Among The Dead

As a child I was always deemed weird by all the people who knew me. I was always told I did things that spooked them out. To me I just rolled with what I saw and I saw some weird ass shit growing up. I mean I literally know what goes bump in the night and to be honest its no so scary because I have been dealing with it all my life. 

   So when I turned 13 I knew I wanted a job but babysitting or a paper route was not for me. One day when I was walking home from my Grandparents home I saw a sign at the Funeral Home/ Graveyard. I took a chance and walked in. The owner thought I was joking when I walked in and said I was looking for a job. He explained that because of child labor laws he could only let me work 4 days a week at 3 hours a day and my job would be walking among the graves and cleaning up old flowers and mementos that were left by family members. I said is that all and he laughed. I worked every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and when I became a older teen he increased my hours. I guess I did a great job because the day I turned 18 he gave me full time and I loved working among the dead.  Was I still labeled as weird? Most definitely. Did I care? Nope, because hell I make good money and I see spirits and ghosts all the time.

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I woke up to my alarm the day after my nineteenth birthday to the smell of burgers being cooked in the kitchen. I stretched out and was contemplating sleeping in a little longer when my brother Matt opened the door.  

"Hey freak mom and dad said move your ass they have dinner ready." He dodged out of the way as I threw a pillow at his head. 

Now you might think i slept all day but my job requires me to now work over nights. I mean its peaceful, productive and I don't have to deal with anyone but the ghosts and Marty the night time mortician. I sat up and dragged myself down to the kitchen.

My mom handed me a cup of coffee and turned me towards my chair. My parents never questioned me when i started this job and there are some nights one of them will stop by with a snack or to just say hi. I am a very lucky girl that they are so accepting of what I chose to do.  I sat down and noticed my plate was full of fries and a breakfast burger. My favorite burger!

"OMG Dad this is so awesome thank you! I am starving!"

My Dad chucked and followed with, "Well then its a good thing I made you a second Burger and packed it for your dinner already! I added chips in it as the fries would have been soggy."

"Dad, You didn't have to do that! But thank you I will be starving tonight as I am pressure cleaning the infants headstones."

My mom looked up, "So basically the kids get to swim while you work?"

Let me just stop this here and let you know my whole family has the ability to see spirits. Matt blocks it out and my parents ignore it out in public. As for me I run with the weirdness and interact with them as long as they are nice. It makes my work day go fast and keeps the peace amongst the residents of Heavenly Acres Graveyard!

i laughed, "Pretty much. They been restless lately and this gave them a added boost to keep them from becoming terrors. I am guessing some of the teenage ghosts will be on hand as well for some fun."

My mom gave a chuckle and continued to eat. 

My dad cleared his throat and i stopped him right there-

"I will not forget to interact with the living dad."

"Well then we have it all covered."

My parents do worry that I do not go out enough with people my own age and that are breathing but they understand that this is what makes me happy and that I love what I do. As for friends they know i have a small handful that accept me and those friends even stop by my work to make sure that I am still kicking and make plans.  

"Speaking of breathing friends," I started. "I promised Callie I would meet up with her in the morning for breakfast."

Mom smiled, "Well tell Callie we said hi and give her our best."

I ate the rest of my dinner in peace and headed to my room to get ready for my work day. I hurried through my shower and pulled my hair back.  I also grabbed an extra set of clothes because I will be working with water. I looked at the clock on the wall and grabbed my bag. I popped back into the kitchen to grab my food and headed out for the day.

As I headed out the door I looked at the beautiful sunset laid out in front of me.  All the residents of Heavenly Acres Graveyard would be awakening soon. Walking to my car I heard my name being whispered. I looked up at the tree next to the house and saw Max hanging from the branch.  

"Hey, Max. What are you up to?" I said.

He nodded at the sunset, "Watching the sunset and just hanging around."

"Bad pun Max," I laughed as I opened the car.

"What can I say kiddo, I work with what I got." He points to his noose.

I shook my head laughing and I started my car, "Okay Max I will see you later I am off to work."

I backed out of the driveway and headed to work.  As I drove along the Heavenly Acres Graveyard I noticed some of the residents were starting to wake up.  Our Graveyard is one of the most haunted graveyards in America. We have headstones and residents that were interred here in 1756. The older graves are a mile walk from our main office but the property is over 3 miles from end to end. We also have crypts and ashes interred and yes your spirit can still pop in if you were cremated.  I pulled into my parking spot as Marty pulled into his.  Marty knows the place has residents but he cannot see them. Most of the time Marty sits in his office waiting for a call and working on his next mystery or western he writes. Since Marty started working here he has written and published 52 books. 

"Good Evening Ginnie," Marty greeted me as I got out of my car. "Just a heads up I might have a few pickups tonight there was a ten-car accident on the freeway and as much as I hope everyone is okay, however, the reports are not good."

"We can only hope it's a peaceful night," I said.

I started to hear giggles and my name being carried in the wind....Miss Ginnie come play with us....

I shook my head and headed into the main funeral home to put my bag up and get ready for the evening. By the time I got everything put away, it seems like every ghost child was waiting in the infant area to play in the water. I grabbed one hose for myself then pulled out a circular sprinkler so the kids could play with that as well. I started cleaning the infant headstones and heard the kids behind me. If one was intuitive enough they would be able to see slight reflections of children in the water.

After about three hours later we finished the headstone cleaning and all the kids have run off to do what ghost children do.  I headed back to the main funeral home after I cleaned up the pressure cleaner and hoses. When I was almost to the funeral home I heard Magnus a night security guard call my name.

"Miss Ginnie," He called.

"Magnus you are a bit early to be on this side of the cemetery is everything ok?" I asked walking toward him.

"Miss Ginny I know you have the gift to see spirits.  But I just saw something and it was not human and I think it was following me this way." Magnus said, "It looked like a massive shadow."

I looked out on the grounds and noticed that a lot of our normal spirits who are around have seemed to disappear. Getting into the cart I said to Magnus, "Why don't we take a ride?"

We started heading towards the road that goes towards the older sections of the graveyard. As we came around the corner, Macky one of the war veterans was standing in the road and motioned for us to stop. Magnus whistled and said, "Why can I see him, Miss Ginny?"

"Because Magnus he wants you to," I said. Then I turned to Macky and said, "Soldier why are you stopping us?"

"Miss Ginny it's not safe right now. A Shadow monster from the underworld has escaped." He said, "There is a representative from the underworld tracking it now and we were advised to have all living creatures and some of the newer spirits stay clear of the area for a while."

"Macky we have gates at the end and we have to get them closed if you don't want anyone to come in," I said.

"Well then I suggest you lock that gate please Miss as you and your guard need to get to safty," Said a voice from behind us.

I turned and said, "I take it your the rep from the underworld?"

He nodded and said, "I take it you are the lady who sees and communicates with the dead?"

Looking at him I said bluntly, "I have worked here for years what in the name of the gods is going on here? There has never been any issues in my time here at Heavenly Acres."

He looked at me and said, "There should have been no issue but something we normally have secure here in the underworld got out. We are working on getting it captured now."

Then there was a scream of woman and saw bunch of women running from the gardens. I started to head that way when the rep from the underworld grabbed my arm. I swung around, "Who do you think you are?"

"My name is Deion and you need to stay back it will rip you to shreds," He said.

