''I'm pretty sure I'm physic.'' I said, just spitting it out, I knew mom was thinking that too but dad had no idea; he just went along with moms knowledge.
Which is pretty much what I did too. I knew this for a fact now though. Julien being living proof.
''Did something happen from your dream?'' She asked, setting her bag down and coming over to me. Dad however picked it back up for her to hang up on the hanging coat rack by the door.
''It wasn't the exact dream but....werewolf's are real.'' I looked to my dad, to see his reaction. He didn't have trouble accepting mom being a witch; he loved her and didn't even care. She could have been a werewolf and he would still have loved her. It was something, more then one new thing.
''How do you know?'' She asked, sounding shocked but wanting to believe. That being the same way I had felt; maybe in a way knowing that it was true, that sense of things getting stronger.
My dad walked himself over to the couch, processing both me being physic and werewolf's. I was still processing it myself.
I filled them both in on the whole day, from what happened at school to what happened in the woods. How Julien saved our lives, my life.
''I want to meet him.'' My dad stood now, firm in his request. My mom gave him a look though; basically telling him to calm down. He saved my life, I knew even before that I could trust him.
Maybe that's a perk of the gift. I knew there was something familiar about him I just hadn't realized it would be because he was the black wolf from my dream. He's going to save me again but I kept that part to myself; from them and Julien.
''He's trying to help Nick.'' I wasn't going to call him away from that but I didn't mention that I even had his number.
''The other wolf who tried to kill you and Dean?'' He asked and I gave him a look of my own now.
''That other wolf, was human just a few days ago; he doesn't even understand what he is.'' I told him and he sat back down on the couch.
''Your right; I'm sorry, I just...werewolf's. You promise this other wolf; Julien, he can be trusted?'' The only thing he didn't like about us being witches was he couldn't protect us like we could protect him, but that was our job.
I nodded. ''Absolutely.'' I could feel it, psychic or not. He nodded, accepting my trust for his own.
''Well I would like to meet him; anyone who saved my daughter is worth knowing.'' My mother said before moving away from my father on the other side of the couch, she could never sit when she was listening. Like she needed to stand to gather information.
''He said he'd call me when Nick is safe.'' Julien didn't want my help. I pouted to myself, upset. I was given my powers to help and he refused it. My only reason to even have the powers.
''How about some dinner, there is nothing that can be done, if you trust Julien then we just have to wait.'' I nodded, agreeing but still upset about it. There was something I could do though.
With all the werewolf talk put aside we had the most normal dinner we could have. I however couldn't put him out of my mind, I wanted to see him again or at least hear his voice and know Nick was safe. Although I do want Nick to be safe I don't want that to be the only reason he calls. I know now that we will see each other again but it's going to be him saving me again and I didn't want that to be the only time we saw each other too.
I helped mom with the dishes as dad went upstairs to finish up a blueprint, the new client in one day has already rejected two of previous ones; being very particular indeed. Dad seems both annoyed and happy; this one will be worth a lot but worth a lot of work too.
''You head upstairs, I'll finish this; get some rest.'' She knew I needed it but I wasn't sure I was ready, nor did I think I would even be able to sleep; I was nervous about having another weird dream vision.
''I was actually going to sit in the craft room for a bit.'' Our nickname for the room where all our witch supplies are and where we practice. No one thinks witches they think of arts and crafts so it's a good way to hide it in plain sight.
She nodded and gave me a small smile. ''Okay sweetie, I'll see you in the morning.'' I nodded and set the cloth I had been using to dry the dishes down and left the kitchen to go to the craft room.
I made sure I had my phone ready, for Julien's call and pulled a chair over to the desk with all the herbs. I know he didn't want my help but I could give him some help without it being dangerous.
I looked through the herbs, taking a few jars from the shelf. Dried Dandelion in the seeding version for my intention, my want for his luck. Clover for his luck, to better find and convince Nick that he's not trying to hurt him. Dried Chamomile and Lavender to keep them both calm.
