Sorrow was squeezing her heart.
"I was ten." Jamie replied. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that." Xana said, touching Jamie lightly on his shoulder, and imagining a little blond boy with wide blue eyes, terrified and yet trying to save his brother, a small brave Jamie. Xana swallowed around the lump in her throat.
"It's okay, it's been years now," Jamie tried to assure Xana, but she sensed the agony in his tone. "I got mad at you because I was afraid you were going to get hurt, and I don't want to see another one I care for getting hurt. But I understand why you had to do it, and in the future, I'll try to accept what you do without overreacting." He gave Xana a beautiful smile. Xana blushed. He said he cared for her, but probably because she saved his life. "Thank you, that would be a relief."
"I'm not sure about that, you still have Alston for that kind of behavior." Jamie laughed.
"I can handle Alston." Xana said smiling, Jamie's laughter was contagious. Xana was happy to see him in a good mood after he shared his horrible secret with her, she was glad he confided in her. Jamie was admiring Xana's glossy hair, even in the dim moonlight it was shimmering. He didn't regret sharing his secret with her, there was something assuring in her eyes that made him trust her, made him share his deepest secrets with her, and be happy about it. She was so easy to talk to and he loved that about her because it was difficult for him to open up to anyone. It started snowing at that moment, soft snowflakes falling everywhere. Xana raised her palm, letting the snow rest inside it. "I love the snow." Xana said softly, admiring the snowflakes in her hand. Jamie watched with amusement as the snow started to cover the ground and the treetops. He loved how the snowflakes fell softly on Xana's hair, but something else caught his eyes, "Who are they?" Jamie asked. Xana looked down to where Jamie was looking and saw two figures crossing the gate of the sanctuary, it was too dark to distinguish their features but one of them was definitely a woman and the other was a boy. "No idea, but I want to find out." Xana stood up gracefully on the steep roof and got ready to jump down. "Er... Do me a favor and don't jump please." Jamie begged, offering Xana his hand. Xana looked at Jamie quizzically. "I have wings, Jamie, I won't get hurt." She assured. "Still, I'd rather if you didn't, please." Jamie pleaded. Xana took his hand. "Okay, I'd better help you down too." Xana teased a bit. Jamie sighed with relief and allowed Xana to help him down. Together, they headed down to find out who those two figures were. When Xana and Jamie reached the main hall in the sanctuary, there was a commotion. Fenris, Billy, a tall woman with black hair, hazel eyes, and a stern expression, and a young man with black hair and gray eyes were arguing. "I demand to know where she is." the woman was saying to Fenris. She looked furious. "I think we better take this to my office, Caroline." Fenris said, but the woman didn't move. "I will stand here until you bring her for me," the woman said and her eyes fell on Xana as she was approaching them. "There she is." Said the woman with disgust. Fenris quickly stood beside Xana. "Xana, this is Caroline Hunt, and her son, Colin Hunt."
Xana knew then, why the woman looked at her like that. "I'm sorry for your loss." Xana said, reaching out to shake the woman's hand.
Caroline didn't take Xana's hand. "How dare you?" she spat, her hazel eyes were filled with hatred and rage. "Don't talk to her like that." Jamie snapped, surprising everyone, especially Xana. Caroline gave Jamie a quizzical look. Xana shook her head at Jamie, assuring him that it was all right. She was used to such behavior from criminals' families.
"What's going on? Who is shouting?" Michael asked, appearing with Alston. Michael looked quizzical while Alston looked his usual self, superior and mildly interested, they both stood beside Xana and Jamie, in a protective manner.
"Caroline and Colin Hunt, meet Michael, my son, and Alston." Fenris introduced, yet again. "Oh, I'm sorry for your loss." Michael said, reaching out to shake Caroline's hand. Caroline ignored Michael's outstretched hand.
"How do you sleep at night? Walking around killing on a daily basis, knowing that you killed my husband and now my son will live without his father for the rest of his life." Caroline growled, accusing Xana and staring daggers at her.
