Wolves of Enchantment

Chapter 12: I Won't Be Ignored

Jackson’s Point of View

I watched in frustration as the twins fawned over Axel, accepting the bitter truth that Hazel would never be mine. It wasn't like I didn't have other options, but it still stung. So I turned my attention to the new girl, determined to make her mine. But things took a turn for the worse. She seemed impressed by my singing until Ember's comment changed everything. Suddenly, Lilith's face twisted in disgust, as if I were nothing but a slimy piece of gum stuck to her shoe.

What was going on? Was little Ember up to her usual mischief? As much as I adored my baby sister, she had a knack for pushing my buttons. Was this another one of her schemes, again messing with my vibe? Ember could be absolutely infuriating at times!

Listening to Prue and Hazel talk like that to Lilith made me angry. I avoided going to football games because the cheerleaders and players acted superior to everyone else. My brother, Jax, was an exception; he was a genuinely good guy. However, he didn't realize how mean some of his teammates could be when he wasn't there. The twins never used to be that bad, but I guess they’ve changed.

I don’t know why I felt like I should speak up. Usually, I would shrug and let it go, but this time, I couldn’t let Lilith be on the receiving end of their harsh words. I knew she could stand up for herself; I had seen that on the raft. Yet, my attempts at getting under her skin still did not affect her. I was still frustrated, but I couldn't just remain silent and watch her be mistreated.

Lilith wasn’t my type, but I was drawn to her. Maybe it was because Lilith didn’t want me. I never liked feeling ignored. Perhaps it was from being the youngest of triplets and having a famous father who was not present for most of my childhood. It surprised me that everyone, except Ember, seemed shocked when I defended Lilith and complimented her. She was gorgeous and intriguing. I wasn’t making that up!

I loved how it felt to wrap my arms around her body as we playfully wrestled with her on top of me on the raft. My body inevitably reacted to being so close to her, but I was surprised by her sudden reaction. She quickly jumped up and fell into the water to get away from me. This had never happened to me before with any other girl. Even the twins would have indulged in some fun with me. Well, I think they would have. I’d never put myself in that position with Hazel or Prue before.

Lilith was staying over in one of the guest rooms. I wanted to spend more time with her and get to know her. Spending the afternoon with her had been enjoyable, and I wouldn't mind doing it again.

I found my brothers and started helping them put everything away. Everyone had already left, and only our parents remained outdoors with us.

“How’s Lilith?” my Mom asked, looking past me. I turned to see Ember pulling Lilith toward the house, with Juniper following close behind.

“The twins were being little bitches,” I groaned.

“Given who their father is, that’s not surprising,” my Dad muttered, and Mom glared at him.

“River, Jace changed. When will you let that go?” my Mom growled.

“Honestly? Never,” shrugged my Dad.

My brothers and I turned and looked at the two of them, wondering what was going on.

“Jace and your Mom have… a history,” my Dad explained. “He was an asshole to her, and I’ve never completely forgiven him for it.”

“What about Anna?” I asked, curious as to what the dynamics were between them.

“Oh, she’s odd, but Anna has always been sweet. She and your Uncle Joey were best friends with Phoenix growing up. There has never been an issue with Anna, just Jace,” my Dad explained.

“River, when you say they have a history, does that mean Jace bullied Mom?” Axel asked my Dad.

"No, Jace and I were together before I started dating River. We did have some serious problems, but people can change, and we were able to work through them," my Mom said with a sigh.

“Before you even think of asking what happened, don’t,” she added.

My father turned to me and my brothers with a serious expression. "It's important that Lilith feels accepted at school," he said. "Will you make sure she feels welcome?"

“Have either of you boys heard from Lilith about why she's staying with Emily and Jason?” Mom inquired, her voice filled with concern. I turned to Jax and Axel, but they both shook their heads in confusion. None of us knew what was happening. My parents exchanged a knowing look, silently communicating with each other through their eyes. After a moment, my Dad gave a slight nod while my Mom heaved a heavy sigh.

“Lilith’s parents passed away while on a mission. Emily and Jason were chosen to be her guardians until Lilith finished school. She had to leave behind everything she knew to come here. Lilith will need a solid support system to help her cope with all that she has been through. I hope the three of you will be there for her,” my Mom explained.

Eve’s Point of View

Mom had bound my powers after the last time she’d tried to talk to me because I summoned darts to fly at her head. They would have missed, but that didn’t seem to matter.

Which son should I target first? One of them would be mine. I had to fulfill that damn prophecy, after all. Mom never told me, but I had ways of finding out information when I wanted it badly enough. It was a minor cost, nothing I couldn’t pay.

I scanned the picture of the three boys standing together in the forest. It took some digging on a family friend's social media page, but I finally found it and printed it out. Placing it on my dart board, I pondered which boy to go after first. After closing my eyes, I let the dart decide for me.