Page 23 of The Power of a Myth

“Anyway enough crying and soppiness. Let’s get back to cooing over the babies,” Molly declared, getting to her feet with Emma’s aid. She reached for her walking stick and hopped over to where Morocco and Zahara were sleeping. “And I mean it, no telling the other women about the pitfalls of childbirth caused by being with the big strapping men of the pack. I want this room filled with children.”

“The children will have to come from the others. Scott isn’t getting any more children unless he stops complaining about his gray hairs.” Emma laughed, and Selene and Molly joined in.

“Everyone in the lounge.” Kas’ voice pushed into Molly’s head, and judging by the look on Selene’s and Emma’s faces, they’d had the same message.

Selene turned green with brown patterns on her skin and held her hand out to them. In a matter of seconds, they’d left Morocco and Zahara sleeping in the nursery and landed in the lounge. All the other members of the pack ran into the room shortly after. Brayden went straight to Selene while Scott pulled Emma to him. Jane, Brayden’s mother, came over to Molly and helped her sit.

Kas walked into the room, his dominating presence sending everyone into silence. He switched the television on, and Molly turned her attention to it as several leaders from the human world walked out and stood at a lectern.

“Effective immediately and across all nations”—Molly listened as one of the leaders on the television made his grave announcement—“those of you with supernatural abilities will report to your local authority and be cataloged. If you fail to obey the rules, you’ll be hunted down by whatever means necessary and imprisoned. We’ll shortly be announcing further details of our plans to keep the world safe from the imminent threat supernaturals pose. A threat we’ve seen destroy several iconic buildings and kill hundreds of people in the last few days. We will not tolerate such an attack on our freedom, and we will introduce all measures necessary to ensure it never occurs again.” The leader took a deep breath and then continued, “To the polar bear who appears to rule the supernaturals, you will be stopped, captured, and judged for your actions. That is all.” The man stepped away from the lectern.

Molly’s stomach sank, and the other members of the Glacial Blood Pack remained silent as the leaders strode away from the platform in a complete show of unity.

The world as she knew it was over.

She was at war again.

Only this time, Molly didn’t want to survive it with the knowledge Hayden was gone.

Chapter Twelve

“It’s time.” Hayden looked up from the book he was reading as Ethern strode purposefully into his cave. Jessica followed behind him, her face as white as a crisp, new sheet of paper.

“What’s happened?” Hayden questioned and shut his book, placing it down on the floor.

“The humans have declared war. It’s all over the television. They’re calling all supernaturals to present themselves for cataloging. I’ve heard rumors we’ll be sent to live on a continent away from humans. They’re just working out where.”

Hayden had known this day would come, but it didn’t stop the icy cold shiver that ran over his body. It was finally here. The day of judgement—the reason he’d touched the bones in the first place.

His first thought went to Molly and how she was feeling if she was watching the television and seeing what was happening. He just had to hope she was still hidden away in her cave for safety. The rest of her pack wouldn’t be. He’d discovered a lot about them from talking to Jessica, and he knew the witch was caring for the lady she affectionately called Miss Molly.

“Does the girl know?” Hayden questioned.

“Selene?” Jessica replied and shook her head. “No, we need to go and get her. I feel sick.”

Ethern wrapped his arms around the woman he’d fallen in love with. Hayden felt a pang of jealousy.

“I want you to come with us, Hayden.” Ethern informed him.

Hayden’s initial thought was one of reluctance. He’d spent far too long in dark caves and dungeons—going outside was foreign to him, but his greatest worry was the risk of bumping into Molly.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“It’s time, Hayden. You don’t have to fear anything. This is why you were created,” Ethern offered solemnly.

“It would be better if you brought the girl here,” Hayden suggested.

“Destiny, Hayden, tells me you have to go to the mansion. You’ll be needed there,” Ethern added reluctantly.

Jessica looked up at him with her eyes wide open.

“What do you know?” the witch queried immediately.

“Another vision?” Hayden asked.

Ethern shut his eyes, and Hayden knew he was becoming lost in a memory of something from his past. Ethern was no longer a multi-shifter, so he wouldn’t have visions from the original seer.

“Please, Hayden,” Ethern opened his eyes and pleaded with him again.

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