He thought rather quickly; wanting to take care of things before I got too wrapped up in my process. Feeling just slightly rushed by getting results. ''Let's get you some food first; you've earned it and she'll be there.'' A good point too, I would give him that. I should make sure not to push too hard despite how much I may want to.
The table was already set for the first meal of our day; Adeline and my father already sat down. Awaiting for my mother to finish cooking, having to make extra with Julien and Adeline joining us. I smiled to myself, glad to have her and Julien able to do so before my dad spoke upon us entering.
''I had wondered what I heard you rush out there so early for.'' Having not heard Julien when I-we both did so, mom might have not told him that he spent the night too. ''Good morning Juli- what is that?'' My dad quickly stood up, about to greet Julien fully but caught sight of the mark; coming right over to look and practically move my head to see it better.
He eyed the both of us before glancing back at my mother who came in with a plate full of pancakes, able to smell the chocolate clearly this morning. I glanced at Julien who actually looked a bit tense at the whole interaction. She had already seen it and left that out too.
''It's a mark; to connect us as mates.'' I told him proudly though; glad to belong to Julien. He nor anyone but Julien and I need to know what more that means. I wasn't scared for my father to see the mark; despite Julien clearly being a bit scared of his reaction.
Who knew my father would be the among the few things to scare my alpha werewolf mate. The thought almost laughable but I held it back for both their sakes.
Perhaps a bit scary to see such a mark when I didn't tell him about it; not like I got bit by just any werewolf. For good reason too.
''I thought you being mates and all; that was the connection?'' He asked as he gestured to us with his hands and sat back down a bit defeated, still not a giant fan of our whole bond; being with anyone at all I suppose. To be fair he should be pretty glad I am with someone as great as Julien.
I glanced at Adeline who was sat silently, move to hide her smirk; finding his response amusing.
''I can protect her better this way; I don't need to be near her to feel if she's in any danger or even scared.'' Julien spoke up, informing me of this as well as my dad. Not filling him in on the whole part of letting other wolfs know I belong to him.
I didn't know he'd be able to feel me even without being near me. How unfair, I can not feel him when he isn't around. What else can he feel through the mark? He's gonna have a lot more questions to answer soon.
I would be clarifying just what he can feel now through the mark.
''Any other information I should know about this 'bond'? I'm just about spent on these surprises." My dad tried to think on the best word but asked with worry; not sure he can handle much more. Sure he's been thinking a lot on just how simple us being witches really was comparted to all he knows now. Not that he ever complained.
Coming from a place of love though; that I know. Which saves him from a lecture of my own.
Julien cleared his throat and my dad looked to him rather quickly. "Pax is my Luna so she'll be my packs Luna as well." Not something startling as he may have thought; assuring in me being safe in all this, not something he should be worried about.
I am already our small coven leader but that was different for him and I knew that. Werewolves are new and more complicated; scary to him still. I understand that. I felt that too but I felt more excited about his world, his pack being my pack; being apart of his pack.
How many covens can say they are apart of a pack? Packs can have pack witches but how many are mated and a leader of their own?
I glanced around the table; everyone sat or sitting as I took it all in once again. Feeling tremendously proud with how things are going once again. My parents happy with their business and its success; filled with joy for them. Adeline is safe with us and her coven again. I moved to look at Julien as he adjusted in his chair to place his hand onto my thigh under the table, my mate, my Alpha and all that's left is for the pack to accept me.
Maybe the mark had me feeling a bit inflated with all this happiness but I wouldn't be arguing it; at least until I remembered my need for Adeline's help with my visions. I would wait until after breakfast, as Julien had suggested. Not going to ruin such a lovely breakfast.
''So does anyone have any plans for today?'' My father asked as he grabbed a few pancakes and I offered Julien some fruit with a smile; impossible to not when I look at him. He gave me a small smile in return; knowing he's still a bit unsure around my father.
My father still a bit unsure about this whole thing but I know he'll come around because- well he doesn't have much of a choice. I had to pry my eyes away from him; I know I can not live without Julien, not after knowing him and his touch- his presence. Everything to me in such a short time together.