I pulled my arm back and said, "Well Deion I am not like most mortals. Now what is it that got out?"

Deion looked like he was going to argue with me when we heard a growl followed by more ghost yelling and screaming. I looked up to see another bunch of ghosts running and Mr. Milton a resident from the 1620 hobbling away when a massive black shadow creature approach him. He went to reach for Mr. Milton and I bolted towards the beast yelling and throwing my silver dagger. My Dagger landed in the creature and it turned towards me giving Mr. Milton a chance to run and hide. I stood still and yelled, "Not on my land boyo." 

It started to stalk towards me as Deion caught up to me and asked, "Are you crazy?"

"He was going to harm Mr. Milton," I said. "These are my people and I will not let them be harmed. Now how do we stop him and what does he do to the ghost?"

Deion looked at me and said, "He consumes them."

"Oh, hell no," I said. "How do we stop him?"

He drew out a sword and said, "I will handle him."

In a blur he was fighting the shadow creature and as he ran the creature through, he turned back and said, "Miss Ginnie, I will see you again."

With that Deion disappeared into a puff of smoke. Magnus looked at me and said, "Miss Ginnie I can see the ghosts. Like all the ghosts is there something wrong with me?"

Laughing I said, "Magnus there is nothing wrong with you. Thing about ghost is once they let you see them you always will. At least here at work. Get to know them they are all amazing and the stories the war vets and old timers tell are top-notch."

I saw him look at the children's graveyard and he said quietly, "Miss Ginnie there are children here."

Reaching out and squeezing his hand i said, "I know Magnus. Its hard for some to cross over. Remember to offer kindness and a hello they are great kids."

Magnus said, "Man Christmas is gonna be so much fun this year."

Laughing Magnus drove me back to the main office and said, "Thank You Miss Ginnie."

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That morning I met Callie at a local diner and sat down. As soon as I did she looked at me and said, "Okay something happened spill it."

I told her the story of what happened the night before and she whistled. "Girl thats weird even for you. I am kinda jealous as many times as I have been there I have never seen one of the residents."

Laughing I said, "Callie that monster was no good and I think thats the only reason Magnus was able to see the residents is because it was pure chaos."

"Maybe you should talk to your parents, I mean they have the same same abilities they just don't use them right," She asked.

"Thats true," I said. "I wish I could talk to my Gramps about it. But maybe they can give me some answers. So what is new in your life Callie what wild and fund thing are you working on now."

It was her turn to start laughing as she ate, "Girl I work in a book store. The most exciting thing lately was when someone tried returning books from the library for store credit."

"Seriously people try that?" I asked.

"OMG you have no idea! When we point out the stamp inside the book they are like uhh no. Then they take the books and run. Or they leave them there and I drop them in the over night drop box."She said, "People are weird what can I say."

We sat catching up and chatting until I started yawning and Callie ordered me to go home and get some sleep. When I pulled in to the driveway and walked in Mom and Dad were waiting for me. I walked in and said, "Okay you two I know you pretend not to see them but I am guessing you heard through the grapevine what happened at work today?"

Mom looked at me and said,"Ginnie, we had a visit from a young man called Deion."

I think my face dropped a bit as I said, "Your telling me a hunter from the underworld showed up here and spoke with you?"

Dad got serious and said, "Well we didn't know he was from the underworld but yes. He said he was concerned as you went to rush a creature from the underworld."

"Yes I did. It was going to attack a few residents so I distracted it and then Deion stepped in and took it away," I said.

Dad groaned and said, "Ginnie do you understand how dangerous that was."

"Yes I do," I said. "But you always taught me to stand up for what I believe and to protect those who I can. I would not be me if I didn't step in and it doesn't matter if they were dead of alive. I would not be me if I didn't. But I will be more careful."

Mom sighed and Dad said, "Thats all we can ask. Deion left a box in your room he asked we not look at it but leave it there for you. He said its a get you out of trouble box."

I went to walk away and said, "I know you don't like the gift we have but you have to understand I am not going to stop being me."

Dad turned and said, "You wouldn't be you if you didn't talk to the dead Ginnie, Just do mom and I a favor and please be careful thats all we ask."

I yawned and waved as I said, "See you at Breakdinner."

Dad laughed and mom said, "Night sweetie."

When I got to my room there was a box on it and a note. I opened the note and it said,

Ginnie,

Bring this with you tonight to work and I will explain what everything does.

Do not get yourself killed please

Deion

I laughed and thought that this was a weird gift but by this time I was so tired I moved the bag to the floor and after a quick shower I went to bed. For the first time in a long time I had a dreamless sleep. I woke that night to the smell of BBQ coming from the kitchen. After I showered and got ready I grabbed my bag and the bag Deion left me and headed to the kitchen. 

When I got to the kitchen Dad was wrapping sandwiches for me and said, "I made pulled pork for dinner. I made you two sandwiches already for work so you may want to sit and eat or your going to be late."

Grabbing a cup of coffee I said, "Dad do you not miss work. I mean your retired and you cook all the time."

He came over and placed a plate in front of me saying, "Are you kidding me I love the garden and cooking. Besides you know I still freelance with my job still. I am far from bored."

Heavenly Acres Graveyard- work

Ginnie- Main Character

rep from the underworld Deion

Max- Hanged man

Marty Night mortician

Magnus- Night security guard

Callie- Bestie

Matt- Brother

Bound By Fire

 He is perfect. Now if you ask him, he will tell you that he is flawed and that he is far from perfect. My wolf was born from the fire and flames. He compliments me so well as I am a fire witch born from the ashes of war and despair. We found each other when we were trying to hide from our past. We had been together for six months when he woke up one night looked at me and claimed me as his mate. My flames marked him that night and we never looked back.  We know one day we will have to face our past together. However, right now, we are happy with each other.

Chapter 1

I live in a cabin in the remote backwoods of Florida. My house is raised on stilts that have a pathway that leads to my raised greenhouse that holds not only all my herbs but my vegetables as well.  The land around my home runs right up to the woods and we do have a bunch of wildlife in our area so if I didn't have my greenhouse I would not be able to grow any of my plants. Charles has always tried to keep my garden outside the greenhouse going but we realized real fast that on some nights we could actually sit on the porch and use our crossbow or he could leap down in his wolf form and take out a deer poaching on the property.  We normally only take what we need to fill out the freezers and let the rest of the wildlife live around us. As Charles loves fishing we always have fish and wild deer and boar meat in our freezer.

I was working on the raised beds of carrots when I heard the footfalls of a large animal coming my way. I leaned over into the carrot bed and grabbed the knife that I had sitting in the basket I had bought out with me while I am harvesting carrots. I had lifted the basket in my arms and went to move to the potato and sweet potato beds when I was swung around by a pair of strong arms.

"Where do you think you're going beautiful," Charles said as he lifted me and sat me on the edge of the carrot bed.

I laughed and he leaned in for a kiss, "Well why you are running through the woods I decided to get some canning done. I have the carrots that were ready and was getting ready to check the sweet potato beds and potato beds. Also, I have a bunch of herbs that I need to work on drying from the greenhouse.  Winter will be here soon enough and I want us to be prepared for what we may need."

"You think it's going to be a bad winter?" He asked looking at the sky.

"I think that we might have to do town day and hit up the stores while we can," I said. "I have a feeling we are going to need to bunker down due to the weather."