I crushed them together in the mortar and pestle to bind them before I fully focused on Julien, not very hard but I steadied my breath and put the herbs to use. Intention magic was really all she taught me. It was less effective but both easier and safer.
I sighed and sat back, watching the herbs burn away and I hoped it worked. Sometimes if the intention wasn't just the exact way it needed to be it just wouldn't work.
After waiting about an hour I headed upstairs to my room to get ready for bed, changing my clothes from the day to my pajamas before getting into bed and under the blanket. I pulled my phone out to check my messages.
Dean: Any news on Nick? I sighed and turned onto my side to text him back.
I wish I had, I texted him back before plugging my phone in and setting it onto my bedside table and turning onto my other side to look out the window. The moon was barely visible, just having finished a cycle and restarting.
The moon meant even more now, I wondered how it was linked to Julien. I could draw power from it, bind myself to every phase for it and there were spells that could be bond to it. Was he bound to it and how much of the werewolf lore rung true?
Julien was in my thoughts until I fell asleep. Hoping to have my mind clear enough to be free of anymore visions.
I sat up quickly, feeling the need to wake up but I didn't remember any dreams if I even had any. I glanced over at my phone and the screen lit up; a phone call. I moved closer the edge and reached to grab it. I brushed my hair back and answered it.
''Hello?'' I pushed the blanket off but paused as I heard his voice.
''Hey, I hope I didn't wake you; I tried to time it right.'' I smiled at his voice.
''Hey.'' I repeated before realizing I should say more. ''No, I was awake; how's Nick?'' I got up off the bed and took a moment to adjust my bare feet to the cold ground and stood, going into the bathroom.
''Very tired; he's resting. Running for 3 days straight does that I suppose.'' I heard shuffling on his side and someone else speak. A women, I couldn't make out what she was saying and tried to not listen; despite how much I wanted to know who it was and what she was saying to him.
I set the phone on the sink counter and put it on speaker before pulling my hair up into a ponytail. Too tired to brush it or style it but I grabbed my tooth brush.
''He's safe though, did you get to explain anything?'' I asked and looked at myself in the mirror, not very often paying attention to the way I looked.
Julien sighed and I looked back to the phone as I put toothpaste on the toothbrush.
''No, I had to; I had to knock him out.'' He hesitated to tell me, clearly not having wanted to.
Then It hit me, he probably doesn't want to. I mean the only reason he got involved with me was to find Nick. He found Nick. I still despite my thoughts hoped my spell had helped with something.
I cleared my throat before I picked my phone back up and took it off speaker.
''I'm glad he's safe...'' I let my sentence trail off not really wanting to finish what I was going to say. ''I've got to finish getting ready for school, thanks for uh...thanks for letting me know.''
He hesitated before responding. ''Uh, yeah of course. I'll let you go.'' I nodded but realized he couldn't see me.
I wanted to ask him to call me again but I didn't have the courage; especially for his rejection. We meet by chance and although he's meant to safe me I don't know why. I know he's good, he helped Nick without even being asked.
''Bye.'' I knew it wasn't goodbye but I didn't know how long it will be until we were see each other again.
''Bye Pax.'' I hung up and sighed before setting it down on the counter again and brushing my teeth.
''Wait; Pax.'' But it was too late she had already hung up. Julien tossed his phone onto the desk and looked at Cassie; already knowing what the look meant.
''You should tell her, she wont feel it like we do; she doesn't even know.'' Cassie told him, standing from the chair she sat on the other side of his desk. Her words of wisdom always taken under advisement.
She's right she doesn't feel it like we do. I knew the moment I saw her; the moment I smelled her. He saw the confusion on her face; she knew something but not exactly what it is.
''I know, I just don't want to; push it on her.'' Julien wanted her; wanted her to want him too but he also wanted to give her time. The lack of pressure that went with it too.
