When a mysterious woman rescues Abel from a kidnapping and wants nothing in return, it gets Jax's attention. Then he starts finding out more and more things about the woman that just don't add up. Will his curiosity get the better of him or will he...
A few days later, Amdis walked outside of the small cabin, grinning when she saw Ariel stirring something in her huge cauldron over an open fire, Chimera laying in the grass beside his mistress. As she stepped closer, Ariel turned and smiled at her.
"So you're leaving?"
Amdis nodded as she reached down to give a pat to the head of the big cat. "Yes, it's time. I have some things to handle in New Orleans." She nodded toward the simmering pot. "You must be feeling better if you're doing spellwork. What's it for?"
Ariel chuckled and nodded. "I am, yes. It's for one of the tribal elders. With the cooler weather moving in, he's feeling poorly."
Amdis nodded before leaning against a tree nearby. "So... Jackson."
Ariel sighed as she turned to her friend. "What about him?"
Amdis shrugged. "He wants you. What do you plan to do about that?"
Ariel shook her head as she turned back to the pot with a sad look on her face. "You don't know that, and even if he did, it can't work."
Amdis tilted her head in question. "Why can't it? You're both free, aren't you?"
Ariel sighed again. "You know why, Amdis. You and I... all of us, are different. We don't fit into the world here. I doubt we fit anywhere. Maybe a hundred years ago, but now? No."
Amdis shook her head. "A hundred years ago, I would have a stake through my heart and most of the rest of you would be burned as witches. I've spent all the time I intend to on hiding." She shrugged. "I think now... it's different. People are more open to new possibilities, more open to the strange and unusual. Take Venus and... Tig is it?" When Ariel nodded, so did Amdis. "She doesn't hide who she is, and he and his club accept her at face value."
Ariel chuckled and nodded. "Of course they do. Venus is a special soul, not supernatural. You really think that they would accept you or me... any of us?" She shook her head. "No, it's better if we just don't open that can of worms."
Amdis shrugged again as she stood up straight and walked to her friend. "I think that you don't give them enough credit." She drew Ariel into a hug, patting her on the back and kissing her cheek before leaning back to look at the woman who was like a sister to her. "Give them a chance to get to know the real Ariel. Seek out Gemma. She'll help you." She sighed before stepping back. "I have to go now. I want to stop and see Gemma before I leave town."
Ariel nodded as she walked beside Amdis around the house to the gravel driveway. "What's happened in New Orleans?"
"Hope was born and there's some drama going on."
Ariel smiled and nodded as they reached Amdis' car. "Oh, lovely! How is Niklaus these days?"
Amdis chuckled and shrugged. "He's... Niklaus. I promise to catch you up when I return."
Ariel nodded. "Well, I'm glad to hear that you plan on returning. Give him and Elijah a hug for me."
Amdis nodded as she got into the driver's seat. "Will do. Tell Venus I said goodbye."
Ariel watched as the expensive car left in a trail of dust before walking around to her cauldron again.
Gemma almost dropped the load of laundry in her hands when she entered her bedroom and saw Amdis laying across her bed with an impish grin on her face.
"Jesus Christ! Someone needs to put a bell on you!" She shook her head as she sat the basket down on the foot of the bed while Amdis laughed. "It wouldn't have been so funny if it had been Clay instead of me."
Amdis winked as she stood up from the bed. "I don't have time for a threesome but maybe when I return."
Gemma snorted as she watched Amdis open the cage door and reach in to pet her crow. "Always such a smartass. Wait, where are you going?"
Amdis sighed as she shut the door to the cage. "New Orleans. Family business."
Gemma lifted a brow. "You have family?"
Amdis chuckled. "After a fashion, yes." She turned serious as she faced her new friend. "I need you to do me a huge favor while I'm gone." When Gemma nodded, she continued. "I need you to watch out for Ariel. Venus can't be with her all of the time, not with her business and Tig. You have to make sure that she doesn't retreat back into herself. Take her under your wing, help her."
Gemma shook her head. "I don't think she needs my help."
Amdis sighed. "Of course she does. Teach her how to be... a woman, I suppose. She and Jackson are destined, I don't care what she thinks. You need to show her that she can be herself and have her destiny at the same time."
Gemma nodded. "Since I agree with you, I'll try but... she might not be willing."
Amdis chuckled. "Use that Teller charm on her, Gemma. Surely a woman such as yourself can persuade one socially awkward woman to open up."
Gemma snorted before shaking her head and leading the way out of her bedroom and down the hall to the kitchen. "I guess we'll see. So do you plan on coming back?"
Amdis nodded as she opened the back door. "We'll see how the wind blows, but I think I'll return at some point." She winked. "I've seen someone that intrigues me."
Gemma lifted a brow and grinned. "Is that right?"
Amdis nodded as she pulled Gemma into a hug and kissed her cheek. "Yes. your dark one interests me."
Gemma frowned. "Dark one?" She chuckled as the frown cleared and a smile formed. "Oh my god, you can't be serious?" She shook her head. "Of course you are. Where did you even see him?"
Amdis shrugged. "I was curious about Ariel's Jackson, so I was around when they came back from their trip. The dark one is a magnificent creature." Amdis reached out and squeezed Gemma's hand before stepping out the door. "I have to run. Be good, darling."