"When do you want to do that?" He asked.

"To be honest sooner rather than later," I said. "However, I have a message to pass to you first from Henry."

"Oh yeah, what's that?" He asked.

"Well first he said he would like some of the herbs I have growing but he wants them dried.  I told him I should have a lot cut back and dried later this week. As long as the solar panels hold we should have enough power for me to use the dehydrator and dry everything sooner. I have a feeling with the rains coming we might lose power.  Although I do need more mason jars." I laughed, "Sorry I am prattling on.  He wanted you to come to help him as he has a bunch of wild turkeys in the area. He said you can keep what you kill."

"Well I guess I should head over and help him," He said kissing my cheek.

I laughed and gently reminded him, "You might want to get some clothes on first.  You would give Henry a heart attack if you showed up naked like you are now."

He started laughing, "Hey do we have room in the freezers after the deer we processed last week?"

"Yes, we do. I arranged the freezers when Henry sent the message. Right now the fish freezer is 1/3 full,  the deer and boar freezer is 1/2 full, and the vegetable freezer is almost empty and the everything else freezer is also under half full. Also the small freezer we normally use as well as the fridge freezer is empty. So if you bring home some wild turkey we will have plenty of room." I said, "Remember to grab a box of the larger ziplock bags and saran wrap. Also, take a wicker basket to hold the feathers I could use some as well as turkey feet."

"Okay babe I will get ready to go then," He said as he headed up the stairs. Then he turned around and asked, 'Turkey feet and feathers?"

"Yeah, I have a few spells I need them for. Feathers for now and Turkey feet are for a few winter spells. When you bring them back I will dry them out to preserve them." I sighed. "I am going to be honest with you Charles, something is looming on the horizon and I think we are going to have to think about securing the homestead."

Charles walked back up to me, "Where is all this coming from Callie?"

"I had a nightmare this morning. I was awake right after you left because of it." I continued, "I don't remember the specifics but I will be 100% honest with you something is coming and I want to be prepared just in case."

He pulled me into his arms and said, "Then we will prepare just in case."

"Thank you," I said. "I am sorry I seem so weirded out by it. If you want we can do a town run in the next day or two. The resale store will be open on those days and we can get a lot of good deals then. Besides that, I need to hit every store that sells mason jars because I only have a few left and after dehydrating and canning what I can we will need more."

"Okay, we will go tomorrow after breakfast. We might have to do a few trips. We will get all the mason jars first and I will drive it all home then come back and meet you. While I am gone today you might want to make room for the boxes and packages of everything we will have. I will stack all the jars on the table. Last time we had a pathway from the table to the bedroom and that was it. You were climbing over boxes just to reach the pantry. Not that I minded watching you climb," He said as he went up the stairs to the house.

I laughed and watched him disappear into the house. As I harvested in the garden I was working on rotating crops. I had just finished a section in the carrot bin when I heard a car pull up the driveway. I turned to see our local officer and a member of fish and wildlife named Kyle walk up to greet me.

"Hey, Kyle fancy seeing you here did you need to see Charles?" I asked.

"If he is around sure thing," Kyle said as Charles came down the stairs with a shotgun bag and a box of bullets, and the extra bags I told him to bring. "Listen Callie I know you watch the weather and are pretty accurate but I was advised to come out and give you all warnings that we are expecting some nasty weather in a few weeks."

Charles walked up and shook Kyle's hand, "No need to worry Kyle. Callie and I are actually planning a town run and are going to be loading up the pantry, larder, and freezers. I will also be loading the gas cans and emergency supplies. If all else fails we have the green beast dry-docked right behind the house."

"I know you all are always prepared Charles but there are newer people in town. They think storm season is something that will blow over," Kyle chuckled. "Callie you and Henry are always the easiest visits. I actually am heading to Henry's now."

Now it was Charle's turn to Chuckle, "Yeah I will see you there in a few. There are a bunch of wild turkeys and I am going to help Henry thin them out as they are eating his crops."

"Kyle I appreciate you coming bye and I agree I have a bad feeling about this weather. We will have the house prepped and ready to go in the next two weeks if not earlier. I decided that until storm season is over I am only going to be planting up on the patio greenhouse." I said, "But both of you need to shoo I have a lot of work to go today and so do you both. Kyle if anyone argues tell the to come see the pictures of the flood we had three years ago."

Charles leaned over and gave me a hug and kiss and headed towards our boat. He ran back and grabbed the tarp from under the house," I might need this."

Kyle laughed and said, "He really does hate cars." 

"You have no clue," I said. 

I watched Kyle get in his truck and decided to set up the house for when he brings all the boxes and packages in. I realized the best thing would be to set up the card tables and label everything. After that I decided to clean through the pantries and organize to add everything after our trip tomorrow. I also took down and cleaned all my glass jars that hold all the dried and staple items we are using. 

I worked for a few hours longer and made some lunch. I grabbed a fishing pole and some worms and cast off our dock to fish while I worked on stripping our pea vines. The vines had gotten so overfull from my chaos gardening I worked on picking and adding the cut vines to the baskets. After the leaves were stripped food vines make amazing baskets. I was just enjoying the day and I heard, "You still love playing in the dirt." 

I turned around and saw a shimmer on the air, "Hello Abigail you have not come to see me in a while."

She floated over to the shadows and sat on the bench as I reeled in another catfish. "Your parents would be spitting mad if they saw you fishing and gardening." 

"Well after they found out I was the descendent supreme and not my precious sister Becca they want nothing to do with me." I said continuing, "Thankfully Grams left me set up and I have Charles, mom and dad spread so many rumors about me." 

She sighed and said, "I know my sweet girl. But no worries your sisters chaos brings them even worse shame. But let's ignore the negative people. This storm coming is gonna be a big one. I am glad to see you and Charles are taking it seriously. I passed him on my way over. You have plenty of wild turkey to put in your frozen box. I see your working on fish as well."

Laughing I said," I figured fish for super and something to do while I am working on these vines."

"Well child I will keep you company and enjoy the view. Your parents have wards up to keep me out of the gardens. But I will admit the view from here is so much better than their home." 

So as the sun sank behind the horizon I continued to fish and garden. When it finally became difficult to see, Abigail said goodbye and I carried my basket full of stripped vines to my shed and the peas inside. 

I had just finished cleaning the Catfish when I saw the lights on the boat pull up and Charles came up with the basket of feathers and turkey feet. He saw all the cleaned catfish and asked, "Dinner?" 

I nodded and he headed back to the boat to pull out the bags full of wild turkey. He handed me a box and said, "I know we will have to stick this in the fridge till later but here is bits and neck for the broth."

"Lets not wait till later that's a lot of stuff. Get the counter top oven out and I we can put it outside to let it slow cook overnight. We just have to add a few carrots, Onions and stalks of celery to the container." Then we can can the broth tomorrow as it will slow roast overnight." I said.

After we loaded the roaster for overnight he loaded the turkey into a freezer and made sure it was packed as he was feeling a shift in the air as well. We started to eat dinner when we heard a car pull up part of the driveway and then stop. 

I looked at him and said, "Were you expecting someone?"

He shook his head and I stood up and grabbed the shot gun off the wall. I followed him outside and called out, "We heard you pull up and see the car who is it?"

I heard a voice call out saying, "Lord you must be a special sort of crazy. I'm Charles brother I need to see him."