''She's your mate Julien; don't want too long.'' Cassie left his office, closing the door mostly on her way out.
He sat down with another sigh, waiting for both Nick to wake up and for Pax to get out of school. He wanted to call her again already, hear her voice again. More importantly see her again.
Julien put himself to work, calling other Alphas to see if they had changed Nick or knew who did. Someone changed a human without permission or even helping them. Someone broke the rules and could have exposed us. Or even worse, hurt or even kill someone. He had almost hurt Pax.
The only reason he wasn't holding that against him was because it wasn't his fault; someone else was the cause of this. If Nick was going to join his pack he'd have to prove he can do better; control himself.
''So wait, there's some werewolf out there just biting and turning people.'' I nodded at Dean's question and glanced around before getting into his truck to head home. He wasn't one for being subtle.
Dean got in and I set my bag at my feet, always putting my seatbelt on before he started driving.
''Did he say when he's calling again?'' I nodded again and he started the truck.
''I don't think he has a reason too, he found Nick and...he's safe now.'' I sat back and turned the radio on a low volume with my magic.
''That's not true; what about your vision, that wasn't for no reason.'' He looked back and pulled out of the parking space to pull out of the school parking lot.
''I think it served it's purpose.'' He came into my life, saved Dean and I; saved Nick too. There's no other reason for him to stay or call again.
Dean focused on the road but kept on his point.
''Then you just didn't notice the way he looked at you?'' I turned to look at him now, confused.
''No, how did he look at me?'' I mean at one point I noticed he was a bit nervous but I was too; he was a literal werewolf. Maybe that's why he was nervous with me, the fear of witches not being new.
''Pax; are you serious, I noticed something you didn't?'' He glanced at me, looking away from the road for a moment to do so.
I rolled my eyes and turned back away, the best way to get the information by just waiting for him to stroke his ego first. Normally I was the one who knew things before him so I gave him what he considered to be a win.
''He totally likes you.'' I scoffed, finding that hard to believe. ''Oh come on, it'd be perfect; he already knows about you and he's different too.''
''Are you trying to set me up now?'' I turned back to him, looking at him just as he glanced back to me again.
''I wouldn't need to try very hard with Julien if I had too.'' He pulled into his driveway, the ride to and from school not very far.
''Okay, it is not that obvious.'' I clicked my seatbelt off and pulled my bag onto my lap as he he took the keys from the truck and it turned off.
He gave me a look, the one that I'd often given him; It's very obvious. I just couldn't see it even after he pointed it out. Hard to image someone like Julien; not only an incredible creature but far out of my league even if he wasn't.
It did however give me more hope of him calling or reaching out in some way. Despite me trying to push those thoughts away. I didn't need the false hope.
''Okay, okay; whatever you say.'' He dropped it but didn't agree, he clearly thinks he saw something.
''Anyways, on a totally unrelated but totally related topic I did some research last night.'' He started explaining something as we got out of the truck.
I walked over to his side and put my bag on my shoulder. ''Research on what?'' I felt my nerves rise, never sure where he goes with these things.
''Werewolf's, obviously.'' He shrugged and I followed him inside his house. Taking our shoes off before he continued on but I followed him upstairs to his room.
''I only slept a couple hours but it was all I could think about, if they are real; which they are, then some of the lore has to be real right? I mean some of what you can do is covered in it.'' He opened the door and I couldn't keep my reaction to myself.
''Oh my god Dean, how much ink did you use?'' There were papers all hung on the wall and linked together over his normal wall art and décor. Papers on the ground and a handful were crumbled up into balls; scattered his desk.
I walked over the wall of papers, looking at the links he created.
''let's just say, I told my mom it was for a project.'' He started with shapeshifting, what we knew. I'd technically seen it.
''You don't even know if any of this stuff is fact or some legend made up along the way.'' I turned back to him. A lot of it.
''That's where you come in.'' He smiled at me and I nodded.
