A Witch Thing

• 20 •

"Hi, Althea."

"Hey, Thea."

"Hey, Althea."

"Hi," Althea giggled. They yawned and stretched as they stood. Freya yawned herself and walked over to Althea, jumping off the bed. She propped herself up on the edge of the bed and told her kiddies, "I'll be leaving you with Esme tonight to watch over you. One complaint and you all lose your treats tomorrow."

The kits whined, "Ah, Mama!"

She spoke, "Behave, little ones. I love you."

They yipped their 'I love you's back and they all left the room. Althea hugged her father one last time before heading after Freya. They got downstairs and everyone was getting ready to head out. Eileen picked up Althea and smiled, "Hey, Thea."

"Hi, Auntie Lee Lee," she said back.

Leah chuckled airily, "That's your nickname, too?"

Eileen nodded, "Yep." Freya mumbled, "I'm dropping off the pups with Esme. I'll be over soon." She seemed crankier without her witch, which was understandable. A familiar and their witch should never be separated, especially for this long.

She took the pups to the Cullens, thanking Esme for agreeing to watch them. She returned to Althea in no time and they all headed to La Push behind Jacob's house. The older wolves stood when they saw the witches headed over, with the exception of Billy, who was pushed over by Sue Clearwater.

"Hey, Mom," Seth greeted warmly. She smiled and kissed his cheek, along with Leah's, and then bent down to kiss Charlie's as well before petting Cooper. "Hello, children."

Billy smiled, "Hello. Welcome to La Push, we're glad you could make it."

Eileen smiled, taking head since Elizabet wasn't here to. "Thank you, we're glad we could come. I'm Eileen Ruth, these are my sisters, Mariah Miss and Celene Marcel, and my brother, Levi Lambros." She motioned to the familiars who all had come with them, "These are our familiars, Ella, Merida, Camille, Lexi, and Freya."

He pointed to Althea and smiled at her, "And who's this little one?"

Althea waved shyly and Eileen introduced, "This is our niece, Althea."

Freya spoke up, "Forgive us for not bringing our own coven leader. She has been-"

"Yes, I know of the other witch. I offer my apologies and aid in finding her with you," Billy offered kindly.

Mariah smiled, "That is greatly appreciated, thank you very much."

Sue spoke, "Look, why don't you go help yourself to some food. I would hurry before the boys eat it all."

Billy added with a laugh, "You know us boys, we eat like an army." They shared a comfortable laugh and headed to the fire to talk with everyone else before the meeting started. Now that they had introductions out of the way, they'd be able to just act as friends do.

Freya kept a very close eye on Althea, without her witch, she was more on edge than she usually would have been. She wouldn't let Althea out of her sight.

They caught sight of Jacob and Bella as they headed over to the fire. Seth stood, taking Charlie's hand as they two best friends headed over with Cooper in tow. "Jake!" He exclaimed, walking over like a puppy, "Hey. It's about time, you got here. Paul's been hoovering the grub. But, I saved you some burgers."

"Good looking out, bro," Jacob said, ruffling his hair. He gave a quick side hug to Charlie. He introduced, "Bella, this is Seth Clearwater, Leah's brother. Newest member of the pack."