''Well,'' My mother set her fork down to take a sip of her tea and clasped her hands together to speak further. ''Remember, I'm going with Mary for lunch to discuss some color palettes for the bathroom.'' I always admire how she spoke; with such grace and purpose.
My father made a grumble from within his throat; seeming to remember now but with much obvious distaste about her lunch plans or just rather who she is having those lunch plans with.
''Is Mary the new client?'' Her name not familiar to me and my mother looked to my dad to answer this time. Amused by his reaction and wanting to hear it from his mouth.
''She's our clients wife- well one of them.'' He cleared his throat again; very much judging that life style. Not a fan of this client with how demanding he already is and now there is more then one wife to include in the matters. My mother chuckled at his tone and wiped her mouth with the cloth she had placed onto her lap when she began eating.
My dad filled us all in about his three clients and how he had no idea how such people could marry each other when they clearly loathed each other and their individual tastes. My mothers face saying it all; she had heard plenty on the topic just as she has had to deal with it. Dealing with the three of them and my father; that much very obvious as well.
I found it worth a laugh just as much as she did; they own the business and if dad really didn't think having them as clients was worth it then, well; he would have just denied to take them on or at any point just dropped them for being too difficult. My father has only ever done that once in their whole career, that I've been told about anyhow.
The pay nice when its just my mother decorating the home or my father designing the house but for them both to be working on this project meant a lot with how little that actually happens. Working together wasn't always working together when they differed so much with the day to day.
Like my father doesn't leave the office much to work; mostly drawing up the blueprints for his construction contractors to build, but she goes out with clients and gets ideas by going to a large variety's of decor or furniture stores. Most of her work is never actually in the office they own.
''You know, I was actually looking for an assistant if either of you were looking to make some money? With these new clients we have quite a bit of extra work'' My mother had been thinking of bringing this up but I thought the offer might have been a bit more toward Adeline. Both of us seeing how she likes to stay busy and for more then one reason.
I may have considered the offer far more if Julien wasn't around but the thought of having even less time then we already do together tugged at my heart. Could he feel that too, feel the moment I was experiencing any emotion?
I glanced at him as Adeline spoke up. ''What types of things would you be looking to have done?'' Interested right away and Julien made eye contact with me just as my eyes landed on him.
Trying to read him but he must have sensed it and opened right up to my reading. Feeling his content, his happiness. Everything was exposed to me so easily; the easiest time I have ever had when reading for ones emotions.
My head turned a bit at the ease he allowed and I wanted to be alone with him; more then ever. Never stop talking unless we are kissing or anything else- just with him. I saw his aura for the first time ever; a beautiful swirl of blue's, greens and warm despite the cool colors he had surrounding him.
His openness to me in so many ways; every way had made him so clear to me now. Not just his wolf or him but his whole soul, mixed with his wolf and himself. Now I had something only I could experience like how only he can experience the marking process. The world can see I am his and I can see him.
Unaware there had been more to see of him but clear that I've seen him fully now. Every aspect of him.
After breakfast I pulled Julien aside, into the craft room; not much pulling aside as he would have followed me anyhow. Really enjoying that, he'll be right behind me or next to me as long as he's around.
Adeline and my mother spoke on the details of what the job would offer well my father cleaned up the breakfast for all of us; insisting on helping since she had cooked. Being a bit extra supportive with Adeline being here; wanting the both of us to be able to get to know her when needed.
''What was that?'' Julien asked as we entered the room and he grabbed ahold of my hand to stop me from going any further to spin me a bit back into him. A smirk on his lips as he glanced down at me with such curiosity. I suppose feeling my emotions but maybe not to the depth I am capable of. That empath side so natural for me after all these years.
A few things happened and maybe they all weren't done with the ease on his part as I had assumed; maybe its just getting easier and I had experienced such ease being around so much magic. Not just my mom anymore but Adeline and Julien. Not to mention Katy and the new forms I've encountered.
At my confusion to exactly what he was referring to he spoke further.
''You wanted to know what I was thinking-feeling and; what did you see?'' Ah, I nodded now. Having never seen one but I knew with no doubt what I saw.
