War of the Griffins

Chapter 21

Jinx watched her family from the back a soft frown on her face. Her eyes narrowed as she looked between her cousin and her ex-boyfriend. She could see through the mask on his face, they were planning something. Damien Had a guilty look in his eyes, as if he wanted to tell them but knew he couldn't. she had seen that look on his face many times while they dated. She sighed softly, eyes softening as she realized just what was going on. They don't want us to get hurt. They're going to be reckless, aren't they? Oh Damien, you know you don't have to sacrifice yourself for mine and Natasha's happiness.

Her eyes met his and she gave him a soft smile. She shook her head as she walked towards Natasha and Damien and whispered, "You don't have to do this alone you two."

Jinx chuckled as she saw both sets of eyes widen and patted their shoulders. "Whatever you're planning, count me in she's my Anam Cara too you know."

"Jinx..."

"No buts cousin, I am helping you damnit. It's time I actually grow up and start acting like a leader. I am an heir just as much as you are." She smiled softly as her shoulders straighten and for the first time Natasha could see just how serious she was. The playful eyes were replaced with a look of determination.

"Alright, we'll share it with you later. I didn't want our parents to get involved, I don't want something to happen to them."

Jinx clapped her on the back before turning to Damien and pulled him into a hug. She could feel him freeze in her arms and let out a soft breathy chuckle as she whispered placing a soft kiss on his cheek, "Thank you, Damien. I just want to say one thing..."

She paused for a moment as she exhaled softly and pulled back, so her eyes were staring into his amber ones before she continued, "I forgive you."

A soft giggle escaped her lips as his mouth opened in shock, and she shook her head before tapping his chin a smirk on her lips. Her smirk fell as she saw tears trickle down his cheeks and she wiped his eyes and spoke, "I don't think Lizzy would appreciate knowing I made her best friend cry."

"Thank you, Jinx," he whispered back almost choking on his words as he couldn't stop his tears.

"Hey, no problem, it's time we put our past behind us and focus on saving both of our Anam Cara's from those madmen." Jinx nodded patting his shoulder after she pulled away and stretched, "you haven't told her, yet have you? That she is your destined?"

"No...I haven't she's too young. I'll be what I can be until she is of age. I am nothing if not a gentleman."

"I know you are, and I think Vivian would give you hell if you hurt her daughter." Jinx teased sticking her tongue out as the playful side started to show itself again, "now I think the others are starting to notice us all huddled up so we should rejoin them before they inquire about what we are plotting."

"You're probably right."

They wandered back over to the main group and she slipped out to the deck with a sigh. The information her uncle and aunt had revealed about Tomás troubled her. She barely knew the girl who was her Anam Cara, and the thought that she could lose her before she could meet her scared her more than she liked to admit. Just gotta think on the positive side Jinx, she'll come home. Tomás and Matthew won't win. Just have faith in whatever Natasha and Damien have planned.

She heard someone step out onto the deck and felt a hand on her shoulder. Though she knew who it was without even having to look behind her. "Hey cousin."

"One week. We are staging a trade in one week."

"A trade?" Jinx turned back looking at Natasha, confusion clear on her face as she waited for Natasha to continue.

"Well, he thinks it's a trade, but we are going to take him down. You said you want in, so let's discuss your part. For now, all I want you to do is what you did that first time. What you are the best at."

"Spying?" Jinx blinked before realization dawned on her face, "you want to have a steady flow of information about her wellbeing,"

"Not just that, I know it's hard for you knowing that you barely know her, and I've had years around her. Yes, you are the best at stealth, but it also gives you time to be as close to her as you can."

Jinx nodded and rolled her shoulders briefly, before closing her eyes again as she concentrated. With her emotions on the fray, she had to be extra careful about shifting to her Primal form.

Once she was considerably calmer, she opened them once more, and with a flash, she was in the air. She gave a nod to her Cousin before flying off, knowing a good flight before leaving would help calm her nerves so that she could focus on the task ahead.

And calm her nerves she did, flying long until the sky began to turn dark. Every night after she would let her family know that she needed to fly to release some stress, and every time she'd find herself flying through a portal staring down through the glass. She'd watch as several different people each night would walk in and out of the room. First Tomás, then Matthew, and finally Vivian. She would whisper a soft prayer to the gods above as a thank you for Vivian's help. It gave her hope and that is what she needed. She needed a reason to believe everything would be all right in the end. The morning of the seventh day her eyes narrowed as she saw nothing in the room. Jinx watched carefully in her small form hidden from view by the shadows cast from several trees, waiting for anyone to enter or leave. Her feathers started to ruffle as the door never budged and no movement was made known. It was at that moment she realized one key fact; Carolyn wasn't tied to the chair.

Where did you take her Matthew?