Page 22 of The Power of a Myth

“Will you tell us a little bit about him?” Selene asked.

Molly watched the pregnant multi-shifter adjust herself in the chair to get more comfortable.

“Of course,” Molly replied. She found herself at ease, holding the small baby in her arms, and talking about Hayden was something she wanted to do. She thought about him daily, and it was nice to share the memories with other people sometimes. “We met during the Vietnam war. It was my first day on duty. He’d saved his best friend from an explosion. He’d carried him out on his back as bullets showered down around them. Or so he told me. He was wounded, so I’d like to think it was true, but I’m sure you know with your own men how they’re prone to exaggeration.”

Emma laughed and shook her head. “God, don’t I know it! Scott’s still banging on about finding a gray hair the other week. He’s adamant he’ll lose all his blond by the end of the year and will have to wear a wig.”

“Hayden was like that about food.” Molly smiled as the memories flooded back to her of a time that felt like an eternity ago. Indeed, a lifetime had passed since then. “He was always worried about not being able to get decent food in the camps. He was a southern boy—food was important to him.”

“Too used to his mamma’s cooking.” Selene smiled.

“He never mentioned his mamma’s food. I saw her once, afterward. I wanted to feel a bit closer to him, so I went with his best friend, who’d lost his leg, to visit Hayden’s family. They told me the worst part for them was that there was no grave they could visit to mourn him.”

“His body wasn’t found?” Selene’s eyes went wide.

“No, they had to evacuate another injured man immediately after Hayden had died. They had no choice but to leave him behind. When they went back, his body was gone. They searched for a long while, but he was never found. He’s probably buried somewhere in the Vietnam jungle. It’s not a bad place to rest…if he is dead.”

“If?” Emma’s interest was piqued this time.

“Instinct. I don’t know why, but I’ve never felt he was dead. I used my senses to locate where he was killed. I could smell him everywhere, but his body wasn’t there.”

Molly silenced. She’d always told people Hayden had died. It was easier that way. She’d never forgotten what occurred that day in the village with the boy, though. Her brain was old and incredibly tired, but looking at Selene reminded her the memories were still there.

I’m like you but can be many different animals.

A multi-shifter.

A higher calling.

Pieces of the puzzle fitted into place, but there was still so much to solve, and as she aged, she’d lost all hope Hayden would return to her. Molly felt a cold chill wash over her body, the feeling of dread that came with her advancing years. Her life had been so lonely. Something else must have happened to Hayden. Fate and destiny must have changed. Still, she couldn’t completely quash the feeling he wasn’t dead.

“Molly, are you all right?” Emma got to her feet and handed Morocco to Selene.

The lioness made her way over to Molly, and taking Zahara from her, she laid her daughter in a crib before grabbing a blanket and placing it over Molly’s shoulders.

“Too many memories. They hurt.” Molly felt the tears pricking at the edges of her eyes.

“It’s a difficult time. So much is happening, and we’re all worried. Don’t upset yourself.” Emma squatted down in front of her.

“I need to tell someone. I need you to know, just in case...” Molly wrung her hands together. They’d long since aged, and the soft skin she remembered from her time with Hayden had gone.

“Tell us what?” Emma reached out and took one of her hands.

“When I went to find Hayden’s body, there was a boy. He told me things about Hayden. He said he had a higher calling, and he was safe.” Molly peered around Emma and looked at Selene. “He wasn’t scared when he saw me change from a puma to a human. He said he was the same as me only different because he could turn into a lot of animals.”

“A multi-shifter!” Selene exclaimed in shock. She rocked to her feet and placed Morocco back in his crib before she joined Emma standing beside Molly.

“I think so. It was so long ago. I don’t know if my memories are right. The boy said that Hayden would come back to me, but now I fear it was all a dream. It’s been fifty-two years, and I’ve not seen him yet. I probably wouldn’t even recognize him if I did.” Molly allowed a tear to tumble down her cheek. Realization was finally dawning.

“Oh, Miss Molly.” Both Selene and Emma embraced her.

“I think I have to face facts. I must have become so lost in my grief I dreamed there was a boy. Hayden died that night, but my mind gave me hope I’d see him again to lessen the sorrow. I’ve wasted my life waiting for him. I could have found someone else and been a mother.”

“No, I’m sure you saw what you did. I’ve never seen a young boy as a multi-shifter, but it could be possible. He’ll have aged since then. He could be one of the senior council members now. I’ll ask Ethern,” Selene protested.

“No, my dear. I think it’s time I left the past where it should be—as a memory. It’s been too many years. I need to live the last few I have in happiness.” Molly pulled her hand back from Emma and wiped away the tears tumbling down her cheeks. “I’m going to enjoy all the new little ones who’ll come to the mansion. I’ll teach them all the naughty things only a grandma can and make sure they run riot before they come back to you to be put to bed. I’ll be the tutor I was to Kas as he grew up and to you as well, Emma.”

“I would like that very much. You taught me so much. With no parents around, I needed a guiding figure, and you were perfect,” Emma responded, taking Molly’s hand again and gently squeezing it.

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