"I sleep very well, thank you for asking," Alston said calmly, giving the angry woman a scornful look. Caroline gaped at him and Alston went on. "I am the one who killed your husband, he was a murderer, a criminal and I do not regret killing him, in fact, if I had the chance I would kill him again without a speck of regret."
Colin launched forward at Alston, snarling and ready to strike. Michael and Billy growled and got ready to strike Colin. Xana jumped in front of Alston, blocking Colin. "Lay one finger on him and I will bury you so deep under, you're gonna be as crispy as French fries." Xana warned, standing between Colin and Alston, spreading her arms separating them, her expression deadly, it was the slayer expression, Jamie went very still. Colin stopped dead in his tracks, panting and glaring with silver eyes, while Alston was very calm, not moving an inch, and watching Colin without interest.
"That is enough," Fenris ordered, the menace loud and clear in his voice. Immediately, Colin recoiled and stood beside his mother, obeying a direct order from his leader was in his blood as a werewolf. "Caroline, it is late now and you need to rest. I'll have my butler fetch you dinner in your rooms. We will discuss your husband's matter tomorrow with more civilized manners. Follow me now and I will show you to your rooms." Fenris led them to the first floor. He made sure their rooms were as far as possible from Xana's and the boys' rooms. His tone was the tone of the werewolves' leader, authoritative and commanding. Michael, Billy, and Jamie chuckled the minute Fenris left.
"As crispy as French fries!!" Michael wondered playfully. Xana shrugged and turned to face Alston. "Are you okay?" she asked gently.
"Great," Alston touched Xana's hair lightly. "Your hair is wet."
"It's snowing." Xana said matter-of-factly. She was relieved that Alston wasn't mad at her anymore. Sam and Accalia came inside from the double wooden doors. Sam was beaming. He must be thinking about Haley. Xana knew that dreamy expression. Accalia grinned when she saw Xana, and Xana immediately went into her arms, giving her a bear hug.
"I missed you, my darling." Accalia said, hugging Xana and patting her hair gently. "I missed you too Lia, you have to stay until Christmas." Xana was enthusiastic to see Lia. "I'm staying," Lia said, letting go of Xana but holding her at arm's length, examining her face, "Apparently there is some trouble and Fenris has to stay here for a while, you look very lovely tonight." Lia added, tucking Xana's hair behind her ear in a motherly manner.
"Mom, meet Jamie Moon, Xana's hu.... er... the human I told you about." Sam said, giving Xana an apologetic look. Lia examined Jamie, reaching out to shake his hand. "Hello Jamie, welcome to the sanctuary." She gave him a kind, admiring smile. Xana blushed. Jamie wanted to know what Sam was going to say. He reached out to shake Accalia's extended hand.
"Pleased to meet you Mrs. Oakstaff, thank you." Jamie said politely.
"Call me Lia, dear, everyone does." Lia said kindly. "So I can call you Lia too?" Michael teased while kissing his mom on her cheek.
"Absolutely not," Lia scolded him playfully. "Come on kids, let's see what Arthur will make us for dinner." Xana gave Billy a wink, assuring him that she will talk to Accalia and Fenris about Jane soon, Billy replied with a warm smile.
***
The following day at breakfast, everyone was present except for Caroline and Colin. Xana felt guilty because she was glad they weren't there, but she didn't want Adam to be traumatized by their presence. Nobody had told him yet they were at the sanctuary and everyone worried about his reaction, especially after last night. Lia's presence cheered Xana up a bit, but she was anxious. Only four days left until Christmas and she hadn't bought any gifts. And what to get Jamie? After breakfast, Xana apologized to Jamie. She had to go to Fenris's office, and it was better if he wasn't there. Jamie didn't like that. He wanted to be where Xana was, especially when that Colin was around, but Jamie had no choice. The twins promised Xana they would keep him occupied. They were bringing in the Christmas tree, and they wanted help. In Fenris's office, Xana, Michael, and Alston stood beside Fenris's desk in their gears. Fenris was behind his desk while Caroline and Colin stood in the middle of the room. Fenris had his head in his hands while Caroline went on and on and on.