''I am not calling him to ask him a bunch of questions, that's intrusive.'' He fake pouted but I nodded again, forgetting he didn't know what that meant.
''You have his number too, If you wanna question a werewolf about literally everything about him then go ahead.'' I patted his shoulder as I passed him. ''I've got homework to do.''
''Fine, abandon me to forever wonder; I'll remember this on my death bed.'' I ignored his attempts but laughed to myself before I started down the stairs to put my shoes back on. '' I know your curious too!'' He shouted from his room just before I left.
I walked on the sidewalk over to my house, just a couple hundred feet and noticed they were having another late day by neither of their cars being back yet.
I went to unlock the front door before I realized it wasn't locked. I found it a bit strange but I pushed it open and put my keys away. I let my bag slip on my shoulder into my hand before I set it by the stairs and took my shoes off. Placing them by the door afterwards before grabbing a quick smoothie drink from the kitchen to drink, then going into the craft room.
I do have homework to do but I wanted to attempt to clear Julien from my head again, not sure I could focus on it without doing so. I'd end up calling him and embarrassing myself, I don't even have a real reason to talk to him. I suppose I could ask Dean's questions.
''Get it together.'' I told myself, pushing those thoughts away and taking a seat on the pillow I set on the floor; closing my eyes to focus on not focusing on him.
I did my breathing as my mother taught me; I tried for several minutes before I gave up. It not working; at least not the way I wanted. I sighed and moved to stand but braced myself on the table nearby, my vision being taken over by other visuals.
I sucked in a breath as all the images ceased. They were all of Julien; so many of Julien. In each image of him I saw he was smiling-at me, looking at me; I wasn't sure how I knew he was looking at me but I felt it.
I pulled out my phone quickly just as my phone started to get a call, not sensing it but wanting to call Julien but it was Dean.
''Okay, so you can be forgiven for not calling Julien if you come to this party with me.'' He spoke before I could even say hello.
''You know how I feel about parties.'' I fully stood and left the craft room, nothing in here helping me anyways.
''Charlotte is going to be there and I need my wing-women. She likes you and I'll actually be able to talk to her.'' Dean tried to convince me.
''Okay, fine; but I don't want to be there long. I'll meet you outside when I'm ready.'' I hung up, ignoring his thank you and noises of excitement. Almost wanting the distraction.
I collected my bag and took some out stuff for the party and left my main bag on my bed; I'd do my homework when I got home and texted mom about where I'd be but I wouldn't be long.
She said I'll probably still be back before she is so eat well I'm out, another new client came in and she's helping dad. The business was picking up even more these days.
I pulled out the outfit I would wear and got dressed. I didn't look to long in the mirror or I would talk my self out of wearing it. As I walked downstairs I pulled my hair from it's ponytail and shook it a bit, having been up all day I needed to jostle it a little for it to be normal again.
I adjusted my bag and sweater after I finished putting my shoes on and locked the front door behind me before heading out to meet Dean at his truck. When I approached he was pacing back and forth at the drivers side.
''You look nice; you planning on being more then my wing-women?'' He asked and I rolled my eyes at him.
''No, but if you keep talking I wont even be your wing-women.'' I got in and he quickly scrambled to get in too, not wanting me to change my mind well I still had the chance to.
I put my seatbelt on and he quickly started his truck, letting his excitement get the best of him.
''Uh, seatbelt please; the party will still be there.'' He groaned but listened before taking the truck out of park and starting our drive. ''Where is this party anyways.''
''It's at Caitlyn's house.'' He took one hand off the wheel to rub the back of his neck and I knew exactly which Caitlyn.
''So then Rachel will be there, are you serious Dean?'' I slumped into the seat. Rachel has despised me since she moved her a few years ago. When I kept to myself and just to Dean it was easy to avoid her.
''Look, I'm sorry but I never get to see Charlotte. She never has the same classes as me and I had to jump at the opportunity.'' I looked at him and sighed.
''You are so lucky; so lucky that you're my best friend.'' I told him and sat up, taking a calming breath.
