The howl of my heart

Chapter 29

Layla's living room in her coven's house was decorated in warm earthy tones of browns, beiges and greens. The room was spacious with high ceilings and large windows that let in natural light. The walls were adorned with framed pictures of the Moon Goddess and other nature-inspired artwork. The wooden floors were covered with plush rugs, and a comfortable sofa and armchairs were arranged around a coffee table made of dark wood.

In one corner of the room, there was a small fireplace with a stack of logs nearby. On the mantel above the fireplace, there were various crystal figurines and candles of different colors. Across from the fireplace, there was a large bookshelf filled with books on magic, herbal remedies, and astrology.

A large, ornate mirror hung on one of the walls, reflecting the natural light and adding depth to the room. The overall ambiance of the room was cozy and inviting, making it the perfect place for Layla and her fellow witches to relax and practice their craft.

"My Lady, your daughter is here" One of the servants informed Layla just as Lisa entered the room.

Layla got up from her desk and embraced her daughter with a warm smile and asked "Lisa, what are you doing here? You were supposed to be at the pack? Are you here to bring me some good news?" Layla asked with an expecting smile on her face.

"No Mum... I...I...I got expelled from the pack, Mom," Lisa replied, tears streaming down her face.

"What? Why?" Layla demanded, her eyes narrowing.

"I...I got expelled because of a love spell that went wrong. I'm so sorry, Mom."

Layla: "A love spell?"

"The love spell that I cast on Joseph went wrong. He found out and asked me to leave his pack" 

Layla's face turned red with anger. "I can't believe you would be so reckless, Lisa!  And now your chances of marrying Joseph are ruined. You know how important that union is for our family. How could you be so careless?"

"I know, Mom, and I'm sorry," Lisa said, looking down at her feet.

"Sorry isn't good enough, Lisa. You've brought shame upon our family. " Layla said, pacing back and forth. "Well, you certainly made things worse. I can't believe you would be so careless with your magic. What are we going to do now Lisa?"

I don't know, Mom. I just need your help," Lisa pleaded.

Layla let out a sigh. "Fine. We'll figure something out. But you need to understand the gravity of your actions, Lisa. You've put everything at risk."

"I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

Layla: " You need to fix this Lisa. You need to make things right with Joseph and ensure that he still wants to marry you despite your foolishness."

Lisa: "I'll try, Mom. I'll do whatever it takes to make things right, but he never was interested in me mum, that's why I used the spell I didn't know what else to do...I am really sorry"

Layla: "You better. Your actions have consequences and you need to learn to think before you act."

***

The leaders of the Blood family gathered in the main hall of the Blood Sisters covenant, their expressions grave and impatient. Layla stood before them, her head held high but her nerves showing in the slight tremble of her hands.

The room was dimly lit, with flickering candles casting eerie shadows across the walls. The family members sat in silence, their expressions grave.

"Why have you summoned us, Layla?" asked one of the elders, a tall, imposing man with sharp features and piercing eyes.

Layla took a deep breath and stepped forward. "I have summoned you because my daughter Lisa has failed in her mission to secure a marriage with Alpha Joseph."

The room erupted in murmurs and whispers. Layla held up a hand to silence them.

"But," she continued, "all is not lost. Alpha Joseph has not yet found his mate, and there is still time to secure him a wife that will unite him and his pack and power with the Blood family."

The elders exchanged glances, considering Layla's words. Finally, the same man who had spoken before stood up and addressed Layla.

"We are not pleased that you have called us here and that you can not deliver on your part of the plan." he said. "But if what you say is true, then we will do what we can to help you."

Layla bowed her head in gratitude. "Thank you," she said. "I knew I could count on the Blood family to support me and my daughter in our time of need."

Layla sat at the head of the table, her eyes scanning over the faces of the Blood family members who had gathered around her. "I have a proposal," she began, her voice ringing out in the quiet room.

"What is it?" one of the family members asked, leaning forward in his seat.

"We should call for a mating games," Layla said, her eyes narrowing as she spoke. "Alpha Joseph has not yet found his mate, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. But we can ensure that all the females who participate are from the Blood family, so whoever he chooses, he will unite himself with us."

There were murmurs of agreement around the table, but also some hesitation.

"But we can't force him to participate," one of the family members pointed out. "He may refuse."

 "I can help persuade him to join the mating games. As a member of the council, I have a close relationship with him and I know how to appeal to his interests." Oreno spoke up

Layla responded: "That would be very helpful, Oreno. We need to ensure that this plan goes smoothly and that Joseph chooses one of our own."

Another member of the family said: "We must also make sure that the other packs don't find out about our plan. This could cause trouble if they knew we were manipulating the mating games."

"Agreed. We will keep this within our family and the council. This is a matter that concerns us and our future." Layla concluded.

As the meeting ended, Layla walked towards the door when Oreno, stopped her. 

"Layla, before you go," Oreno began, "I couldn't help but notice that your daughter Lisa has been having some issues lately. It seems like she is unable to fulfil her commitments, and this is reflecting badly on you and the family."

Layla let out a sigh, "Yes, Lisa's love spell gone wrong has caused a lot of trouble for us. But I am sure she will learn from her mistakes and make it up to the family."

Oreno shook his head, "It's not just about the love spell, Layla. Lisa needs to learn some discipline and responsibility. I suggest you find something useful for her to do, something that will help her mature and grow as a witch."

Layla nodded, "I understand your concern, Oreno. I will talk to Lisa and try to find a way for her to contribute to the family and show her worth."

"Good," Oreno said as he patted Layla's shoulder. "We need all the members of the Blood family to be strong and capable. We can't afford any weaknesses." And with that, Oreno turned and walked away, leaving Layla with a lot to think about.