"My husband was a decent man and a good father, he wouldn't kill anyone." Caroline insisted. Her black hair was made firmly into a bun and her hazel eyes were filled with anger and sorrow. Michael rolled his eyes for the umpteenth time. Xana shifted her weight from one leg to the other and pursed her lips. Alston was checking his neatly cut nails, ignoring Caroline and her son completely.
"Your husband kidnapped a thirteen-year-old, turned him, and killed his parents. We have evidence, Caroline." Fenris spoke calmly, but his tone was wrapped with frustration.
"I don't believe that." Caroline snapped, her fists clenched.
"It doesn't matter what you believe. That doesn't change the fact that your husband kidnapped and chained a child in his basement, bit him, and shot his parents dead. He was a criminal, and we did our job." Xana snapped. She had had it with Caroline's denial, the image of Adam chained and hungry, the image of him phasing painfully only yesterday, all that made her so angry. It was the rage inside her speaking, not her usual voice of reason. She wasn't nice or gentle at that moment. She was the fierce slayer who did a great job of eliminating criminals.
Caroline swallowed. "I didn't even get the chance to bury him." Her voice low for the first time.
"We burn criminals, they do not deserve a burial." Alston said coldly, without looking at Caroline. Only at that moment, Xana did feel sorry for Caroline and Colin. Alston's comment was harsh.
Colin gritted his teeth, but he stood in his place beside his mother. He wished to cut open Alston's face, but from what he heard about the Slayers and Xana in particular, he knew the consequences would be ugly and not in his favor. Fenris stood up, feeling sorry for Caroline. "Why don't you sit down, Caroline, and tell us what happened. Why did Liam leave you?" Caroline sat in one of the chairs beside the window and gazed at the gray sky outside. The trees were covered with snow. "He didn't leave us. I left with Colin. Liam told us to leave because there was danger. He feared for Colin." Her words got the attention of everyone in the room, including Alston. Caroline went on. "Liam started to spend much time away from us. Sometimes he only came home every three days. He refused to tell me where he went to. Then he started to act strangely. Unlike his usual self, he became nervous all the time, anxious, lost, and even scared." Caroline closed her eyes, recollecting her thoughts.
There was a door knock and Arthur came inside, bringing coffee for Fenris.
Caroline didn't seem to notice Arthur. She went on again. "Until one day he told me to leave, to take Colin and stay away from him for our own safety. He said he was working for the Overlord and he...."
A clutter stopped Caroline from talking. Arthur dropped the tray and spilled the coffee on the Persian carpet. All eyes were on Arthur. He was never clumsy. Xana hurried and helped him clear the mess.
"I'm ... sorry." Arthur said in a small voice before he left the room, pale and shaking. Xana gave Michael a quizzical look, and he shrugged. "The Overlord you were saying!" Xana said to Caroline.
"Yes, Liam said he worked for him and that the darkness was coming and I must hide Colin, so I left and when I heard about what happened, I came back to look for you." Caroline gave Xana a long, sad look.
"Whoever that Overlord is, he is the key to what made Liam kidnap Adam." Fenris said thoughtfully, lacing his fingers above his desk. Xana and Michael were whispering, making plans about investigating on their own and finding out who the Overlord was. The door banged open and Adam bolted inside, looking furious. Everyone tensed.
"How dare you show up here? Your stupid husband killed my parents, he ruined my life." Adam shouted, glaring at Caroline and Colin, clenching his fists, his blue-gray eyes blazing with fury and his cheeks scarlet, his skinny frame shaking slightly. Xana was the first to run to his side, holding him by the shoulders, keeping him from attacking Caroline or Colin, whispering. "I'm sorry Adam, please come outside with me." "They are the ones who should leave." Adam shouted again, struggling against Xana's grip. Caroline paled and looked at her laced fingers in her lap while Colin recoiled behind his mother, he was only one year older than Adam, he couldn't believe that his father actually kidnapped that kid, murdered his parents, and turned him into a werewolf against his will. Fenris hurried to Adam's side, trying to comfort him. "My dear boy, they didn't know what had happened to you and I'm sure they are very sorry."
