I was going to be unprotected when Witches and Warlocks lurk about trying to suppress wolves? No. Freya had to be wrong. Someone would be there. I couldn’t go through that alone again. I would hyperventilate…and that couldn’t help me shift.
Freya offered, “I’ll be there, and we will be fine this time. I’ll be on alert.” I still didn’t understand. My mom should be there…. and my dad. I’d made it to Tristan’s shift after Elise’s. My brother took longer to shift without his mate there. Why wouldn’t they be at mine?
Paige linked me, “Everyone says they can link you if you are part of a pack. Well Dalton said that I could still link you even though I joined Red Run so open this damn door and explain this whole magic scars shit.” Actually, Red Run was my pack so Paige could absolutely link me since I hadn’t joined Black Mountain.
I quickly grabbed Xander’s hoodie and ran to the door as he snapped himself clothes. Paige stormed inside our room. Xander explained and even remembered the chant. It wasn’t necessary. I remembered every single word of that wretched spell.
I knew Paige felt horrible about the whole thing. Especially since she looked for me the next day, but assumed I was enjoying running in my wolf form when she couldn’t find me. It wasn't her fault. Xander left after letting me know to let him know when I was ready. The scars were going to be gone.
Paige sighed, “Your brother is in the hallway.” I surmised, “It’s Jason, right?” My friend nodded. I admitted, “I’m not surprised. Is Ads here?” Paige shook her head, “No, her mom isgoing back to Nashville tomorrow so she’s spending time with her.” I sighed and sent my friend a text.
Me:Jason will need you when he gets home.
Addison:I’m here and waiting. I love you Mel, it’s going to be ok.
Me:Love you too.
Paige touched my arm, “So, your scars are really going away?” I whispered hopefully, “Yes. I… this all feels like a dream sometimes. Like it’s someone else’s life. I’m afraid going to wake up in that dark hole bruised, injured and alone. That I will have imagined all this as a break from reality.”
Paige acknowledged, “I know what you mean. I never imagined a love like this that I have with Dalton. Corbin says I’m supposed to call Dalton my Wick because I’m a full blooded Witch. I’ve just been around you guys so long that I say mate.”
I laughed, “Do whatever you want, Paige. You’ve always hummed along to the beat of your own song. Who cares about supposed to? Not our group... that’s for sure.” I linked her, “Have you asked Corbin about the woman he hangs around?”
Paige snorted, “No. We are like… kind of like family. That’s how he feels to me, like an older cousin who annoys you. He does know a lot of stuff though and he’s funny. Do you want me to ask Corbin about her?” I shook my head, “It’s not a big deal, I was just curious.”
I was pretty sure the woman was Corbin’s mate… I just didn’t know why he wouldn’t tell anyone. I sighed knowing I couldn’t really ask right now since I had my own secrets… so… Corbin could have his ….unless I got time to look into and confirmed it on my own…..that was fair game.
I told Paige, “I don’t know if you are related to Corbin, but if you are… it’s distant.” Paige shrugged, “It’s not a big deal. Some people just feel like family. You felt like family to me from themoment we met. Now that’s true, you are my family no matter that it’s not blood. Alright let’s reverse this stupid curse so those vile words will be off your back.”
I took Xander’s hoodie off and grabbed a bra. Paige lamented, “God, I so hate Trevor. I have a whole book of curses for him. Corbin said Trevor will end up alive for a while in his realm because your Xander will want to torture him. Corbin wants to see what I’ve cooked up, so we’ve come to an accord. He gets me time with Trevor, and he can see my book of spells and curses.”
I snorted, “Corbin would have taken you to see Trevor without that trade. He’s very observant so he could’ve just watch you curse Trevor.” I had a few things to say to the pathetic excuse of a man myself now that my friends lives weren’t going to be threatened for me saying them.
Paige smiled, “Ah, but this was fun. I’d like to think if my older brother lived, or was out of hiding wherever he is, or if remembered me we’d be like this with each other. Like Corbin is with me.” I nodded because I understood that. Dax and Caine felt like brothers to me when I missed mine dearly.
I sighed, “I really do think your brother is alive.” Paige smiled, “I hope so. Maybe, like I did, he thinks I’m dead. I do love the idea that one day we could be reunited. Maybe if we saw each other our memories would come back, and we could get to know each other as adults.”
I was pretty sure he was captured in a prison somewhere, but I wouldn’t say that. Freya said, “I think you did once when you were drunk based on your memories.” Nope. I rejected that. It’s why I started recording myself drunk though…I needed to know what I said.
I told Paige, “That would be really beautiful.” Paige smiled, “And by the way, the brew for you to drink so you can come to Red Run will be ready Saturday.” I squeezed her hands, “Thanks,Paige.” My friend bumped my shoulder, “That’s what sisters are for.”
We both sat there for a moment before Paige cleared her throat, Now. let’s get these awful scars ready to be healed and gone.” I turned around and she put her hand on my back and started to chant. It felt like someone was choking me briefly before it felt like I was free.
Paige stepped back admitting, “Well, I for one can’t wait for this shit to be gone. Do you want me to stay while you talk to Jase?” I sighed, “No, it’s fine. Just wait outside, and I’ll let you know if I need you.” Paige squeezed my hand.
I quickly put on Xander’s hoodie again and grabbed a pair of leggings. Paige opened the door telling my brother, “You’re up.” Jason nodded to her and Paige stepped into the hallway and closed the door. Jason commented, “I don’t think Paige has warmed up to me yet.” I laughed, “She didn’t curse you so you’re doing pretty darn good.”
Jason gaped at me before asking, “Really?” I nodded, “Yup that’s pretty much how things are with Paige. She’ll get warmer over time. …but since she’s never cursed you … she doesn’t dislike you… right now, anyway.”
Jason snorted, “I’m pretty sure she thought about it that first night we took them home. Paige had a look in her eye until Dalton took her away to talk.” I smirked, “Probably. You’re lucky Dalton did that then.” I sat down on the bed and Jason came and sat next to me.
I whispered, “You should’ve brought Ads, Jason.” My brother shrugged, “Her mom is here to visit.” I frowned, “You’ll need her though.” Jason sighed, “Then you know why I’m here.” I muttered, “Probably. Just say it.”
Jason declared, “I want to see your back, but even if you say no I won’t seek out Ezra for information.” I snorted, “I figured that. Nice title demotion for Ezra by the way.” Jason snarled,“No one who hurts you will ever have a title other than snake in my eyes.” I titled my head, “Alright.”
Jason looked at me for a long time Eventually he said, “You agreed to show me because I’ve seen it, right?” I nodded, “Yes, you did see it. I don’t know if the compulsions stopped you from fully remembering…. but I’d imagine you definitely know now.”
“I’m pretty sure that you just want to be wrong. It will nag you though. I intend to have it all removed tonight. Now that Paige has removed the magic on the words... Xander… said he and his mom could heal it. Which is what I’ve wanted for years.”
