JASLYNN
Mr. Amos has requested you, Jaslynn.
I got up from my chair and went to the patient's room after the nurse. There were no witches or wizards at the hospital; it was calm. They appeared to be grieving the same as the rest of the coven, almost.
No matter how hard I tried, there was a lump in my throat that would not go away. He had made me swear that I wouldn't grieve, therefore I didn't want to cry.
I walked in and carefully closed the door behind me once the nurse opened it and motioned for me to do so.
I almost knelt to my knees at what I saw.
My courageous guardian, who had faced hundreds of demons, never let anybody know his frailties, and had previously narrowly cheated death, was now lying on his deathbed.
He whispered, "Jaslynn, come closer. Dear, I can't see your face.
I walked up to his bed and perched on the side while holding his weak hand. Do not seem so dejected, he said as he squeezed it tightly and offered me a feeble smile. I've always said that the Goddess will summon me at some point.
Just wishing...
He put his other hand on top of mine and said, "Hush. Whatever happened, it was nobody's fault. We won't ever discuss that.
I said in a low voice, "Uncle Amos," as I stared at his thin, worn-out face. "The Minister informed me you had one last assignment for me. Describe it.
I leant down so I could hear him as he curled his finger in a come here motion.
Malcolm was upset as he desired the book.
Widening, I asked, "The book? As in-"
Yes, I resisted telling him where it was, which is how I got here. Whatever happens from this point forwards, Jaslynn, you must not allow Malcolm to discover the book. Does he already know where it is? Has he discovered it?
Uncle Amos shook his head and said, "My mother is the only witch in existence who knows. However, I haven't seen Jaslynn in ages. You need to track her down, let her know I sent you, and then burn the book when you do. Malcolm won't be the last person to look for the book because of how the world has changed.
"How do I locate her?"
"I left a map and a note with all the information you need in the hidden compartment of my desk. I was aware that this day would come, and I now trust you to grant my final request.
You have been a delight in my life, he said as he raised his hand and laid it on top of my head. the finest trainee I've ever had. I have faith that you'll be successful in all of your life's endeavours. I turn over control of the coven to you, and I'll be able to go without worrying since I know you'll look after it. Do you give me your word?
You have my word, I said, grabbing the hand on my head with both of my hands.
"Go, Jaslynn," he said with a faint smile on his face. Stop waiting for me. I'll be observing from a distance.
I sighed softly as my eyelids fumbled open and I realised that I was having the dream again. Uncle Amos's words would resurface several more times and plague me for the remainder of the day.
Fortunately for me, we began the search on today. I had a solid gang of witches and wizards with me, and it had taken a week and a half to plan and get ready. Meredith would stay behind to manage the coven while I was gone.
I jumped out of bed after taking a quick look at the time and changed into my long t-shirt before checking my hair in the mirror.
I took my time getting ready for the day. I had my own clean bathroom here, and it was probably the last time I would have one for a while. I had a hot shower and it took me nearly an hour to get out of the steamy bathroom.
Feeling clean and awake, I wrapped the towel over myself and left the bathroom.
"This is not the welcome I was anticipating,"
As I turned to face the voice's owner, I squealed in surprise and stumbled on the wood flooring. Before I could face plant the floor, a set of hands seized me by the waist and helped me stand up.
My eyes widened at the sight of the tattoo that curled into concealment, the silky bronze skin, and the familiar black shirt.
Why was he in this place? Since I left the Minister's home, he hadn't been in touch with me.
I didn't turn to look at his face because I was embarrassed by where we were.
My towel was on the floor, covering my foot, and his hands were keeping me up and against him while my exposed curves.
Unfortunately, my body was getting a touch too comfortable with his body against mine. The pressure of his chest against mine made the tiny pink peaks on my chest stiffen.
I forced a hard swallow and slowly turned to gaze up to see him gazing down at me with a trace of amusement in his eyes.
He released his hold on me and knelt down while maintaining eye contact to get my towel off the floor.
He remarked, putting the towel over my torso and tucking the end in so it wouldn't fall. "Or maybe I shouldn't be expecting a welcome at all," he added.
I'll confess that I was impressed by how he performed all of that without even glancing down.
I softly thanked you and replied, "I wasn't expecting you here. At all."
"I figured so. I insisted on waiting for you downstairs, but your friend seemed all too happy to send me up here.
I made a mental note to kill Meredith as I was leaving.
What are you doing here, I'm sorry if I sound disrespectful. I questioned as I manoeuvred by him to reach my closet.
I called a few days ago, and your friend told me you were going today. He twisted around slightly so I could see the side of his head. Would you be open to accommodating a few more individuals, please?
"A few more people as in you and some of your pack warriors?" I asked as I put on my sundress and locked the closet door.
When he saw that I was dressed, he completely turned around and cocked his head, saying, "Me, my commander, and a few pack warriors. Of course, if you don't mind.
Although I wasn't entirely sure what he was up to or whether I should believe him, I was happy that he wanted to assist me and he did seem sincere. He might be looking for anything in exchange, but I could worry about that later; this trip was more pressing.
Who is looking after your pack?
"My father and my Beta. Why all the enquiries?
"I had to make sure you weren't dropping everything just for this," I said with a smile. The fact is that you are a leader.
They are conscious of their responsibilities. My luggage is safe with you.
My smile widened as I said, "Good to know, welcome to the crew."