Smoke and Mirrors

chapter one

IT HAD BEEN A YEAR since Nova left with Lennox. A year without hope and a year of normalcy. Faye had spent it looking for any hints that they were out there. The last we'd seen of them was at the cemetery. When Nova gave into black magic and joined Lennox to raise his murderous ancestor. We found Alec where Lennox had said. He was knocked out cold but nonetheless alive, like Lennox had promised. Faye asked the council to give her constant updates on any strange occurrences all over the world. Whereas I spent my time practicing my magic with my mother. We agreed that I would have to channel the dark magic out of Nova to bring her back. Not only did I spend my days doing the duties of a beta, but I also thought a lot of the vision I had seen. More specifically that it showed me having a mate. Other than that it seemed like everything was normal. It was strange, a year went by and no big events of evil plans had occurred. Not in the slightest bit. Everything that happened didn't lead back to Nova and Lennox. It was as if they'd disappeared off the face of the earth, until this morning.

"The council says they have a lead that could work out." Faye was eating from a bowl of fruit and I sat down in the chair next to her. The kitchen was empty and we got to talk freely. I grabbed a grape from the pile of fruits. "Yeah, that's what they always say." She rolls her eyes and swats my hands as I try to grab another piece of fruit. She'd gotten moodier as the days of no progress went on.

"Hear me out, Lennox wants to resurrect his crazy ancestor and they need a list of things to do the spell. Luckily council member Tom has a thing with a witch that doesn't care for Lennox's antics. She's making a copy of the list right now." She yelps excitedly, "Don't you see? We finally have a lead!" Sher smirks, "I finally have a chance to see you do some magic."

I groan at the possibility it was time for the others to see me practice. Like I said, a year had passed and I had learned pretty much everything my mother knew about witchcraft. I just never let Faye or Alec see me. I was a bit reserved about it. I still wasn't comfortable with this side of myself, I would always be a werewolf first.

"What's our move after we get the list?" Faye stands up and checks her phone. Her brows furrow.

"Um," she hides the phone back into her back pocket. "She's almost done! He said to meet in the council room in ten minutes." I follow her out of the kitchen and we make our way to the council room. As we walk down the halls Faye stops her mate's sister, Arden. We make eye contact but I look away when I feel my heartbeat rise.

~

The witch had finished mumbling a few chants when we walked in the council room. I had no idea how she was able to procure the list of objects needed but I don't think I wanted to know. There was blood dripping from her nose, my mother told me this happened when the spell was far greater and it took a toll on the body. Faye should reward her handsomely.

Faye greets councilmember Tom and thanks the witch.

"Is there anything I can give you for your help?"

The witch begins to pack up her things. "Just make sure Lennox is dealt with. His family has had a run at the throne for too long. We need a new leader who will put the coven first."

Nova offers to lead them out to their car and I leave them. I decide to go for a run. We were getting closer to Nova and I was feeling more anxious. I shifted into my wolf and let loose. I ran through the trees and went farther back away from the palace. I needed to distance myself from this, even if it was just for a few hours. On top of the whole ordeal that was going on I still had my duties as Beta. I heard a twig snap to my left. I had been drinking water out of the lake in the clearing. I ran more further in and saw it was just some of the pack warriors having a bonfire. No doubt Alec and Faye were there. I get distracted when I hear hushed whispers. Since I was in my wolf form, all of my senses were heightened even more. I walk slowly, carefully trying not to make a noise. Curiosity killed the cat, which is pretty stupid.

"I don't know, that doesn't really seem smart right?" I knew that voice, I just couldn't remember from where. It was a girl and later on a boy responded.

"Are you seriously gonna talk about what happened during practice today or are we gonna make out?"

I got closer and recognized the two people. It was Arden and one of our pack warriors Liam. It didn't take long for them to realize someone was watching them. "Do you smell that? There's a wolf nearby." Arden moves her hair out of her face, "Yeah. Let's just head back, I know my brother is dying to talk to you since he found out we were dating this morning."

I get a message in my mind from Faye, Where are you? We're having a bonfire in the woods. Alec has something he wants to ask you.

I was just clearing my heads in the woods, I'll be right there.

I ran back to where I had left my clothes and looked for Faye and Alec. Faye notices me and frantically waves. "Dom! Over here." I laugh at her excitement, it was nice to see her like this. She'd been pretty glum about Nova. I groan when I realize Arden and Liam are also standing next to Faye and Alec. Great.

"Dom! Faye and I have to go do something tomorrow so I was wondering if you could take over the training tomorrow?"

My eyes dart between Arden and Alec. Her eyes have widened and I feel myself getting anxious.

Before I could respond Liam sticks his hand out. "Beta Petrova, I've heard amazing things about you. I hope to be able to train with you tomorrow."

I don't take his hand into a handshake and he slowly retrieves it back. I pushed my hair back, "That's weird." I answer, grabbing the drink Alec has passed me.

Liam's nose scrunched and his eyebrows furrow, "Why's that?" Arden's eyes darted frantically between Liam and me.

I grin, "Cause I'm a dick." 

~

Arden and Dominic huh ;)

heheh :)