He looked at me and I said, "Come into the light so I can see you."

A younger guy that looked a lot like Charles stepped into the light. Charles came out and said, "Sam what are you doing here."

"Charles mom lost her shit she is barking some crazy orders around the pack and stated we are supposed to turn you in if we see you." He said, "She is convinced you're supposed to bring the pack new strength."

"Man you know I don't want to be in the pack. Besides you came a long way brother this is no mans land." He said, "How did you find me?"

He looked up and said, "I felt the magic coming off your place and you said your girl is a witch. I kinda put two and two together."

"Your a sensitive?" I asked. 

"Yes I am." He said. "I will not tell them where you are. I am thinking of dipping out to man. The town is part of no mans land and if mom found out I am out here my girl would be screwed. I am dating a local. I am just afraid that if mom finds out another son left for no mans land she will freak out."

I looked at CHarles and then at sam and said, "Sam have you had dinner yet?"

He smiled, "No ma'am."

"Well come on up and join us I think you and Charles have a lot to talk about," I said taking CHarles hand and squeezing it.

I went inside and set another place at the table and when Sam walked up next to Charles they started to hug. I know being away from his family killed him and after his mother went crazy with the chosen one talk and he ran away and not seeing his brothers killed him. I sat down at the table and said, "I am eating everything if you don't come inside."

They came in laughing and sat down. Charles looked at his brother and said, "You said if another son left."

"Yeah," Sam said between bites. "Chris took Kate and the kids and moved into town as mom started acting really weird. I mean Kate just had Maggie and mom was trying to get Kate and Chris to let her live with another pack so she can marry the pack leaders new son. Kate went ape shit on mom and ended the fight with that's why Charles left. Mom phased and dad phased and knocked her into a wall to protect kate. The next day Chris found a house and they moved out of the pack house."

Looking at Charles I said, "Thats the type of shit that is happening at my house to. I cant believe my sister Sarah went along with it though."

Sam looked up and said, "We have lost a ton of old pack members in the family because of her power bid. Dad has tried talking to her and she keeps telling him she is the one in charge not him. It breaks his heart because he does not know what to do."

Charles sighed and said, "Mom being like this is bad man. You need to protect your woman though."

"Is that why you and Callie live out here?" He asked. "To protect her from mom?"

I started laughing as Charles said, "Nah man Callie can toe to toe with mom in wolf form. Callie is a strong witch and warrier.she could handle herself. We live out here to stay away from the drama. Does Chris know you found me?"

"Not yet man. Mom thinks I have been staying at their house. I been at Hollys house tho every night," He said.

I got up and went into my witches cupboard and took out a necklace. Closing my eyes I whispered a protection spell and the necklace glowed. Smiling I turned back and handed the necklace to sam,"There is a protection ward on the necklace if someone runs at her or comes after her there will be a blue flash and the object coming at her be it a human or something else, Spell or weapon will be thrown about 50-100 feet."

Sam whistled and said, "Thank you Callie."

"I have to ask you though does she know what you are?" 

Sam nodded and said, "Oh yeah, and as she has fae in her so she has a weird sixth sense."

Nodding i smiled and said, "Wow fae lineage is awesome! Does she have any abilities?"

Sam shrugged and said, "The sixth sense is predominant but she also has the ability to tell when someone is lying to her. She once told me when I was at moms house and we were on the phone together she heard mom in the background that whoever mom was talking with should know Mom was lying. She was talking to members of the council at the time about Charles. She couldn't hear what mom was saying but the vibe was that she was lying."

Looking at Charles I said, "I wonder what your mom was talking about with the council. Maybe I should put out feelers and see."

Charles looked worried as well and said, "Sam are you sure mom was talking about me or do you know anything else?"

Sam shook his head and said, "If I did I would say something Dad keeps his head down as she has been brutal lately. If it wasn't for the fact they are a bonded pair I would think he would have left her already."

"Well," I said. "I guess my hunch to get supplies and batten down the hatches is spot on. I will reach out and see if I can get any information."

"Batten down the hatches," Sam asked.

"Callie has been having an ominous feeling for the last few weeks. We are going to do a massive supply run this week and stock the house to get us through the next few months. The air is changing faster than before going from summer to fall I feel it in my runs now." He continued with, "That and our friend Kyle works for fish and game swung by earlier today and said that there seems to be a prediction for some nasty weather coming up. You might want to warn Chris and Kate to batten down the hatches and stock up when you see him. Callie babe do you have your cards I want to give one to Sam so mom might now suspect its my number. Give us a call on Callies business line it connects to her phone and sometimes to mine if needs be."

Sam took the card and put it in his wallet. "Callies herbs and trinkets?"

Laughing I said, "Hey don't knock it. I come from money but my parents went loco and banished me from the estate when i wouldn't conform. I had money from my Grandmother and used it to buy this place outfit the deck greenhouse up and have money for a rainey day. I am self sufficient out her and between Charles hunting and my business we have money in the bank for a rainey day and to add on if we wish. The reason my driveway is so long is because I own 40 acres."

"Why a house on stilts?" He asked.

"Oh that's easy because we live in the middle of the property and if the river swells we would be in trouble. Also the stilts go down 35 feet into the ground this baby is as solid as any house."I said, "Besides I can see far and wide. No one is sneaking up on us."

Sam looked worried, "You seem like your always prepared for a battle."

Sighing I said, "My parents are kinda like your mom. She wanted me to marry for a magical alliance and that was not happening I knew my mate was out here. Did I know it was your brother no but I felt a pull from him. One day I was fishing off of my back dock and I heard the running of hoofs--"

Charles took over, "I was looking for a place to shelter for the night then I felt the mate bond pull me. I ran towards it. When I came around the corner she was reclining in a fishing chair handed me a beer and said-

"Took you long enough," I finished.

Sam shook his head while he was eating and looked at Charles, "You know that sounds similar to Grandma and Grandpas story."

Charles looked thoughtful for a second and said, "I know. Excapt Callie didnt try to shoot me like Grandma did Grandpa."

Sam saw the look on my face and said, "Grandma worked for the state park system and was a human. She felt the pull of the mate bond but could not understand it. She didn't know her mother and father left the pack when she was a baby nor did she realize she was wolf. She got scared and tried to kill the wolf running towards her until he shifted and said mate. After the shock wore of she took him to meet her parents and her parents came clean. Our Grandfather was the Alpha to be and they had been a members of the pack but left as her mother was human and looked down upon by many pack members. They agreed to come back with him and after talking to our Great Grandfather were welcomed back with open arms. The rest is history."

I chuckled as I said, "Well I did not try to shoot Charles that's for sure."

Sam laughed as Charles said, "Well thats because your you."

Sam stood up and said, "Thank you for not shooting at me and thank you for everything. Charles I will talk to Chris tonight and keep Callies phone near you because I am guessing that Chris will want to talk to you."

Charles said, "I would like that. I will walk you out."

Charles and Sam walked out and I watched as they talked by Sams car for a while as I cleaned up dinner. After I cleaned up I walked outside and met Charles on the stairs. He pulled me in a hug and he said, "Thank You."

I pulled back just enough to see his face and said, "I know how much you miss your siblings and I am glad you were able to talk to your brother."

He pulled me back against him and he said, "Where are you going?"

