Sisters By Chance - The Dawn (Book Two)

Higitur Figitus Zumbabazing

Harry's POV

Elias wasn't checked in at the hospital when we got there. He had gone home. So we're walking through the bustling streets with our minds set on the outskirts of the village. People move out of our way, lowering their heads and greeting us. John has the patients of an angel: nodding and politely smiling in every direction. I tire before it started!

Elias lives with his wife and kids in a quiet neighborhood. His gray one-storied house has light blue trims around the doors and windows. The grass is green and lush in the front yard, and a white fence frames everything neatly.

Kayden holds the gate open for me and John to step onto the gravel path and walk up towards the door. On it hangs a sign telling us - Warning; mischievous pups! - under it is a picture displaying four smiling children. One is missing a front tooth!

Kayden and I are chuckling as John knocks on the door.

A fair-skinned woman with blond hair in a ponytail opened the door while yelling over her shoulder at someone to stop fighting.

Her stern motherly look disappears in the blink of an eye as she sees who's at the door. She bows her head quickly, 'Alpha. Beta.' She murmurs submissively. 'How can I help you?'

'Good morning, Mrs. Birch! We're looking for Elias. Is he in?'

'Yes, come in!' She offers as she steps out of the way. A boy comes running from another room, grinning from ear to ear as he's holding a toy truck against his chest. He looks over his shoulder as if he's getting away with something when his mum reaches out and swiftly grabs and traps him in her arms.

The boy's joy disappears just as fast as he appears. He looks up at her, then around the narrow hallway letting his eyes fall upon us one at a time before grinning again.

'Wow, Mama! It's Alpha!'

'Hello, little man! Where are you running off to?' John greets him.

The boy puffs out his chest before bowing his head. I can't help chuckling at the boy. He'll be a great warrior one day, just like his dad!

'Hi, Alpha! I'm hiding!'

John smiles as he c***s an eyebrow at the boy leaning down and whispering, 'Oh? From what?'

'My brother, I've taken his truck!' The boy beams at John while whispering as he rises to his tippy toes.

'Stealing, are we?' John smirks down at the boy who's faltering under his gaze, 'don't get caught?' he adds with a wink. The small boy squealed before breaking free from his mum and running off.

'I'm sorry, Alpha! He's not even the hard one!' She laughed as she waved us to follow her inside, leading us to the kitchen.

'Good morning, Elias!' I greet him stepping inside the small but well-planned room.

'Good morning, Alpha, Beta, Kayden!' He greets us, sounding a bit mushy, 'please take a seat!'

Elias's left eye is swollen shut. His face is puffy and bruised. The different colors are shimmering shades of blue, purple, green, and yellow. His lip has been split twice but is healing.

'Ow, that looks as if it hurts!' I tell him as I pull out a chair.

Elias's eye clouds over. He then looks toward his wife in the doorway and smiles.

'I'll see you when you come home, my love!'

I see her smile and nod his way before turning and leaving.

'So, what happened?' John asks as he leans back on a chair.

Elias looks apprehensive between John and Kayden. Kayden nods his head, and Elias sighs.

'Don't be too hard on him, Alpha! He's my cousin, and he didn't mean to. He wasn't himself!'

The nervousness makes me uncomfortable.

'We're not out to get him, Elias. Tim is not in trouble! We want to help him!' I assure him, leaning forward. He nodded solemnly before taking a deep breath and telling us about finding him on the balcony. Tim had told him about his wolf hating him and about being a horrible person. Then he had attempted to leave, and Elias followed.

'When I grabbed his shoulder, he overpowered me, dislocated my shoulder. Then he straddled me and aimed for my face. His eyes were empty, Alpha. As if he didn't know where he was...'

'That's when I came and pulled him away, and he took off!' Kayden concludes, and we all fall silent. Everyone is deep in thought, including me. What on earth has he been through to react like that? The memory of him in the darkness, broken and smeared in that horrid mixture of blood and mud. The smell alone could bring tears to anyone's eyes.

'Do you know where he is?' I ask, breaking the silence.

Elias sighs while placing his head in his hands and shaking it.

'I'm sorry about all this!' John tells him while standing to his feet while adding, 'get some rest, and we'll find Tim!'

'Rest? Alpha, didn't you meet my son in the hallway?' Elias chuckles, 'I have three more boys! There is not much resting in this house!'

We all laugh at that, wishing him good luck instead as he follows us to the door.

'Kayden, you're dismissed. Thank you for all your help! Take the day off, and heal. We'll find Tim!' John orders.