''I saw your aura Julien; it was so beautiful and well, it's the first one I've seen.'' I leaned a bit toward him and had a question of my own for him. Waiting for him to ask his follow up question I could tell wasn't far behind. Julien seeming to be right about yet another thing; getting stronger and so fast- with simple things anyhow.
''My aura? You've never seen that before; on anyone?'' His voice held curiosity but behind that fascination was...pride? I suppose being the first I've ever seen must be pretty cool; Julien having many of my firsts now. He can have all the firsts he desires.
I nodded once more with a small smile and waited to hear if he had any further questions, when none came I choose to ask mine now well I still had time. Knowing either my mother or Adeline would be coming in at any moment. Not that I couldn't ask with them around but I could tell Julien held back things around other people.
Maybe he felt he couldn't share certain things around everyone; Adeline to be fair a bit judgmental of things she doesn't fully comprehend. Not exactly blaming her by any means.
''So would you like to fill me in on this mark and how it lets you feel things I'm feeling even when you aren't around?'' I fully looked up at him once again and had several thoughts and emotions pass through me; wondering just how much he can feel through something he did last night.
Julien glanced down with a smirk; knowing he had left the full details out but I did make a choice to do it sooner then we had planned so he didn't get the chance- hell even if he did I wouldn't have let him. Wanting everything to progress just too much to give him the time even if that wasn't the original plan.
''I did mention it connects us; you already had an advantage. If you shut out the world you shut me out too; now that won't happen and I can worry less when you are at school and I have to be with the pack. I know I said I want wolves keeping an eye on you well I'm away but they aren't me and I will never trust anyone with you more then I trust myself.''
Julien let out a bit of a huff; a lot coming out, maybe more then he had intended but his explanation lead him there naturally.
I hadn't realized that he was affected when I had to push out other peoples emotions, not knowing the cut off was going both ways. Absorbing everything he had just said as Adeline walked in; nearly lost in thought as she spoke.
''Did I just interrupt something?'' Adeline nearly tripped in her process to halt her walking. I opened my mouth to speak but Julien spoke first; thankful for it because I really wasn't sure what I was going to say to that anyhow. Not expecting such a speech.
''No; not at all, Pax?'' Julien turned the attention onto me; having given me time to- to think, reminding me of my desire to speak to her. His phone pulled his attention as it began to ring once I moved past him to discuss some magic with her.
I nodded as he excused himself to take the call. Wondering which of the pack it is? Most likely Alex if a pack member. Julien not just mine but theirs too; their leader. Even if that made me a bit selfish over wanting his full attention; I wanted him to myself.
''What's up?'' I sighed and moved to sit on the small couch across from the alter as she tucked her short hair behind her; once again catching her matching red hair. Rare as is but to share it with her felt special. Only sharing it with my mom; that I had no other family let alone ones to identify with in so many ways.
She followed suit and sat beside me. Quickly becoming fond of this room too. Easy to spend numerous hours in here; just about everything you would need when it comes to our magic.
''I was hoping you would be willing to help me with my visions? I want to better understand them; my gift but...'' I took a moment to look over how she was fully listening; waiting for my request and explanation. ''You were in my vision; I want to see the whole thing instead of fragments.'' Hoping she could understand and want to help.
''What did you see?'' Curious I suppose as to how she was involved in a vision. A common theme thus far; feeling it myself and I should be in control of them.
I shrugged and offered her my hands, ''I can show you.'' Much easier then describing the very lack luster visual I got. She took them after a moment; hesitant at first but when she grabbed my hands she grabbed them with confidence.
With a deep breath and exhale I closed my eyes and looked up to open up. Giving her access to myself; my magic before showing her what I had seen. Literally nothing other then a simple flash of what could become. Not sure what it even means; will we prosper with magic? Do we find all those grimoires.
I stopped my self questioning and we released each others hands. Having what feels like hundreds of questions with each new sight.
''Where'd all those come from?" An alluring sight; having all that magic right at our figure tips.
''I would love to find out.'' Good or bad; I have to, I have to use this gift for what it's there for. To see the future, to help my coven and my loved ones. I need to; If she doesn't believe she can help then I will have to figure something else out.
Adeline took in a breath and moved to stand; making her way over to the alter to pick at some herb jars but after a moment she turned back around to face me once more. ''How can I help?''
