Wolves of Enchantment

Chapter One: Butterfly

Jax’s Point of View

I groggily pressed the snooze button on my blaring alarm and buried my head under the comfort of my pillow, begging for just a few more precious moments of rest. I couldn’t sleep in soon, especially with football training camp starting next week. Now that my mother’s friend Jason was the coach, I would be expected to give it my all. Not that I didn’t already, but there would be more pressure.

I was about to close my eyes and drift off for five more minutes when there was a text notification with a motorcycle sound. I couldn’t help the smile that was creeping on my face. I wonder what joke Juniper would send today. I rolled over and grabbed my phone, opening her text to read it.

Juniper: How do Jedi keep their motorcycles in place? They use the forks! 😂 Rise and shine, Jax! See you soon. 🥰

I imagined Juniper throwing her head back, roaring with laughter at that joke, her strawberry blonde hair in her beautiful blue-green eyes as she typed out that text. It was funny, kind of. It made me smile and got me out of bed, which was her mission anyway. Juniper knew me well, which was to be expected because she was my best friend and “cousin,” after all.

When I was feeling overwhelmed last year, Juniper promised to text me whenever she could with a joke, a meme, or a photo that would make me smile. Juniper has kept that promise, and I’m grateful. A text of some kind is always sent right before she goes to bed and as soon as Juniper wakes up. These messages make me smile or laugh and remind me that she's there with me no matter how stressed out I get.

I knew I had chores before my extended family and friends arrived. My new coach will be coming too, with his wife and their ward. Ember kept raving about her coolness and that Lilith drove a motorcycle like me. I wanted to see what make and model she had and if Lilith would like to go on a ride sometime. Only a few of my friends had motorcycles, and it would be nice to have someone to plan to go on rides with. I just hoped that she didn’t think I was hitting on her. I had a few female friends because they always wanted to make it more, and I just wanted a friend.

I was excited about seeing Grandpa Dwade, too. He was bringing something from Malin to protect my brothers and me. Everyone worried about us turning 18, and I couldn’t figure out why. Sure, we had exceptional powers, but I highly doubted that would entice a potential partner. Dad was always quoting a comic telling me that with power comes great responsibility. He never explained, only told me that my parents had fought some epic battles when they were younger. I never got the details though, just the highlights. Our life was quiet, without too much drama, and I liked it that way. I hoped peace remained.

Juniper’s Point of View

I giggled at my joke and tossed the phone aside. Mission accomplished. I knew it would get Jax’s ass out of bed. He was one of the most hard-working, dedicated people I knew… but the one who would hit snooze on his alarm until the button broke if you let him. That boy loved his sleep. I teased him that was how Jax would know when he was finally in love. He’d give up his precious sleep just to be with the one who finally stole his heart.

My best friend and “cousin” was seriously unlucky regarding dating. He was gorgeous, intelligent, athletic and genuinely nice. But, with magic in our veins, among other supernatural things, it limited our dating options. Jax always got hit on at school, but no one ever seemed to catch his eye. Jax didn’t want to waste time with someone with whom he would have to hide parts of himself. Unfortunately, those who were magically inclined had all grown up together, and there just wasn’t a spark.

I always wondered if he had a crush on Prue. She and Hazel were twins, always hanging around Jax and Jackson when they could. His eyes followed her with a longing look, but when Prue would look at him, he quickly looked away. Maybe Jax was just shy. I’d encourage him tonight to make a move if he was interested. Jax did tend to overthink things and get lost in his head, except when it came to football. Jax was amazing and focused when he played. It was like he came alive on that field. I couldn’t wait to go and see the first game! I wasn’t a cheerleader like Prue, but I sat in the stands and cheered for my best friend. Even though I didn’t like the crowds and would rather have my nose stuck in a book, for Jax I made it a point to leave some wiggle room in my comfort level.

Grandpa Dwade’s Point of View

“Are you sure that Juniper doesn’t need something as well? She turns 18 this year, too,” I asked the ancient gnome.

Malin smiled at me and shook his head.

“I made sure to add some enchantments to the necklace Raven gave her daughter the last time Juniper visited with Jax,” the gnome replied.

“Juniper is not your granddaughter. Why are you so concerned?” Malin inquired.

“She’s Jax’s best friend, and I’ve watched the girl grow up. Juniper is the best of Joey and Raven and such a sweet girl. If you have anything that could give her extra protection, I would appreciate it,” I asked.

“Juniper likes to read and sketch, eh?” asked the gnome, pondering what he could send back for her.

“Yes, she likes butterflies as well. I think, in some ways, Juniper reminds me of what Sage was like when she was younger,” I admitted. “Perhaps that is one of the biggest reasons I’m inclined to watch over like I do my grandchildren.”

“Sit, give me a few moments, and I’ll be back. I have an idea,” Malin said and disappeared into his workshop.

I’m glad he didn’t offer me one of his unique brews. Those always knocked me out, and I had the most vivid dreams afterwards. I was seeing my grandchildren later today, and the last thing I needed to be was tripping.

Malin emerged, looking quite proud of himself, holding a beautiful ring. The crafty gnome told me it was made of black tourmaline, stunning red quartz, fiery red beryl, and vibrant carnelian in a butterfly design. It would protect and bless Juniper, and it was perfect for her. I knew she would love it, and I placed it carefully in the same bag that held the enchantments for my grandsons. I was excited to give these gifts to the children, knowing that it would protect and bless them in this most pivotal year for them.