Dean adjusted in his seat, relaxing again. ''Maybe you could invite Julien? Or at least tell him that you want him to come too.'' He glanced at me.
''Too?'' I asked and sat up, I looked around for his phone; seeing if he had placed it anywhere. ''Give me your phone.'' I told him, not asking.
''No, I have this under control.'' He pulled into the driveway.
There's no way he'd come to a high school party; right? ''What did you say to him?'' I second guessed myself, I mean why would he? He's busy with Nick.
Dean scoffed and opened his door after parking the truck. ''Like I'd tell you.'' Although I didn't want to I followed him and got out of the truck to go inside with him.
A lot of people must have walked because with the lack of cars I didn't expect so many people. The house was packed and I instantly needed to take a breath to shut it all out.
''Can you find Charlotte in all this?'' He lowered to meet my ear to make sure I heard him over the noise. I nodded though before I actually spotted her.
''Charlotte!'' I called to her, trying to move through the crowd as I waved to her.
''Hey; Pax, Dean. I didn't know you guys were coming.'' She smiled and we hugged quickly before Dean awkwardly attempted to hug her, she of course hugged him back, this being the only obvious romance in the friendship.
He just seemed to forget how to be normal; his version of normal with her. Which is probably what confused her, I mean how are you supposed to know if someone likes you when they act this weird around you.
''I wasn't going to but Dean convinced me it was going to be fun so.'' I shrugged and smiled at her.
''Well I'll help to make sure it's fun, do you want a drink; anything?'' I nodded.
''Pax doesn't drink.'' Dean told her for me. It messed with my magic sometimes and in large groups It can be hard to keep all the noise out.
''Oh okay, there is soda in the kitchen too; Dean wanna help me grab a couple drinks?'' He looked to me and I nodded, that was the whole point of coming to this party.
''We will be right back.'' He told me quickly and followed after her through the thick crowd. The party already full at such an early hour.
I glanced around and couldn't help but let some of the emotions in. There are just so many people in such a small space. I hoped they really would be back soon and turned, unable to watch some of the smaller groups as they talked. It always seemed so easy for them to be here; be around everyone at once. I had to be focused the entire time to not let everything in.
''Hey, here Pax. I checked to make sure it was just soda.'' I turned Dean and Charlotte having thankfully returned but I knew it wouldn't last for long.
He came here so he could have more time with her and we see each other everyday.
''Thank you.'' I gladly took it like the soda would help and took a sip.
''Oh, my god I love this song. Who wants to dance with me?'' Charlotte practically jumped at the start of a new song. Excitedly looking at both Dean and I.
''That's all you Dean.'' I nudged him and he discreetly gave me a look, I'd hear about this later but not until after he realizes how much fun he will have. He's not the best dancer but you didn't need to be if you were going to have fun.
Charlotte grabbed his hand and he followed her a bit through the crowd to find a spot. I watched for as long as I could, watching him struggle but she was still enjoying herself.
I turned letting my smile fade as I came face to face with someone I didn't recognize. He was not from our high school.
''Hey, I'm Kyle....and you are?'' He asked fully approaching me now, waiting for me to give him my name.
''Pax.'' I tried to focus on just his energy but I couldn't pick it up. ''Are you new to school?'' I thought this was just for people from our school. He nodded though.
''No, I came down; taking a bit of a break before heading back up for college. I actually brought the drinks; but don't tell anyone.'' He laughed and leaned against the staircase as I set my drink down on it.
''Suppling alcohol to minors huh?'' Not exactly a great flirting point but he didn't know anything about me and I was at this party.
He laughed again and reached forward to brush my hair back, getting close enough for me to smell just how much alcohol he had been not only suppling but drinking. I moved back, preferring him not to touch me but he didn't get the hint.
Kyle used his distraction to put something in Pax's drink, not noticing as she tried to pull away from him before he responded to her.
