Chapter 4

Lex immediately turned around to provided needed cover for my exposed body. My eyes were locked on the Kilian from behind Lex’s arm. He just sat there staring at Lex. I was frozen, I should have jumped up and said it wasn’t what it looks like. But I knew the truth, it was exactly what it looked like. “I can explain,” I heard my voice, but I didn’t realize the words were coming from me.

I grabbed my shirt that was over to the side and threw it over my head. Luckily, it was longer and went just past my butt. I scanned the area looking for my leggings, but they seemed to have vanished. Great doing this pants-less, I said to myself standing. Just be honest, he deserves that much from you.

“I know this doesn’t just look bad; it is bad. But please just hear me out, if not for me, for our children.” I started; I was hoping to calm him down a little. Now that I was looking straight at him, he seemed calmer than Lex and I both were. When he didn’t say anything I continued.

“I came out here alone, I needed to perform this ritual to retrieve memories from my past lives…” Words started to pour out of me faster than I was thinking them. “When I returned to my body, I was overwhelmed with emotions. You see, he and I have been reincarnated many times, but we have never fulfilled our destiny. The gods learned their lesson a long time ago giving anyone the gift of immortality. Anyways, I know that does not make it better, I just want you to understand I did not plan this, and it is in no way because of you.” I ended firmly; I had no idea if that was enough to keep him from attempting to kill my mate. I knew who would win that battle all to well.

He took a few deep breaths and closed his eyes for a moment. I had stopped breathing in anticipation of what he was going to do. I felt a hand on my shoulder that caused me to inhale. It burned like I had just been pulled from the bottom of the ocean and my lungs were deprived of sweet oxygen for way to long.

“You are wrong. I knew I was never enough for you. I knew one day this would happen. That goddess of yours, the one with the long beautiful white hair and creamy vanilla skin, she came to me several times while I was dreaming. She warned me that one day you would be reconnected with your true love. That I did not stand a chance and I should leave to prevent you from experiencing the pain of hurting me. I chose to stay, I wanted to make sure that you were cared for until the day you were back with him. I love our children, and I will always love you. It has been years since she appeared to me, but somehow I knew one day her words would come true.” He shook his dead as if he were making sure he was awake.

“Our children are special. I’m not sure why. I do not know how this is going to work. I thought it would be more difficult for you to leave our relationship in the dust.” I went to interrupt him, but he cut me off with his hand. “Let me finish. I will always protect them. You will always be the light I follow and will give my life for. After seeing you with him, I don’t know how I feel yet. I know I should be jealous, but it is difficult when I saw the power amplified off the two of you a moment ago.” I was blushing like a schoolgirl who was just caught by her parent in the middle of her first kiss. “I understand why she warned me, no one could resist something like that. But you are amazing Astrid and though we may not be what we once were, I do not want to live my life without you in it. We will have to figure many things out, and I certainly need some time, but I want to help.”

“Wow,” was all I could say. I was shocked. I figured he would have gone crazy. He was having these dreams and never said anything? This man deserved far more than I could give. “Kilian, this is Alexander.” I phrased it more as a question. I was still unsure that he was so confident in it.

Alexander bent down and tossed me my leggings before slowly approaching Kilian with his arm out. They took each other’s forearms and there was a flash of light that blinded me momentarily. I blinked a few times clearing my vision. They are gone. Where the hell… did they go?! I called out for both and neither replied.

Well… Lex always sticks to his word; I am sure he has some type of crazy plan. After that thought I let my mind go blank while I picked everything up and headed back to the house. I needed a shower and some breakfast.

I must have been in the shower for over an hour. The hot water soothing my sore body from this morning’s activities was exactly what I needed. I stepped out and called for Kilian, not sure if he made his way back yet. How long until I should worry? Nope, it hasn’t been long enough yet. I knew I would sense if something was wrong. I put my sports bra and my panties on. I ran into the laundry room to grab my shorts while throwing my hair back, I heard a knock on the door and slid them on quickly before hopping over. I opened the door partially to see what they needed.

There was a 6’2 man at the door with a forced smile on his face. He had dark features, naturally and personally inflicted. His black hair casting matched the circles around his eyes. He has some light silver steaks coming through in a few places and his beard matched his head. There was a scar on the side of his neck that made me wonder how he survived it. It had to have nicked his carotid artery, he should be dead. He reached his hand out “Hello Ma’am. My name is Joseph Nicholas. Are you by any chance Astrid Winter?” He knew who I was. Something in his eyes told me not to touch him after seeing what just happened with the men. I had never seen two people do that in all my lives without both knowing what they are doing, or a god/goddess being involved. But clearly things were still evolving around me.