Smiling I said, "I forgot to empty the traps earlier so I was going to check them."

We turned and walked to the dock and started pulling the baskets up. He whisteled and said, 'Umm Callie you got crawfish?"

"Yeah a full basket," I said. "Baby we need to over do it tomorrow because we have never had this  many in the bins at once. This storm is going to be a bad one. I think that tomorrow we go all day and then the next day we get everything harvested. I have a feeling we are going to go into a harsh winter."

He said, "I agree. Well we have a lot how about this we get them in a running tank on the porch and we can blanch and freeze these tomorrow once we get home. I bet if we do this and throw these back in the water we may have double this tomorrow."

We filled two of our running water tanks full and had just enough room. We showered and headed to bed knowing that the following day would be long. JUst as we settled down my phone wrang with a unknown number. I answered it, "Callies Herbs and Trinkets."

"Hi you don't know me but I am looking for my brother," The voice said.

"One moment Chris he is right here," I said handing the phone to Charles.

He took the phone and said, "What did we break when we were at Grams house that she beat us for?"

I didn't hear his answer but the smile on his face said enough. While he spoke on the phone I laid down and grabbed my laptop looking over my my store front. After I while I decided to put it up and close my eyes. I must have been tired and before long I was woken up by Charles as he handed me a cup of coffee. I opened my eyes and he said, "Time to wake up my love its 7am and we have a lot to do today."

Sitting up I took a sip of the coffee and I said, "Do you want me to make breakfast?"

"Nah," He said. "We are gonna go fill all the big propane tanks at shanes shack and you love Millies Chicken sandwiches. I also grabbed all our gas cans to fill and store. After we finish there we are gonna go to the Rural king and meet my brother and his wife. When we buy out all their mason Jars Chris is gonna join me to bring everything home while his wife shops. I will come back because I know you you will probably have multiple carts from there and get you and drop you off at the dollar tree that is next to the thrift store and resale store."

I stood up and stretched. I went to the safe in the corner of the room and took out ten thousand in cash.  Smiling I said, "Okay sounds like a plan. I know we will not need all of this but to be honest we can put the left over money back." 

He nodded as I have him money out of the safe and he put it in his wallet. "While at rural king I was thinking of getting 10-15 more gas cans and I can fill them after I get Chris. I will admit to you Chris and I spoke for a few hours and he is doing the same thing we are. Since they moved they bought the house they were renting and he wants Kate and the kids to have everything they need incase shit hits the fan."

"I agree and I hope Sam is doing the same for him and Holly. If he needs help to do that we will do that as well," I said. "Also we are doing this during the week why don't you extend an invitation to have them come over this weekend you all can fish and we can have a barbeque."

"That sounds great. By the way I woke up and did a run this morning the air is definitely changing. I think you were spot on when it comes to what's coming," he said. "We might have to go to town tomorrow as well. When I told henry what we were doing today he said he needed to go but his daughter has been very busy lately. I offered to take him and to be honest he sight is not the best I would feel better taking him if we could."

Nodding I said, "While I am getting ready go ahead and call him. Arrange to take him I can be the driver tomorrow and I can load up his stuff and go back and forth with ours if we will the truck up."

While he called I finished getting ready and we locked up the house and headed to town. We stopped at Shanes and filled our propane tanks and gas cans. While we were there we purchased 10 more propane tanks and gas cans and filled all of them. We brought them home and stored everything in the generator room. This generator room was across a pathway that was out of flood stage and twenty five feet from the house just in case. We looked at each other and I asked, "You ready to see Chris."

He smiled and said, "Lets get this adventure started. I am Glad we dropped everything off now as I know you, This car is going to be full of just our trip for Rural king."

Chapter 2

We drove into town and headed to rural king. When we got there we parked in the back of the parking lot and we waited for his brother Chris. As we waited we decided that we would get and I looked up and said, "I believe Sam brought Holly and they are here to shop as well. Before they get here do you still have enough cash on you?"

Leaning over he kissed my cheek and said, "Yes I should if I need more I will let you know."

When they pulled up in their cars Chris and Charles hugged for a long while. When they were done Charles introduced me to his brother and wife. Chris pulled me into a hug and whispered, "Thank you for finding him and being his."

As we all headed in I looked up and saw the ring around the moon which was still out so early in the morning. I stopped and said, "Charles something is going to happen."

He looked up and said, "We will be careful. Everyone we need to stay in groups and have your phones ready in case something happens."

We went in and his said, "I am off to guns and fishing."

I grabbed an ever sized flat bed cart and said, "I am off to dry goods and household staples." 

Chris grabbed the kids and put them in a cart and said, "I will take these guys and you ladies can shop in peace."

Holly grabbed a cart and followed us. After we were a bit away from the guys she said, "I am glad the brothers are back together."

Nodding I said, "Me to. The whole time we have been together he always seemed like he was waiting and lost. I am glad that he has some of his family back."

Kate stopped and said, "Chris looked for him once we got to town. It broke him knowing he was so close but hidden. Callie I have known them since we were kids and I am so glad you are his mate. Now I have to tell you you ain't getting rid of us again."

I gave a smile as I said, "I would never want to. I just want to keep him safe from his mom."

Holly said, "All of them need to be together. His mom has said so many lies that I do not even think she knows what she is saying anymore. I was in the room when Sam had his mom on speaker phone. She started on him she may have found his mate and when he said he already found me she told him he had to be wrong. He will not let me near her because he is afraid she will try to kill me. When he gave me the necklace last night after he got home he made me promise I would never take it off."

Kate asked, "Necklace?"

"When Sam found us last night he told me about how his mom has been and his fear she would come after Holly," I said. I created a charm necklace to protect her."

Holly laughed as she said, "Sam said it will throw people 50 feet?"

"At least," I said. I looked at the shelf and said, "Oh wheat berries and grains."

I loaded up 3 bags of each and Kate followed suit. Holly grabbed one of each and a couple boxes as mason jars. After Holly and Kate grabbed their jars I said, "If you are not getting anymore jars I am grabbing the rest. We don't plan on going many places after our shopping trips this week."

We continued to go aisle to aisle and continued to load up our carts. By the time the guys found us we were heading to the gardening section for seeds for our greenhouses. Us ladies all exchanged our phone numbers already and when the guys joined us I saw Charles cart was loaded. Sam added a pile of things to Hollys cart and we heard, "Hi Mommy" from the kids underneath a pile of items.

Charles said, "We went through clothing and I grabbed you some of your favorite joggers and flannels. I also grabbed you a new coat. I know you love the old one but with the storm season coming you need a new one and the old one can be retired to the closet. I hope I grabbed the right sizes."

I looked at the clothes and leaned over and said, "Perfect thank you. As you guys can see we finished the dry goods area and are just picking up seeds for the green houses."

Everyone started to get the seeds they wanted and then we headed to the check out. Each of us went to a different register and before long we loaded up all the cars. When Charles realized that Chris and Sam had to take things to their houses before continuing he said, "While you guys are unloading Callie and I are going to head to Murphy's to see what they have ready. Let me know when you guys are on your way."

When we got in the truck Charles said, "I guess we have the perfect sized car. I talked to them about this weekend and they are all coming out on saturday for fishing and a BBQ. Are you okay with everyone being there all day."