''I figure it's better if someone provides it legally and sticks around, if I didn't someone here would just buy it from a stranger.'' He tried to actually find the reason in it, like that made it okay.
I just nodded though, thinking it'd be easier then anything else and grabbed my drink again to take another sip, trying to think of a way to end the conversation.
''Hey, do you wanna get out of here, I'm starving and everyone keeps talking about this diner? Have you heard of it, uh Cindy's diner; I think?''
I nodded and finished my drink, not much in it to begin with.
''Carol's diner but I came; I came here with a friend.'' I also did not want to leave with him but he didn't need that information.
''Oh come on, have a little fun; tell her you wanna get something to eat with me.'' He tried again and I nodded which he clearly didn't like. ''At least see me out, It's not often I find someone as beautiful as you at a party.''
I gave him a small smile for the compliment but I was starting to get uncomfortable and dizzy.
''He's dancing with his friend.'' I had more to say but it disappeared before I could say it and I gripped the stair railing for support.
''Here, let me help you.'' I tried to push him away but he just grabbed my waist and supported me.
I tried to search for Dean or even Charlotte but everything was starting to blur into one blob.
''Don't worry I got you.'' All I could do was make a whimper, my attempt at arguing; I didn't want his help. I wasn't even sure why I needed the help. Or what was suddenly wrong with me.
The sudden fresh air cleared my head just enough to push him away when he walked us outside. ''I don't need you help.'' I swayed from pushing him but steadied myself to watch him just as he was about to grab me again.
''She said she doesn't need you help.'' I looked past Kyle, trying to make out if I heard that right; Julien.
Thank any god or goddesses. Thank Dean I thought, I have to thank him in person later.
''What are you her boyfriend, she wanted to come with me?'' He lied straight to him, getting upset by this whole situation but Julien didn't back down and looked to me. Knowing he was silently asking me; I nodded, I didn't want to go anywhere with him.
''Then it's time for you to leave, by yourself. Are you ready Pax?'' I nodded, not sure what I was ready for but ready to not be here anymore.
''Whatever man, she's not worth the trouble.'' He threw his hand in the air, frustrated but went to leave.
I felt more and more tired but I could see the anger on Julien's face before he grabbed Kyle by the arm and pulled him back, close to him.
''You're not worth the trouble; you are only getting away with this because your human.'' He nearly growled at the end and pushed him away. Julien didn't bother to watch him scramble away and turned back to me.
I had sat on the steps, not able to stand any longer and looked up at him as he approached.
''You're so tall.'' I spoke up to and he sighed but I thought I caught a smile before he spoke.
''You were drugged Pax.'' Julien told me and I sighed.
''How, how do you know?'' It made sense now but he wasn't even here until a few minutes ago. He offered me his hand to help me up.
''I can smell it-Woah, I got you.'' I took his hand and once I stood I swayed, not able to hold myself up any longer but he caught me. Holding me close to him.
I looked up into his eyes as his stared back into mine, an intensity behind them. Something more I couldn't read.
''Pax! there you are.'' Dean came slamming through the front door, having finished his dancing with Charlotte and noticed my absence. ''Julien, thank god.''
''No, thank you for texting me.'' Julien still helped me stand but he had pulled a bit further away, no longer looking into my eyes but at Dean and only glancing at me. ''Pax was drugged.'' He told Dean too.
''Woah, wait what; by who?'' Dean looked around as if he'd be just standing around somewhere but then his eyes settled on me. ''I'm sorry Pax.''
It wasn't his fault though and nothing happened. ''It's, I'm okay.'' He sighed and looked back inside.
''I was gonna take her home, If your okay with it Pax?'' Julien told Dean but asked me and I just nodded. Ready to sleep this off and I trusted Julien.
''Okay, I'll check on tomorrow.'' I couldn't form a response and I felt Julien pick me up before I felt the movement but my eyes finally fell shut; unable to keep them open any longer.
.....To be Continued In The Next Chapter....