"It doesn't matter whether they are sorry or not, that won't bring my parents back." Adam said. He stopped struggling against Xana's grip. His eyes were filled with unshed tears. Billy appeared at the threshold, panting. "Adam, there you are." Billy gave his father an apologetic look, then he tried to take Adam outside. Reluctantly, Adam went out with Billy after giving Caroline and Colin an ugly look. Xana closed the door and turned to Caroline. "That was Adam Archer."
Caroline gave Xana a small nod before she spoke to Fenris. "I wish to stay in the sanctuary until you discover who that Overlord is. I want my son protected." "Of course, you are welcome to stay, but you must understand how Adam feels about you and I bid you stay clear of him." Fenris ordered, and Caroline nodded. Caroline and Colin left the room. Fenris sat back behind his desk, writing down some notes. He looked tired.
"We will investigate this further. I'll inform Uriel and get his permission." Xana informed, not asking for Fenris's permission. "Sure, I will send a warning to the packs and see if they know anything about that Overlord." Fenris said, still scribbling his notes. Xana turned to Michael and Alston, making plans and sharing ideas. Michael tensed and Fenris shot right up. The two of them hurried to look out the window, toward the sanctuary gate. "What is it?" Xana asked, puzzled. Alston watched Michael and Fenris, wondering what was wrong. "Vampire." Michael confirmed, squinting his eyes, looking at the figure moving lightly on the snow. It was unlikely for a vampire to come out during the day, but London's gray sky allowed them to wander freely, not to mention how unlikely it was for a vampire to show up at the werewolves' sanctuary. In fact, it hadn't happened before, for hundreds of years at least. Fenris was the first to run to the door. Xana knew that everyone in the sanctuary would be agitated to have a vampire around. She ran after Fenris. They must stop the disaster before it happened. As Xana expected, everyone was furious. The twins left the tree lying on the living room floor, they stood in front of Jamie, protecting him from the vamp while arguing about how could a vampire just show himself uninvited. Billy was protectively holding Adam's arm. Charlie, Sam, and Accalia were arguing about who should open the door to tell the vamp to get lost, while Accalia said they must wait for Fenris. Caroline and Colin were standing at the far end of the main hall by the stairs, watching with curiosity. Fenris headed to the huge wooden door and opened it carefully. A young man stood quietly at the threshold, ivory skin, scarlet eyes, and blond hair.
"Daniel!!" Fenris exclaimed, wide brown eyes staring at Daniel. "Sir, I'm sorry to show up without a warning, can I see Xana please?" Daniel said politely. Almost everyone was groaning and there were low snarls from the twins, in particular. Jamie tried to look past them toward the door, but almost every werewolf around him was blocking his view. "I'm here," Xana said, coming out from behind Fenris, giving Fenris a reassuring nod. "Hi Daniel, is everything all right?" "Everything is great, can I talk to you?" Daniel said, checking everyone standing behind Xana, who were glaring at him. "Sure, we could talk in the garden," Xana said, and stepped outside. Immediately, Alston and Michael were beside her, giving Daniel warning glares. It was disrespectful of him to show up at the sanctuary like that without permission. Jamie sprung after Xana, escaping Mark and Simon. He walked beside Michael, who gave him a wink. Michael liked that Jamie was protective of Xana. "Who is he? And what is it with those red eyes?" Jamie asked Michael, whispering. "Daniel is a vampire." Michael said casually. Jamie gaped and Michael nodded with a sly grin.