I took his hand and kissed it. "We ladies all talked while you guys were shopping, We will be seeing a lot of each other. They are family and want to be there. I hope murphys have a lot. The freezers are almost empty even after adding the turkeys. So i guess whatever you get you can add it tightly to the fridge freezer and we can add from there. I would love for you to bag a deer or three and we can split it between freezer and canning."

I looked out the window as we pulled into murphy's and said, "I still feel something bad is going to happen today."

He came around and opened my door. Pullin me into a hug he said, "We are being careful and I will keep my head down and hat up when I am out."

We went into the store and the counter guy said, "Hello welcome what can i do for you."

We walked up to the meat counter and said, "We would like to get a bunch of meat prepackaged for our freezer as well as fridge."

"Well you came to the right place," He said, "Also so you are aware we have three half cows butchered into packages already."

"Does it include the bones and fat separated?" Charles asked.

"Yes sir I see you know what to do with the cow fat and bones." He said. 

"Oh yeah and we are getting ready for the upcoming winter storms they are predicting," Charles said.

The counter guy nodded and said, "Oh yeah my wife is doing the same thing this week."

"Can we buy 2 half's?" Charles asked. 

"Sure thing sir, What else can I get for you and then we will bring everything out." He said.

Charles started ordering from the counter and I walked through the store and started picking up the artesian items from the shelf. I walked through their produce section and loaded up on more items and headed for their cheese and freezer section. By the time the counter guy and Charles found me I had a loaded cart and was getting the last bit of items I know we would like. Charles looked at me and said, "Everything but the packaged goods go in the freezer right?"

"That is correct," I said. "Leave a few cheeses in the fridge which is almost empty but the rest we are freezing."

We paid our large bill and loaded the truck up and Charles said, "Well I guess I will go with you to start at the resale store. I don't know what's going on with Chris and Sam yet."

"Why don't you call them," I said handing him my phone.

Just as he was about to call my phone rang and he answered it as he out it on speaker phone, "Callie's trinkets and herbs how can I help you?"

"Hey man its Chris," the voice said. "I am so sorry there has been a bit of an issue after I took my wife shopping and I will not be able to meet you right now. No need to worry my parents stopped by and they have not left yet. Kate wanted to know if Callie would be up for making an order for a few bracelets similar to the one she saw her friend wearing earlier today. No rush I can pick it up this weekend if we cannot meet up today. I will give you a call back when I know more."

The call ended and I said, "Call Sam and make sure him and Holly are okay."

As we were about to call Holly she called us, "Hey Callie?"

"Its Charles actually but we have you on speaker phone what's up?" He said.

"Did Chris get in touch with you guys?" She asked.

"Yeah it was weird he acted very strange." Charles said, "What's going on?"

"When we got back to the house he called Sam telling him that your parents were waiting for them," She started. "Thankfully the kids fell asleep on the way to the house so they would not be able to say they saw you. Your mom was crying to Chris telling him that she needs to find you and its urgent. Sam went over to Chris house to see your Dad and he had me on speaker phone.  She was saying she missed you and wants a fresh start. Sam and Chris said they have not seen or heard from you and Chris said he would respect your privacy. Kate took the initiative and said she heard through the grapevine you had been spotted up north and you found your true mate. Charles she lied saying that oh thats great and she was so happy for you. She was lying. Your Dad said now we can stop on this chosen one bullshit. Your mom hushed him and said of course. My sixth sense tells me its bad. I told Sam I would let you know what I knew. I know Callie has a huge list of places she wants to go today and if we can get back out we will join up with you. But neither wants to out your location."

"Thank you Holly," Charles said. "We are just starting our list so if you guys are able to meet up that would be great. But be safe if you meet her she is a sneaky one."

When he hung up the phone I realized Kate told Chris about what I made for Holly. I said, "After we get stuff started tonight I will start bracelets for everyone."

Charles took a deep breath and said, "I knew this could happen and you had a feeling all day. So we continue with the plan. How about this I know you will get a lot from the resale store I am going to run our cow and meat home and I will come back and join you. All the resale stuff is non perishable normally. I have a feeling we should cut our time shorter today but we need to get as much as we can finished ASAP."

We got to the resale store and Charles dropped me off. I asked the clerk if I fill a basket can I pay for it and store it up front as I shop more and the manager came out and said, "Miss Callie?"

I turned and said, "Grace its so good to see you. We are setting up the house for the coming winter."

She nodded and said, "You and many others. Where is that young man that always accompanies you?"

Smiling I said, "We just finished Murphys and Rural king he had to go empty the truck and will be back."

"Well sweet girl you go ahead and shop. When your done with each cart we will store them in the break room till your young man gets back." She said. "Also we added coolers and freezers. We now have cheese and meats here."

"Thank you Grace I will be loading everything up." I said. 

This resale store is always amazing and have cheep prices and I grabbed the first cart and started to shop. I made sure I had easy things incase we did not want to cook. The store had many amazing deals and by the time Charles got back I had purchased three shopping carts which he started to load into the truck. As I was getting ready to finish the last non perishable cart he joined me with a new one and said, "Almost done?"

I pointed to the coolers and freezers and said, "Thats all I have left to do."

He took the next cart through check out and by the time I finished and headed to checkout he was coming back in and said, "It looks like our day may be cut short its getting a dark sky out there. We may have to play it by ear with where we go today."

After we finished the resale store we went to the Doller tree and the thrift store. We still had room left in the truck and we headed to the local hobby lobby and while I was in there Charles said he would run into the camping store to get some things. We met back up at the car as the first sound of thunder was heard. He loaded my bags into the truck and said, "How about this, We grabbed some burgers for lunch and head home for now. If we get everything unloaded and put away after we eat we will come back out? Which stores do we still need to go to?"

"Publix, Winn Dixie, Target, Walmart and the produce shop. I also wanted to go to the gem shop on the way out of town." I said. "But we have meats and stuff in the car and you know how I get when we get there. So I agree lets get lunch and head home. If it rains we can see when it stops and work our way into town again after it stops. Besides we are coming tomorrow with Henry so I can always go there when your taking him. You know as well as I do he will take a while due to age."

We went to the local Chipotle and headed home. Charles and I bought the last of the bags in as I grabbed the perishable foods  bags and headed to our guest room turned pantry. Charles bought in more of the perishable as we filled all the freezers packing everything in tight so we could fit more when we continued to shop. I noticed we finally filled two of the 5 freezers and Charles said, The fridge freezer barely has anything still. I put the beef bones and fat in the fridge so we can start that when we finish loading everything here."

We finished putting all the perishables away and I was happy to see that we could still get more to fill the freezers later this week. We at and started to eat as my phone rang again. I handed it to Charles as it was Chris.

He handed back the phone and said, "Answer it please"

I put it on and said, "Callies Herbs and Trinkets. Callie speaking how may I help you?"

"Oh good I was looking to get a rush job done," Said a females voice.

My eyes got big and I mouth, "I think its your mom."

"How can I help you Maam?" I asked.

"Listen I will not beat around the bush I know your a witch and I need a spell done for me?" She said.

"I think you have it wrong I just sell herbs and jewerly," I said.

"Don't lie to me child you will do a location spell for me," She yelled.

"Maam I will not as people who are not wanting to be found deserve their privacy," I said. "I am sorry you contacted the wrong person."

"Listen here young lady," She said.