“I am, I don’t mean to be rude, but I prefer not to touch you.” I figured that was the best I could muster up. I was never a good liar, so telling him I was sick or a germaphobe was out of the question. His eyes narrowed, like he was trying to read me. I don’t know what this man wants, but I will not give it to him.

“I am a relative of yours on your mother’s side. I just arrived in the America a few days ago and you are my first stop. I wanted to drive across the states and meet my extended family. Would you mind if I stayed here with you for a few days before I continue my journey? I would love to get to know you and your family.” His voice was forced. He was assuming I would open my door like I would have yesterday, excited to meet a family member, but today I had my memories. I knew I had more enemies than I was even aware of.

“I am sorry, I do not recall the name.” I chose my words carefully, “My mother and I have been estranged for a while now. At this time, we are not prepared for company, I can recommend a few hotels that are in town if you want to spend some in the area. We would be happy to take you to dinner to get to know you better. My husband is busy now, but I know he would be glad to meet relatives of ours.” I waited for his response but made sure to be prepared for any kind of attack. Something about this guy had my nerves on fire.

“I understand. I have a room at a local place already.” He said with an evil grin, “I am always prepared.” As he finished the words a chill ran up my spine.

“Why don’t you leave me your contact info and I will reach out with the time and place once I discuss it with Kilian.” I was trying to keep my voice friendly, but I wanted to get away from this man as quickly as possible. He nodded and handed me a card then turned to walk away.

“I will be waiting by the phone.”-There was more of a threat than a joke in his tone.

Wherever the hell you two are right now better be a damn good reason. I thought as I turned around. After locking the deadbolt on the door, I pushed my back up against it my fingers going to my temples to massage the tension building up. I walked into the kitchen, set the tea kettle onto the stove top and reached up into the top cabinet. I had hidden lyndt chocolates in there with a few other snacks that I wanted hidden from the bottomless stomachs of the rest of my household. The werewolf thing was starting to make more sense when I thought about the amount of food we went through on a regular basis. You would think I feed a soccer team on a regular basis with the amount of groceries I purchase. Sam’s club has been a weekly trip for me for the past 5 years. I turned around while plopping the unwrapped candy in my mouth to see the two men standing before me that disappeared on me earlier.

“Holy shit, do you really need to sneak up on a girl like that,” I took a breath and placed my hand over my heart, “You will cause me to have a heart attack, if its possible. Some weird guy shows up and you two just pop back in like you never left… Where did you go? WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?” I didn’t realize that my anger was growing inside me until they both stood there eyes wide. “I am sorry, I am really not that upset about it, I was worried about you both.” I tried to recover my dignity.

“What do you mean a weird guy stopped by?” Lex spoke, worry evident in his voice but he didn’t answer my question.

I handed him the crystal he had left behind earlier and as soon as he took it his emotions faded away from me. I could feel them now if I focused on him even without the crystal in his possession. “You left that behind earlier, but I don’t think it is working as well anymore. I can still feel you if I try.” I stopped trying and relaxed slightly.

I looked over at Kilian to try to get some answers. The crystal blocking Lex allowed me to sense Kilian’s emotions easier. He was calm, you would never know he found his wife with another man this morning. Concern rose to the surface slowly as he waited for my answer to Alexander’s question.

“How are you?” My eyes were tearing up, I was going to need some serious rest after figuring all this out.

“Love, I am better than expected. Please, answer the question.” He said with a smile. He was telling the truth.

“I don’t know really. I came back to the house to shower after you guys went abracadabra,” I paused to raise my eyebrows at both, they needed to know they were next to explain. “Then there was a knock on the door but I could feel his intentions, he wants something. He said he was a relative on my mother’s side, that he just came to America to meet his extended family… It’s all weird, his English was way to good for someone who has never been here before. He wanted to stay here for a few days but I denied the request. We,” I pointed between Kilian and myself to let the men know which “we” I was referring to, “are going to meet him for dinner and get more information from him. But I do not want the kids anywhere near him until I know more. Something does not feel right about this. How do we leave them here alone while it could be a set up? I know that the protection spell on the house is good and I could cloak it while we are gone but if they have been watching it would be nearly useless…” I was just rambling at this point, no more useful information leaving my mouth.