Nervous as to what that could entail but open and all I could ask for with such a request; not even knowing fully myself what that could mean.
''I was hoping we could channel each other?'' I offered with some doubt on my end; using humans as anchors and Julien to help my magic but I haven't even sought of my mother to help with my visons. ''I'm still getting the hang of reaching for the visions and I don't always have control over the ones I actually want to see.'' I explained further; not that I even fully understood it yet.
It seems like when something works to find even a glimpse of a vison it doesn't work or as well the next time I try it.
She shrugged and a hint of a smile appeared on her lips; seeing I may have been encouraged to do magic but I'm still pretty lousily at it. Having my clear moments but when it comes to magic you need a lot of focus and to never stop practicing.
''Let's try it, I channel easier outside though; you?'' I nodded, pretty confident that just about every witch has far more potent magic when connected to a form of nature. ''Is your wolf gonna help; he's got quite a bit of magic to draw from?''
True and easy to gather from their energy. ''He probably has to leave soon; that's most likely Alex and he's getting called away as we speak.'' Now Adeline fully smiled and crossed her arms as she leaned against the alter.
''Not a very big fan of Alex? Another wolf?'' I nodded but caught myself; not meaning to agree to everything she asked.
''He's his second; Alex is the one who isn't a fan of me.'' I clarified; although his immediate distaste for me might have something to do with how I actually feel about him- felt, making progress with him but my mark seeming to make me even more jealous of that title. Julien's second should be me; the Luna supposed to be the second in the pack ranking system.
''Well; we can manage without any wolfs- It's not like we even knew of their existence until recently.'' My mother filling her in on- well our whole life's if I had to guess; wanting to share it with someone who we can call family and trust.
Once outside; having lead her not as far as Julien and I had gone to practice but a spot Dean and I frequent. Going to be able to come out here a lot more again. The large rock reminding me of my when my accession had first begun; not noticing the moths any longer and in the full swing of it now.
She looked around; seeming to take in the spot, quite proud of it honestly and I knew that if she likes nature just as much as I do then this spot may become a favorite of hers too.
''You wanna start?'' After she took in our new environment she turned her attention back onto me; asking to begin. Adeline liking to rush things along, I suppose used to doing that with how quick she had to survive. Making it sound like she never stayed in one spot for too long.
Wondering how long it would take for her to share her story with us; wanting that very much, not just for her to learn about us but for us to learn about her.
''Yes; let's start, I'll just try to channel you to get a vision and if I don't get anything then I'll have to figure out another method.'' Yet again; rather hoping this will work for this one vision I want. Not wanting to have to go back to the drawing board if this fails to work. Her want to know her own role in said vision should help speed the process along nicely. Should being the key word.
Not meaning to sound so frustrated but I am frustrated and just want it to work when I want it to work. This gift is mine and I want it to actually start to feel like it.
With another deep breath in the attempt to clear my mind; needing to be open for it and Adeline's magic. I glanced at her when she took a breath of her own; wanting this to work too even if for her own reasons. that will-should help. Not exactly an expert despite very much wanting to be.
Feeling ready for the both of us I began to reach for the vision; not just willing to accept anyone but only one unlike earlier this morning. I looked up toward the sky and closed my eyes to open myself fully up.
Channeling just as I've been taught; allowing the flow of nature to move straight through me and I heard Adeline take In a breath, moving through her now too with our current link. Not seeming to be used to channeling other witches; at least not very often.
I felt it; just beyond reach until I pushed myself, needing it to come closer. Not backing down until the vision is mine once more.
This time however I ignored everything else and gripped it tight; maybe too tight.
''Pax? Pax, you need to stop.'' Adeline attempted to reach Pax, holding onto her magic too much to let her go; to break the link and stop her from seeing her vision could only hurt her more.
''Shit-Pax!'' She raised her voice, not mattering how loud she said her name and tried to shake her before panicking and looking around.
This vision had Pax fully in it; within it's trance. Only going to do more harm to her if she broke the link between them; the only thing keeping her from using even more of her own magic is their link; providing her with support magic.
