The Elder War

Chapter Six

Jun

After leaving the restaurant we drove the fifteen-minute drive back to the complex. To my surprise, Savannah had begun to open up to me after broaching the subject of magic. I planned to only teach her a few things. My knowledge of magic stems all the way to dark magic, which can be rather dangerous.

Once at the complex, Savannah and I exited the vehicle and made our way inside. Silence fell between us, although this time it was comfortable. Once we reached the top floor I unlocked the door and stepped to the side giving her space to walk in first. My phone chimed in my pocket and I pulled it out, a message from Aoife.

Aoife: Did you put up the barrier?

Me: Yes, dear brother of mine.

Aoife: It's not the time for games, Jun.

Me: Games? Oh no, nothing of the sort.

Me: Although, I do have a question about Savannah.

Aoife: Shoot. I'll do my best to give you an answer. I don't know her as well as Cassandra does.

I sighed, some help he'll be.

Aoife: She's had it rough. Not having her parents around or anyone that was an oracle to teach her really messed her up. Cassandra said she's always been the quiet type to not ask for help even when she obviously needs it. So take it easy with her, please?

I snorted. Aoife was still getting to know me, and considering he's considered these people his family I'll have to figure out a way to get along with them.

Me: I got you. She's in good hands. Tell Cassandra she's safe. We'll see you in a bit.

Aoife: I'll let her know.

I grinned at my phone. After locking it I glance up to see a changed and showered Savannah standing in the doorway with her arms crossed over her ample chest. My wolf howled in my head, enjoying the current sight before us.

"What has you grinning like a fool?" She asked as she continued drying her hair. I shook my head, slipping my phone into my pocket.

"Nothing for you to worry your pretty little head about, Sunshine." I flashed her my infamous smile. Her face twitched only slightly, it was like she wasn't affected by me or my charms. Savannah rolled her eyes then walked back into the bathroom and shut the door behind her. Taking the chance I adjusted myself then moved to my room to get cleaned up.

After a much-needed shower, I finished drying my hair and tied it back. I slipped on my grey sweats and stretched my muscles. They felt bunched, but considering the tension that was consistently flowing through my body, I'm not surprised. I let my magic loose from its hold, letting it seep through me, my muscles slowly releasing their tension and relaxing. Once comfortable I make my way into the living room to find Savannah curled up with a pillow across her stomach.

"Sunshine?" My eyebrows knit together in concern. Savannah looked up at me with tear-stained cheeks. My chest clenched, my wolf, and even a small part of me wanted to go to her and comfort her. Taking a seat next to her I place my hand gently on her shoulder. I was still figuring her out, while everything in me wanted her to trust me I knew that it was going to be a process.

"This is so embarrassing." She chuckled with a sniff. She wiped her nose on the sleeve of her shirt. Giving me a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Everyone has their days," I commented. Our eyes locked, and she searched mine but for what I couldn't say.

"I barely know you and I've cried in front of you at least two times already." She gave a sniffle, her eyes peering up at me from underneath her thick eyelashes.

"You can't keep it all inside, you know? Bottling it up won't do any good." Slowly, I eased my arm around her, pulling her into my chest and leaning back. To my surprise she let me, even going as far as to toss the pillow aside. Savannah settled against me, her breathing begging to slow and lighter hiccups.

"I know...but what else am I supposed to do? I don't even feel like I can properly mourn him." She sniffed again. Making up my mind, I pull her into my lap settling her against me as I grabbed the box of tissues from the coffee table.

"Tell me about him. Tell me about the good times you spent with him. Mourn him." My voice, while soft held a commanding tone. We were silent for a while before she started speaking.

"He was wonderful. Cole...he made me feel seen in our pack. He and Cassandra are basically family, each providing a bond that I was severely lacking. I never thought that he would be my mate...and honestly, I was terrified. How could a lowly oracle be the mate of an alpha? When the night of the triannual dance came up, it was Cassandra's turn." She smiled softly as though she was starting to get lost in her memories.

"I helped her get ready. That night Cole was going as well, something that didn't sit well with me but I knew he had to go. When I saw him dressed in his royal blue attire it truly dawned on me how far out of my reach he was. After Cassandra left we started to spend more time together, but he was also under the pressure of finding his mate. At my request, he kept it a secret from his father. Unfortunately, this also meant the increase of females being brought around by his father." Savannah explained, while her hands played with the hem of my shirt.

My hand traced circles into her arm, her silky skin soothing in contrast to my rough calloused ones. "Things may have been rough between us, but I still miss him." She sighed leaning further into my embrace.

"I thought I was going to have that fairy tale mating. We meet, we fall in love, we have pups...In a way I'm glad that wasn't in my cards. Jennifer, she's not right. I'm where I'm at now because she rejected me. While I won't say that everything happens for a reason, I will say this." I stopped and thought about my words carefully before I spoke again.

"Our society is changing. More than we could ever think. Cole and everyone else that have been harmed or died by the hands of the witches and elder council will be avenged." Determination set in me. There was a reason I came here, a reason I've stayed, and a future that I want to create.

"Maybe I had you all wrong." Savannah whispered before her breathing grew even. My heart warmed at her words, but what got me the most was her falling asleep in my arms. No matter how much I wanted to fight it at the moment, I'm quickly coming to the realization that...I'm falling for her. We've only known each other for a short time, but something in me is calling for her. I wouldn't call this a second chance mating. It felt like we were beginning to build an actual bond. For now though, I'll keep my feelings to myself.

I tucked a hair behind her ear, my lips tugged into a smile at her peaceful face. I continued laying there, letting her sleep. Exhaustion began to hit me, for the first time in years I let my guard down enough that sleep over took me.