“What was his name?” inquired Lex.

“He said his name is Joseph Nicholas.” I shuddered, whispering it like he was still standing outside listening.

Now was Kilian’s turn to speak, “I know the name. I got a email a few weeks ago from that person. He said a similar story, that he was related to your mother in some way and he was coming to America.” He shook his head, regret was written all over his face, “I thought it was you,” he looked at Lex, “trying to find her. I ignored the email; I wasn’t going to make it easier for you to find her. Little did I know you had been in my woods for over a year.” He said the last part with a chuckle, like it was a joke among friends. What the hell did I miss?

“A few hundred years ago, there was a power-hungry pack. They were not very large, only 300-400 pack members. They were told of the prophecy by a witch that one day there would be a change in power, a hybrid wolf would become Alpha. It is said that this Alpha would pass on the abilities to its pack and all that are aligned with her. They have since been trying to find the Alpha to force her into submission, they want her for the power she can provide. If they accomplish their goal, it will put any wolves that oppose them in danger of being killed or enslaved. Humans will nearly be wiped from the planet, fae are already nearly extinct, this would finish them. The pack is always moving so it makes it hard to attack. They tend to be spread out in different areas to not raise attention. Joseph Nicholas has been their leader for the last 200 years. Rumors say that he always has a healer close by and that is how he has survived so many near death experiences.”

Lex’s eyes began to glow a beautiful copper color, the sudden change made Kilian jump slightly when he noticed. He blinked and hi eyes were back to normal. “You go to dinner tonight as planned. He could be showing up for several reasons. He is clearly trying to get more information about you. He may want you as a healer or other reasons. I will stay here and keep them safe while you two are out. I have scouts on their way here now to go into town and arrive at the location before you. He thinks he has the upper hand; just play the part and he will be clueless you are gaining information from him. I suggest charming something for Kilian to wear to protect the both of you from any magic he may have access to use. Pick a place you trust. Doesn’t your best friend own the local diner? She can make sure once we give the place and time there aren’t any flags that appear before we arrive.” He paused waiting for me to confirm.

I may have had my memories back, but this man already knew most of the important things in my life, I knew nothing about him from this life. I nodded my head, “That is a great idea, Sylvi always works until 9 or so on Saturday, her being there will not raise suspicion, that’s an advantage but what if he has done his research and also knows that? He could be expecting us to choose it for exactly that reason. I have been trying to reach her for days though and she hasn’t responded. Do you think he already did something?” The thought terrified me, what if I had put my friend’s life in danger without realizing it?

“I was in town last night to grab dinner and I saw her. I am sure as soon as you fill her in, she will know if anything stands out.” Lex’s words surprised me, he said it like he knew Sylvi… I shrugged it off, he knew a lot about me, it makes sense that he would also know about my friends and the type of people that were around me.

“Alexander, if it was that big of a threat wouldn’t the goddess just have told us?” Kilian finally spoke.

“What the hell are you talking about, ‘just told us’, like you were just at afternoon tea with her?!” My voice higher than I expected it to be. Where did these two just disappear to and why does Kilian think he was talking to the goddess again?

Lex’s eyes glared at Kilian. You could tell he did not want that brought up while we were trying to figure out the current situation. “Exactly Kilian, there is nothing more going on tonight then scouting. If he were ready to make a move, he wouldn’t be trying to spend time with Astrid, let alone allow it to happen in public. There are too many humans in the town.”

Lex’s eyes began to glow again. I remembered it happens when mind-link one another. Anytime we tap into our wolf powers, our eyes glow. He was silent for a few minutes, Kilian staring at him again, almost jealous of his abilities. He blinked a few times and walked over to me. His one hand intertwined with mine as his other tilted my head up to touch his lips to mine. It was a slow kiss that we both were lost in for a moment to long. Kilian cleared his throat to remind us he was there still.

“Sorry Kilian,” Lex sure to meet his eyes then looked back at me. “My pack is arriving at my local residence; I need to get going to make sure everything is set up for tonight. Be safe princess, I love you, and make sure to cut Sylvi a break.”

“Your pack? Is that like a new way of saying gang?” Kilian said like he was making fun of his term.