''Adeline? What's going on?'' Julien entered the clearing and quickly rushed to Pax's side, sliding onto the hard ground beside her to quickly grab her in his attempt to get her attention himself. Panic immediate in his voice and his energy.
Having sensed her draw of magic before Adeline's panic. On his way to them already when he heard her shout her name, making him speed up even more when he smelled her blood. Not having smelled it before but distinct. The mark not needing to connect them in this moment; Julien could feel it all.
Never has he seen this happen to her. Adeline watched as Julien reached up to wipe the blood away from her nose and rub it away onto his pants but still bleeding so long as she continues to use too much magic. Desperate to help her in some way.
''She's using too much magic; I don't have enough to offer her.'' Wanting to balance the output with what she can offer but simply not enough. A power intensive gift and she was using too much for this one vision.
''Pax! Pax, you have to stop; listen to me love-let the vision go.'' Julien took her hands from Adeline and his panic took over. ''Go get her mother!'' Not meaning to shout at her but Adeline quickly scrambled up and ran from the clearing now that she could use Julien's energy; his magic.
He put everything he had into her; into being open enough for her to pull what she needed. ''Please; Pax.'' But this time Julien muttered more to himself; knowing this time his voice can't break through her trance, not working this time as it had worked others.
I noticed the warmth and wetness on my face first, reaching up to my under my nose as I took in a blurry Julien; no longer channeling Adeline but my view seeming to be under some veil and he was unclear. I took in the blood on my fingertips just as I could tell Julien was trying to speak to me but his words sounded so far away, warbled and I was having trouble making out what he was trying to say to me. The panic on his face was evident as I turned my head at him, the silence; the blood on my face-my fingertips.
But a heavy darkness took over my vision before I could ask what was going on; what had happened.
''Pax! Are you okay, Pax can you hear me? Just tell me you are okay please.'' Pleading with her despite knowing she is not okay right now. Julien caught and hoisted her up to bring inside; meeting Adeline and Aurora who was rushing toward them but quickly followed behind Julien as he continued. Anger dripping off of him over her being hurt in any singular way.
Adeline shouldn't have helped her; if you could even call that her helping. Julien knew she had pushed herself these past few days and he wouldn't have let her push herself to this point. Not without his help; actually able to lend the amount of magic she so clearly needed.
''Put her here onto the couch Julien.'' Aurora instructed as she followed right behind Julien; any closer and she would be stepping on him. She kept her calm even under the circumstances; not going to help her daughter to panic without accessing the whole situation.
As soon as she touched the couch Aurora moved right beside her to grab her hand and close her eyes. Beginning to use her gift right away to heal anything that may need to be healed. However without even looking at him she reached for his hand; knowing she can channel him too just as Pax does.
Not going to use much of her energy and intensive healing required more magic use; just in case she needed such healing.
Without any thought Julien gave her his hand; not caring how much any of these witches use of him, so long as it helps her. Even willing to give some to Adeline if it meant she would be okay.
''She's pushed herself too much; between the visions and the spelling of the house-'' Julien stopped himself from speaking further as his anger rose to the surface once more. Was the mark too much for her too?
Why didn't Adeline pick up on that before they went too far like this?
Adeline moved across the room as Aurora gently put her hand back down; sensing her work to be done. ''She just needs some rest; she will be okay Julien. What were you two doing out there anyways?'' Julien looked to her as well, wanting to hear how this ended up happening when she sought her out for help.
''She wanted my help with a vision she had seen; wanting to see the whole thing but she just pushed too hard to see it. As soon as I felt it- I tried to pull her back okay?'' Adeline tried to explain and crossed her arms as she got defensive; not wanting to be blamed for this. ''She's the one who should know her limits.''
Those words pushing Julien from trying to be understanding to pissed.
Julien clenched his teeth together; doing his best to not say something he can't take back and quickly escorted himself to her side; picking up her hand to hold in his as he kneeled beside the couch. Needing to push Adeline from his mind for Pax.
This is what his father had felt isn't it? When another-a witch is involved directly with his mates safety and wellbeing. His wolf having quite a bit to say about her. Having hesitation with her upon first impression and only pushing him further to believe she is untrustworthy.
.....To be Continued In The Next Chapter....