Ayn's Healing

Chapter 4 - Ayn

As I look into Kari's dark green eyes, I remember that indeed, I have seen them before.

We were playing catch between the tents the three of us, I must have been seven as it was the summer before my parents died. The teenage werewolf caught me – which was not a feat in itself, because his legs were twice as long as mine - then slipped with me in his arms and I landed on top of him. His smiling eyes had the color of pine needles, with long eyelashes that made them look a bit darker as if he was just falling into a dream. He was already much bigger than any boy I had ever met. His arms were bulky and strong and he held me up like an airplane, making me laugh madly. After he threw me over his shoulder, he went after his sister who was teasing him from a distance, and once he got her too, we rolled in the meadow like three wild pups.

I shake my shoulders to chase the memory of those happy days away. Now I am here, not allowed to use my magic, and the future Alpha is still staring at me without a word. 

He grew up some more since the last time I saw him. Also, he is gorgeous, with his muscle-packed body on which the t-shirt clings so tight as if it is a number too small, his rugged jawline, and perfectly shaped lips surrounded by a thin pencil beard. His eyes look almost the same as in my memories, except the smile seems to have left them.

After what seems like an eternity, his mouth opens, and introduces himself, shaking my hand and then staring at my bizarrely colored fingertips. I briefly have the urge to excuse myself, until I remember that I don't owe any explanations to a male, gorgeous as this one may be.

I turn to leave and I feel a gentle rumble deep in my belly, as my power tree blossoms and starts to grow. I had been told that, when green witches find their soulmate, their inner tree flowers for the first time. I loved the little lime tree that sprouted inside me when I became a teenager and my powers settled, and grew branch after branch, as I gained strength and experience. Its delicate limbs bore the marks of my failures and my successes, of my sorrows and my happy days - some were twisted and knotty and some were covered in a smooth shiny bark. And now they are all sprouting round yellow marbles - which will become ruffled flowers - and I smile to myself at the beauty of it.

I then remember that the trigger of the luscious bloom is a werewolf, a Lycan, a shapeshifter, an Alpha's son no less. I have to sadly conclude that I am probably glitching due to the stress of being here. A witch and a shifter being soulmates is not a thing. It's the plot of a forbidden erotic novel.

I open my eyes a bit wider to take in reality and go into the kitchen. Luna is there, mixing a pot with a big spoon. A small drop of sweat formed on her forehead. It is an exotic sight for me, to see a female wielding the ladle so enthusiastically, but I guess I will see a lot of other very weird things in my time here, so I shrug my shoulders and I ask if I can help with anything.

"Oh darling child, no thank you. You must be tired from the long journey, take a seat and relax," she says kindly. "Thank you for asking though, with Mia I have to beg to get some support around here."

Mia snorts from a corner, where she is peeling carrots with a frown on her face. "Thanks, mom. You always know how to advertise for me. My journey today was twice as long as Ayn's, just in case you are keeping score."

"Yes, yes, noted, you were the most supportive of daughters" answers Teresa and looks at me with a small chuckle "In that case, Ayn, feel free to help Mia, she seems to need it more than me."

It smells like meat stew and I am looking hungrily at the carrot Mia is holding, hoping it will not land in the big simmering pot. Which is exactly what it does, so I decide to work and snack at the same time. Today will not be the day when Ayn, daughter of Morgane and Ray starts eating forest creatures, so help me the Gods.

When we sit down for dinner, I am only vaguely hungry. Everybody is around the table, except the Alpha boy. I am calling him the Alpha boy in my head because I don't know what to make of the suffocating blossoms that fill my chest. Maybe by demeaning him I will be able to tame them somehow.

I am happy to notice that Teresa remembered my dietary requirements and while everybody receives a hefty portion of meat stew, I am treated to a plate of side dishes and what looks like a fancy selection of cheese.

Unfortunately, my appetite is completely gone when the Alpha boy enters the room. Though, as I look at him, I note with sadness that my strategy to call him that will not work, because he is definitely not a boy. He is a big hunk of a handsome man, who showered and changed into a black t-shirt and matching jeans, whose long wet hair is half braided on one side leaving a strand hanging over his dreamy eyes, and who smells like freshly cut cedar wood with hints of some exotic mint. If Ina were here, we would grant his looks and his butt the highest of grades.

Kari sits on the chair that is still free, next to his father and luckily far far away from me. I start to count the fibers of the pepper slices on my plate, catching only glimpses of the conversation.

"Did you miss me in training today? " Timo asks, elbowing Kari in the arm.

"Not at all. I finally managed to do that maneuver behind Devil's Peak. Tomorrow you should do some yoga or you know, light stretching with your men. I think I broke them slightly" Kari grins and returns the Beta's punch.

"And this is why you should not be left to lead the training on your own," says Timo, rubbing his biceps.

"On a different note, Kari " Teresa coughs, "I have invited Jenna and Albert for dinner in three weeks. They are coming with their younger daughter, Astrid. Astrid is of age and unmated."

After a moment of silence, Teresa feels the need to double-check Kari's understanding.

"Son, did you hear me? I want you to be on your best behavior when they come. If that is beyond your abilities, I want you to at least be here. Write it down please, it's in three weeks. It will be the second of April."

"Stop trying to match me, mother," Kari says in a low Alpha tone.

"Don't use the voice with me, young man. I am your mother and still your Luna," Teresa goes with her voice even lower.

"I am done," Kari says and stands up. I see his tattooed forearm contracting, as he struggles not to slam his napkin on the table.

"You are not excused," thunders Xander. I realise the true power of the Alpha voice, as all around the table cowered in their chairs and Kari instantly sits back down. It does not affect me because I am not one of their pack. After a few moments of ice-cold silence, I am thinking it would be helpful if I try to change the subject.

"So Teresa, do you have a vegetable garden? These peppers are delicious." My voice sounds too loud and my question too fake, but I see that the Luna is grateful for my attempt.

"We do have a couple of acres close to the forest, I can show you one day if you want. If you take after your mother, you will be able to help me there plenty. I don't have her skills, and everything I plant tends to, well, die. These veggies are from the farmer's shop in the village below." she giggles lowering her gaze.

"I am happy to take a look at your garden," I tell her, thinking that planting some greens for these shifters could be a nice pastime during the summer I have to spend here.

Slowly the evening regained its rhythm, with all around the table - except Kari- sharing pleasantries and laughter. For a fleeting moment, I forget that I am a witch in the wolves' kingdom and I feel safe. 

That is until Xander turns to me and asks me to meet him the next morning in his office. At six-thirty. 

I chuckle at what I think is a funny joke because nothing functions at six-thirty. Even the kitchen males at school started with their breakfast prep at seven.

Nobody else is laughing and Xander's eyes change their color from the dark gentian blue to a deep purple. It is very disturbing and I don't know what that means. I chose to apologize and acknowledge his request, joining Kari in being silent and focusing exclusively on my plate even if its contents are not interesting for me anymore.