“No usually it’s a pack of wolves, not a gang of them.” Lex grinned at me then winked at Kilian before disappearing out the back door.

“Astrid, did he just say wolves?”

I turned to the follow the direction he fled, my jaw practically on the floor. I froze to keep my back to my husband. Kilian cleared his throat behind me to get my attention. I composed my face as I turned around. This is the first time we have been alone since he saw Lex and I doing all those things… The memories started to play over in my head, I could feel the memory of it on my skin. Stop, not the time. I told myself before blurting out, “I have no clue what to say right now…” I wanted to let him lead the conversation.

“Well, let’s start with the most recent development… Wolves? Like werewolves? Are we talking silver bullets and crazy full moons?” His eyes still wide from Lex’s last words before running out on me.

I could not believe that of everything we could be discussing, he chose that to begin. Maybe I didn’t give him enough credit, he really did love me and he was always a strong man… Still… to just be willing to step aside and watch someone else bring a light to my eyes that was never there for him… It would be hard for anyone.

“Sure, we can start there. Yes and no. Yes, there are really werewolves. No, they do not go crazy under a full moon, like witches, they enjoy it with celebrations or small parties.” I checked his stress levels and he seemed to be taking the information okay, so I continued, “Because I am reincarnated, my wolf spirit is always a part of my soul every lifetime. I am a lot older than most when they shift for the first time, but I will be completing it the next full moon.”

No more secrets, I was going to make sure that I protected him as much as possible, he would always get the truth, as much as I knew. He had a right to know along with the countless other changes, this was a pending change as well.

“Well, I guess we can just add this to the list, and I will try to keep up as we go. I know you want to discuss what happened this morning. Right now, I just want to say I support you. You are going to change the world for wolves and witches everywhere. I can process my shit on my own, we will always be parents, but our life together is over, I know that. I am just glad I got the time I did.”

He pulled me into a hug as he finished his words. I had tears streaming down my face. I was heartbroken for him; I could feel his ache. But I felt his determination more than anything. He was really going to do this; nothing would change his mind. I wanted to entertain the idea that I could be a bitch and send him on his way. Truth of the matter was, I still needed him. He was one of my best friends. I slowed my breathing down and got control of myself.

“You continue to surprise me every day. I want to say one thing and I will leave it alone until you bring it up again. You should know I am selfish; I am glad you stayed when the goddess told you to leave, you have made my life worth living. If you ever need anything just ask.” I pulled back slightly to place my cheek on his and whisper in his ear, “I love you, Kilian.”

As I started to untangle our bodies he leaned in and kissed me. I felt him pouring all his emotions for me into the last kiss he would get. His passion was crippling, the love, fire, and devotion he had for me were all on the surface. He was saying goodbye without leaving. I kissed him back allowing my feelings for the last 14 years we had spent together rise to the surface. I waited for him to break the kiss, not wanting to rob him of any last requests before he becomes the perfect husband and puts on a show for the rest of the night. He was ending this chapter of his life with me to start anew.

“Thank you, now if you don’t mind, I am going to take a shower. It’s been a strange day and I have a hot date this evening.” He said as he winked at me. “You can start making a list of ‘shit to do’ starting with call Sylvi and explain everything, then plan dinner, up security around the house (a lot), oh I’ll explain the whole tea with the goddess part when I finish showering.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me, and I couldn’t help but giggle. He was acting different from normal. Usually he is in some type of mood, but now it’s like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders and he was the same man that I met 14 years ago, joking, carefree, and ridiculous.

“Go take your shower, I may need you to come save me from the phone call with Sylvi when you get out. I have a feeling once all the important things are discussed she is going to be full of questions and we do not have time for that long of a story before this dinner tonight. I will send the location and time to my so-called 15^th uncle or whatever he is through his email. That way if we need to go back and track him at all, we can try to use that.” I was still talking and listing off what I needed to do as I walked into my office to begin writing all of this down. My brain was already on overload.

I grabbed the pad and pen off the top of my desk and set my cell phone down. I jotted my list so far then did about 50 laps around the room before picking back up my phone. My best friend was always there for me whenever I needed her. She and I would do anything for each other, but it also met that we were totally honest with each other. There is a good chance she is going to rush right over here and try to take me to the mental hospital if I start discussing wolves with her. I should do this in-person but there is no way we have time for it. Lunch time was approaching fast and I knew what I had to do.