"Another one of her charity cases." Alston said, looking ahead at Xana and Daniel. Jamie ignored Alston's snide comment. He had more important things to think about. For instance, Xana looked so friendly with that vampire and he feared for her safety being so close to a monster. When Xana stepped outside, she hunched her shoulders and jammed her hands into her pockets. It was colder than she thought. She took a mental note to wear a fleece sweater under her gear instead of just a shirt. Jamie noticed her expression and realized that she was feeling cold. He took off his jacket, went to Xana and gently put it over her shoulders carefully, and gave Daniel a quick glance filled with curiosity. Xana blinked twice before giving Jamie a smile. "Thanks, I was freezing, but won't you get cold?" Xana asked, wrapping the jacket around her. It was warm and smelled like Jamie. Xana inhaled deeply, delighting herself with what became her favorite smell recently.
"No, I'm all right." Jamie lied, he ignored how cold he felt, Xana was warm and that was what mattered the most. Daniel scanned Jamie carefully, wondering what a human was doing among the werewolves!
Xana caught Daniel's curious looks. "A friend of mine, and he is none of your concern." Xana said casually, but her tone held a hint of a threat. Daniel got the hint and nodded. "I'm sorry to show up without permission and I promise you I won't take much of your time." Daniel said, aware of the three boys' glares at him. "I will talk to Fenris, don't worry about it. How can I help you?" Xana asked, holding Jamie's jacket tightly. "I'm here to thank you for what you did for me, and I have something for you," Daniel reached inside his jeans pocket and took out a small red velvet box. He handed it to Xana. "Thank you for allowing me to live my life the way I wanted, for giving me a chance to not be a monster." Daniel said looking into Xana's eyes directly. His gaze didn't waver. The boys tensed. They all had a good idea what that small box held. Michael didn't like the idea of Daniel being friendly with Xana, she helped him once and that was it. He shouldn't show up often in her path. Alston was furious. He hated the idea of Daniel giving Xana jewelry. 'Great, first the mundane gives her roses and now the vamp gives her jewels,' he thought with bitterness. Jamie was infuriated. Everyone was trying to win Xana's heart, and if he remained a coward, he would never be with her. He needed to get over his fear of being hurt again, of losing a loved one. He must allow himself to fall in love. The idea scared and excited him. Did he like Xana enough to get over his fears? To let her into his life, into his heart and soul? To be in love despite the possibility of losing her? Was he brave enough? A million thoughts ran through Jamie's mind. He knew he had to make a decision soon before someone else took her heart. He jammed his hands in his jeans pockets, trying to stop his body from shuddering. The cold was bitter that day. Xana hesitated before taking the box from Daniel. She wasn't expecting anything in return for her favor, she never had. "Daniel… that is nice of you, but really you shouldn't." "Please, honor me by accepting my gift." Daniel said politely.
Xana opened the box to find an elegant ring, white gold with an oval ruby. "Daniel, that's beautiful." Xana said shaking her head. The ring indeed was beautiful and valuable. "It was my mother's." Daniel said thoughtfully. "Daniel, I can't… I'm sure it has a sentimental value for you." "Please, this is what I want." He pleaded. "Okay, thank you. It's really beautiful." Xana said, putting the ring on her left index finger, then looking at it with admiration. "That is a very nice ring, Daniel." Michael said, stepping beside Xana, giving Daniel a hostile look. "Another unnecessary gift." Alston said coldly, giving Daniel a scornful look. "It was nice of Daniel." Xana said, giving Alston a please-stop-that look. Jamie was quiet, lost in his own dilemma. Daniel promised Xana to behave and to stay away from trouble. Michael reminded him of what they would do to him if he crossed any line. Then they returned to the sanctuary. Jamie was delighted to be back beside the fireplace in Fenris's office. He watched silently as Xana talked to Fenris, explaining why Daniel was here and what was her plan to find out who the Overlord was. He didn't want to stay away from her any longer. The door sprung open and Arthur burst inside. Unlike his usual polite manners, pale and shaking, wide gray eyes troubled, tension lines were visible around his jaw. "Fenris, I have a secret to share with you and I want the Slayers to hear it."