Chapter 7

“He said his name is Joseph Nicholas.” I repeated to Lex and Kilian.

Lex continued to search his brain for the name but seemed to come up empty. I hadn’t remembered anything like that from our previous lives. Kilian was the first to speak startling both Lex and me.

“I know the name. I got an email a few weeks ago with that name. 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.

“I ignored the email; I wasn’t going to make it easier for you to find her.” Slight attitude in his tone.

“A few hundred years ago, there was a power-hungry pack. They were told of the prophecy by a witch that one day there would be a change in power. A hybrid wolf, both witch and werewolf shifter, would become Alpha. It is said that this Alpha would pass on it’s abilities to its pack and alliances.”

“Since then, they been trying to find the Alpha to force them into submission, they want them for the power they possess. If they cannot possess it, they will destroy it. They do not believe in co-existence between specie.” Lex explained to Kilian.

“The pack is always moving so it makes it hard to attack. Joseph Nicholas could be their leader we are looking for under a different name. Rumors is he always has a healer close by, that is how he has lived to 243.” He faded to his thoughts.

Lex’s eyes began to glow a beautiful copper color, the sudden change made Kilian jump slightly when he noticed. He blinked and his eyes were back to normal.

“Wait, did you say Alpha? Pack? What does that mean?” Kilian was speaking directly to Lex.

I was growing frustrated as the two men forgot I was in the room. I hated feeling like people kept things from me to ‘protect me’. It doesn’t work in the movies and it doesn’t work in life.

“You go to dinner tonight as planned. He could be showing up for several reasons. He is clearly trying to get more information. He may want you as a healer or he thinks you’re the alpha.” Lex ignored Kilian.

“I will stay here and keep the ladies safe while you two are out. I have scouts on their way here now, they will be into town and set the location.”

“He thinks he has the upper hand; just play the part and he will be clueless. I suggest charming something for Kilian to wear to protect him from any magic.”

“Pick a place you trust. Doesn’t your best friend own a local place? She can make sure it is secure before you arrive.”

I nodded my head. I still had not heard back from Sylvi. I would chase her down if I needed to. I was bothered that Lex knew so much about my life. All of the most of the important things, I knew nothing about him now.

“That is a great idea, Sylvi always works until 9 or so on Saturdays, her being there will not raise suspicion, that’s an advantage.”

“Wait, what if he has done his research and knows that? He could be expecting us to choose it for exactly that reason. Sylvi has been off the grid. Do you think he already did something?” The thought terrified me.

“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 explain.” 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?!”

I was clearly irritated. Where did these two just disappear to? Lex glared at Kilian. You could tell he did not want it brought up yet.

“Exactly Kilian, this is nothing more than scouting. If he were ready to make a move, he wouldn’t be trying to spend time with Astrid.”

“There are too many humans in the town, to many questions.” Lex finished.

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, 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 too long. Kilian cleared his throat to remind us he was there still.

“Sorry Kilian,” Lex apologized, meeting his eyes.

“My pack is arriving at my camp; I need to get going to make sure everything is set up for tonight. Be safe princess, I love you, make sure to cut Sylvi a break.”

“Your pack? Is that like a new way of saying gang?” Kilian joked trying to get an answer.

“No usually it’s a pack of wolves, not a gang of them.” Lex said as he grinned, winking 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, eyes popping from my head. I froze to keep my back to Kilian.

He 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 that… The memories started to play over in my head, I could feel the memory of it on my skin.

“I have no clue what to say right now…” I offered.

“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.

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 made it sound like a commercial.

“The basics? Yes, there are packs, no they aren’t very large, we have good healing abilities, strength, endurance. We typically live for 200 years or so. Oh I will be shifting the next full moon.” I laid out.

“Do you want to talk about this morning?” I asked gently.

“Right now, I just want to say, I support you. I can process my shit on my own, 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.

“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, placing a kiss on his and whispered in his ear, “I love you, Kilian.”

As I started to back away, he kissed me. I felt him pouring all his emotions for me into the last kiss he would get.

I kissed him back allowing my feelings for the last 16 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.

“Now 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 seemed different than the last few years. Usually he is in some type of mood, but now it’s like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, he was the same man that I met 16 years ago. Funny, sarcastic, carefree, and ridiculous.

“Go take your shower, I may need you to come save me 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.”

“I will send an email with the info to my so-called 3^rd uncle or whatever. That way we can track him.” My voice fading.

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.