"No maam you listen," I said. "First its my day off and I do not normally answer teh business line on my day off. Second I was only answering as the caller ID came up as a client I am working on an order for. Third I believe if anyone is hiding they deserve privacy and even if I could do it I would not. Now if your interested in trinkets or herbs you can go to my website if not you have a nice weekend."

I hung up the phone and said, "I have a feeling we will need to go public soon and you will need to contact your Dad."

"I will be there and I can make sure we have an out," I said.

Sighing he said, "I think your right. So what now?"

Taking the fat and bones out of the fridge and got a second roaster out, "Nothing had changed. I am setting the fat and bones out to process and we are going to unpack and stock our home. Remember the first night you were here? What did I tell you?"

SMiling he said, "If your mom wants to take you from me she will have to go toe to toe with me as I am never letting you go."

Pulling him into a hug I said, "If she thinks going toe to toe with me is smart she is sure in for one hell of a surprise."

We sat down after we got the bone broth on and the fat rendering on the wood stove. As we were eating he tilted his head and said, "A car is coming up the driveway."

I put the lid on my bowl and went outside with the shotgun. Sam pulled up in front of the house and called out, "Callie every time I pull up here you pull that damn shotgun on me."

"Well Sam," I said. "Your mom just called me from Chris's phone and tried to get me to find Charles."

Chris got out of the car and said, "Thats why we need to talk with Charles."

Charles came out from under the house and said, "Come out to the dock guys we can talk while Callie eats lunch and handles things upstairs."

While Charles talked with his brothers I worked on getting through putting everything away. I went bag by bag and put things in jars and containers as I needed to. After a hour passes I looked out to the dock and saw they were still talking and Charles was very animated. I let him be with his brothers and continued on. As I started to repackage the larger bags he came in to get a few beers. I asked, "You good?"

He leaned over and kissed me, "Yeah Mom stole Chris's phone. He had Kates phone with him now and she just called and said his mom accidently picked it up on the way out. I fel bad your doing everything?"

"Charles handle everything and I have this," I said. 

After another hour I had repackaged a lot of what I needed to repackage. I went outside and grabbed the turkey bones from the night before. I emptied the roaster and started canning the broth. As I finished filling the last of the jars and getting them into the canner I gathered the bones and fat and stuck then in the dehydrator. I finished unpacking and storing about half of what I needed to when the guys walked in. Charles looked at me and said, "We came up with a plan when it comes to Dad."

"Okay when are you doing it?" I asked.

"Is Friday okay with you?" He asked.

"Sure thing," I said. "Here is the thing how will your Dad keep your mom at bay?"

Chris sighed and said, "We will have to cross that bridge when it comes time."

Sighing I said, "We need to make sure Holly, Kate and the kids are safe away before we meet up with your dad. The way your mom was talking it reminding me about how my parents acting before I left."

Sam and Chris left shortly after and Charles helped me get more of the items put away. It started to rain as Charles helped me continue on. After all the turkey broth was finished being canned we started on the fat that had been rendered and Charles grabbed a bunch of small jars and as he filled them I finished the last few bags of what we had left from todays shopping trip. 

Looking in the pantry freezer room I said, "Well I guess we are ready for tomorrows shopping trip."

He laughed and said, "Wow you got it all away?"

"You bet," I said. " You know I hate messes."

We finished up the smaller things we had to do. By the time we got the bone broth canned we were tired. We decided it was frozen pizza night and decided to just relax and watch TV the rest of the night. That night Charles woke me and pointed to our door way. Abigail was standing in the door way looking upset. He couldn't hear her but knew something was wrong.

I sat up and said, "Abigail come here whats wrong?"

"Child tell Charles his mom has spies and one is following his Dad," She said.

"Abigail how do you know this?" I asked.

"I over heard him and his brothers talking outside earlier and decided to check out his mom," She said. "I know it was wrong to eavesdrop but seeing how worried him and his brothers were I wanted to help."

Turning to charles I said, "Abigail overheard you and your brothers tonight and decided to check out your mom. Your mom has spies following your Dad at all times and she is worried about you guys meeting up with them."

He rubbed his temple and asked, "Abigail does she have spies on my brothers?"

Abigail looked at him and said, "I believe she has."

"She thinks so," I said. "What time is it?"

"I am calling them now," He said getting up. "Thank you Abigail I am not upset you were trying to protect us."

I picked up my phone and said, "Charles wait. I think its time I play my hand."

He turned to me and said, "What do you mean?" 

"I have my emergency phone," I said. "Its not traceable and the phone number is encrypted. Get your brothers on board I want to talk to your mom."

"You have a plan?" He asked.

"Yes, call them and out us on a meeting if they agree I am going to call her on speaker and let her know the status quo." I said. "I am laying out to rules."

He called Sam and Chris all of us on speaker phone. Charles explained Abigail and what she found out and then Chris said, "Callie do you think you can handle our Mom?"

Chuckling I said, "I promised him I would keep away until the time of need came. To hell if she is going to drive you all apart especially since you all want to be a family. Don't worry about my safety I have taken out vampire covens with a snap of my fingers. Your mom does not scare me. Holly be my ears and text my phone if you pick up on anything."

"Will do Callie," She said. "Our family needs to be protected."

"Especially now," Sam said. 

"What do you mean Sam?" I asked.

"Holly is pregnant," He said.

Looking at Charles I said, "Definitly time to play my hand."

I took out my emergency phone and called their moms phone number. It rang and then I heard, "It better be important."

"Is this Georgia?" I asked.

"Yes," She said. "From your tone I am guessing you know that. What do you want?"

"To discuss Charles with you," I said.

"You know my son?" She asked.

"Your son is my mate and we are a bonded pair so yes to answer your question I know your son," I said.

"No you cannot be bonded to him," She said. "He is a chosen wolf and he is promised to another."

"Exactly the great goddess herself sent him to me and we are bonded," I said. "You will never get your hand on him."

"Are you a fool enough to tell a luna what she can and cannot do?" She said.

"Do I need to show you who your up against Georgia?" I said. I closed my eyes and projected into her room. "Your sitting at your desk with a glass of wine currently. Aww Charles was such a cute child there is a frame on your shelf he had to be five or six. Oh look at these on the wall pictures labeled when him and his brothers shifted for the first time. His wolf is much more majestic now. Strong and powerful. Oh Georgia stop whipping your head around like that you will give yourself whiplash."

I walked over to a pile of files one which had a detectives name, "So you hired Marcus Montgomery to find your son using magic? Pity, he couldn't find me and he will not be able to find your son."

I took the file and flung it off the desk. Everyone heard her shriek, "Who are you?"

"Someone who is going to protect Charles and his brothers at all costs," I growled. "Now call off your spies you have following Sam and Chris or accidents will happen."

"Are you threatening me?" She said.

I walked over to her shelves and started knocking over the books. I then lifted his pictures and piling them on the desk. I lifted them up and said, "I think he would like these for our home. Thank you."

I opened my eyes and the pictures were in my lap, "Thank you Georgia. Now do I have your attention?"

"Yes," she hissed.

"Now those spies you will call off. You will stop searching for Charles as he is bonded to me," I said. "SO you know bonded pairs cannot be separated or we die and as I can live a couple thousand years you kill me you kill him. As long as I live he will live and we will be together for a very long time You are not the only person who has spies and believe me mine are much more destructive than me. When and if Charles wants to see you we will meet you in a public place once I deem its safe. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," She said. "What about my sons?"

"You let them live their life," I said. "I know everything Georgia and if I find out you tried anything against them or their loved ones I will release a reign of terror on you the likes you have never seen. Are we clear?"

"Yes," She growled. "When you see my son and other sons tell them I will back off for now."

"Your spies?" I said. "I assure you they will not remember anything and will be prompted to go get coffees or ice-cream for hours on end. Make sure they are not lactose intolerant."

I ended my call to her and said, "Abigail go see what she is doing and come back."

Abigail nodded and disappeared. A few minutes later she was back and said, "She made a call and said call off the watchers. Whatever that means. She looked lost after that sitting on the chair looking out the window."

"Okay everyone Abigail went there and said your mom was on the phone calling off the watchers." I said. "I hope I scared her enough and will still cast a spell to get her spies away. Abigail said your mom looked lost after the call."

"Watchers are the black ops of the wolf pack," Chris said. "I should have known she was going to try something."

"Well before you go to meet your Dad I will cast the spell. I was not joking when I said the watchers will want a lot of coffee or ice cream whenever they are near you." I said.

We ended the call and laid back down. Abigail left and I curled up against Charles and said, "Are you okay?"

He curled against me and said, "Oh my witch you are amazing. I have not heard my moms voice since we left and you scared her. Is there anything that you cannot do?"

Laughing I started kissing him and said, "Sleep."

As the storm rolled in he leaned over me, starting to kiss me he said, "Well I think I can help you with that."

********************************************************************

The day arrived for Charles to see his Dad. Everyone arrived at our house around 7 in the morning. The woman were going to stay together and the guys were going to meet their Dad at a location once they knew they were alone with the boat. Abigail was ready to confirm everything before they met with him. I casted the spell when they were ready to go and we were done Chris's Son said, "You are glowing Callie!"

Charles laughed and said, "Yeah that happens." 

I walked up to him and said, "Trust your gut if you think something is going to go down then you get out of there. Besides Abigail we have the GPS tracker on Chris's boat I can intercept you guys and handle things if I need to."

He nodded and said, "We will check in every hour. Don't worry Callie it will be alright."

Kissing him I said, "Watch the weather baby the storm is still coming."

"Always," He said.

When they were loading into Chris boat Sam said, "She does forest we are wolves right?"

Charles muttered, "She does not forget. But remember she is the most powerful creature among us."

Sam and Chris laughed as they pulled away. Kate shook her head and walked up next to me saying, "It makes my heart happy seeing them all together again."

"Me to," I said. "So what would the kids like to do?"

Holly stepped up and said, "I hope its something calm I do not feel so well."

"Holly are you alright you look a little pale?" I said.

"I woke up feeling nauseous but didn't say anything to Sam," She said. "He was so excited."

Kate looked at her and said, "Holly could you be pregnant?"

Holly's eyes got big and said, "No I don't think so. Well, Maybe?"

Laughing I said, "Well lets see. Kate stand back please."

I stood back and casted a spell of answer's. It swirled around Holly then shot around Kate and me as well. My eyes got big and said, "No fucking way."

Kate said, "Does that mean what I think it means."

I sank to the ground and said, "We have been so careful."

Kate laughed and said, "Well we have not and I thought I was. Holly sweetie are you alright?"

Holly sat down next to me and said, "Yes. Sam wanted to get married and start a family. I am okay with that we did it backwards. But Callie are you alright this is a shock to you."

"With everything with his Mom and my family we had decided to wait," I said. "We are bonded and I carry his mark, and he carries mine but we were waiting."

Kate sat next to me and said, "Callie its okay there is never a good time to have a baby."

My phone rang and I answered it, "Hey baby is everything alright?"

"Callie are you okay," He asked. "Through our link I felt like you were in shock. Chris felt something with Kate as well."

"We are all okay," I said. "Just girl talk baby."

"You sure," He asked.

"Of course," I said. "Hey we are going to take my truck and get steaks to grill for tonight that are not frozen. Don't worry we are only going to Marty's."

"Oh steaks sound good," He said. "Get some hamburgers and hotdogs for the kids as well. We will see you later this afternoon."

"Of course how can I forget the kids," I said.

When we ended the call I said, "Have you ever been to Marty's?"

Kate said, "No but I heard good things. Are we taking a trip?"

"Yes I trust my magic but there is a CVS next door," I said. "I want to hand Charles a test."

Looking at the kids I said, "Thank god I have some booster seats for the kids. Let's get loaded."

We headed to Marty's and Holly said, "I will get the tests and meet you in Marty's."

Kate and I took the kids into Murrays and I went to the meat counter. I ordered a bunch of stuff plus dinner for tonight. Then we walked through the store and when Holly joined us she said, "You don't do things in moderation."

I laughed saying, "Well like I said something is on the horizon and we need to be prepared."

We went through check out and on the way home I said, "We should get lunch."

We all looked at each other and said, "Shane's chicken sandwiches."

We went through Shane's take out line and took the food back to my home. One at a time we went to the bathroom laying a test on each on a paper plate with our names on it. We set the kids up in the bedroom watching television with their lunch. We sat at the table with our food and I asked, "Should we look before or after we eat."

Holly looked up and said, "We might as well look now because we will be to stressed to eat."

Kate said, "On the count of three. One, Two, Three."

We turned the tests over and at the same time we said, "Positive."

Kate looked at me and asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yes," I said.

We sat there for a second when I heard, "Girls when Callie is in shock she gets quiet."

Looking up I said, "Hey Abigail."

She smiled and said, "Oh my sweet girl I am so happy for you. I know your parents were not the best example but you are going to be an amazing mom. Besides I was spying on the guys and they were talking about the future and family. I can tell you all they will be happy with this news of babies or in your case Kate more babies. Also the boys are having a great time fishing with their Dad."

We ate our lunch and talked about the future. As the afternoon turned towards later we heard the boat approach the home. Kate and Holly went out as I set the table, Charles came in and hugged me saying, "It was so good to see my Dad again. I am so happy."

Smiling I said, "Well the day is not over yet. I have to tell you something, I lied to your earlier."

He gave me a look and asked, "What did you lie about?"

"When you called I had just did a magical pregnancy test on Holly," I said.

"Oh man Sam is going to be so happy," He said as he went to go outside.

Grabbing his hand I said, "Wait there is more. The test swung to all of us woman."

He looked at me and said, "What do you mean?"

 I took the pregnancy test out of my pocket and handed it to him as I said, "Like I said the test indicated all of us."

Realization spread across his face and he said, "A baby?"

Nodding I said, "We were so careful as we had talked to wait for the future. But yeah babe we are having a baby."

Pulling me into his arms he said, "We will not make the same mistake as our parents I promise you."

"Well," I said. "You are going to be joining the Daddy club again with your brothers as both Holly and Kate are pregnant as well."

Kissing me he said, "Even with something is on the horizon I know we are gong to be great."

****************************************************************************

Callie- Main   Callies herbs and trinkets

Charles- Boyfriend

Henry- Neighbor

Kyle local fish and game

Sam, Chris brothers of charles

Kate /Kids Chris 

Sarah- Callies sister.

Holly- Sams girlfriend

Abigail- Family Spirit

Georgia- CHarles mom

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