Kayden bowed before walking back to the center, leaving us behind. I watch his back as he disappears, leaning against the gate. Tiny droplets are dripping on the pavement and my face as I look around the neighborhood. John looks as deep in thought as me where he stands studying his surroundings.

'What do you think?' I ask John. 'Where could he be?'

'Try mindlink him, and if he doesn't want to answer, I'll command him back!' John's answer is resolute and indisputable.

I nod and focus on Tim, letting him feel me trying to reach him before talking.

'Tim, where are you?'

I feel he's within reach, even though I'm not sure he's conscious. There is no response, only silence. So I try again.

'Tim!'

'Beta?'

To hear him answer is a relief, and it makes me chuckle.

'Well, good morning, sunshine! Where are you?'

'I'm not sure!'

'Do you know what happened last night?'

'Yes.' He answers quietly.

'Could you come back and talk to us about it?'

He falls silent again, not answering me.

'Tim, come back and talk to us!' I tell him sternly.

'Yes, Beta!'

My eyes focus on John as I end the conversation.

'He's awake and coming back to the packhouse to talk with us.' I tell him. He nods approvingly, and we start to walk back, talking about Raven instead.

*

John's office is spotless as I step inside. It's almost lunchtime, and John just linked me that Tim's here. He's seated in one of the visitor's chairs, nervously tapping his foot against the rug, making a dull sound traveling through the room. I slumped onto the chair beside him greeting him cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood.

'Hey, man! How are you?'

John gives me a stern look while Tim doesn't look up. He only mumbles a small hello while looking at his hands resting in his lap, palms up. I suspect they're pounding from a puls of their own due to the redness and how swollen they look.

John coughs, breaking the silence, 'So, Tim, I'm glad you came!' John tells him. 'Now. We have heard from Elias and Kayden about what happened last night. Do you want to tell us for yourself?'

Tim closes and opens his hands, keeping his knuckles from view.

'I'm not sure I can explain it, Alpha!' He mumbles.

Jack hummed in my head, demanding me to ask about the shoulder. So I did. But Tim shrugged, not answering.

'Tim!' John said firmly. 'Look at me!'

He slowly lifts his head to look at John, who's only continuing when Tim's facing him. 'I don't know what you've been through, and I want you to know; that I'm sorry! I should have never sent you to follow that man without backup. That's on me. I'm to blame for putting you in that position. It's my fault you were imprisoned and used. Please forgive me!'

I'm dumbfounded. Seeing my best friend apologize is as rare as seeing a unicorn do cartwheels on an open field. Man, I wished I had a camera. Tim's nervous tapping stops, and his shoulders slump as he breathes a sigh of relief. I don't know what e expected John to say, but whatever it was, it wasn't this!

'I forgive you, Alpha!' He tells him, making John smile.

'Thank you!' John humbly lowered his head as he spoke. I haven't thought of how Tim ended up in captivity. However, I now see the anguish in my friends' eyes. John has been feeling bad about his mistake, and I might have to reevaluate my position as a friend. How could I have missed this?

'You're not to train for the time being, and I want you to make an appointment with Mrs. Lee. You're welcome back to training when she deems it fit. However, you can choose if you'd like to move back to the campsite or if you want to stay here in the packhouse.'

Tim opened his mouth and then closed it again before nodding and mumbling, 'Yes, Alpha!'

'We're cool, right?' I ask Tim. Even though I still haven't forgiven his attitude toward Raven.

'Yeah, we are.' Tim tells me, 'Is Raven still here?'

'She'll be back soon. She's packing up her stuff.'

'She's moving?'

'Yeah, she's staying here for a while!' I tell him with a definitive

undertone. Letting him know that it isn't debatable.

Tim nods thoughtfully before looking up at me and murmuring.

'I'll apologize to her when she's back!'

'That sounds good! Just remember that words are fine and all but actions speak louder than words!' I tell him. 'Like you, she's been through a lot in her life. And she needs friends! Not attitude...'

His eyes flare dark for a split second before going back.

'I get it, Beta! I'll make sure she knows I'm sorry!' He tells me.

*

*

*

Raven's POV

'I'm never drinking again!' I moaned loudly to Charlotte as I dragged myself upstairs.

'Don't be so dramatic! I'll bet you; Harry has already ordered some human stuff! He's an obnoxious i***t but a good guy!' She tells me with a smirk. The thought of my friend makes me warm and fuzzy inside. Not as with Big Bear - where all I could think about was jumping his bones all the time. It's a different kind of fuzziness.

'He is! Isn't he!' I hum as I fake swoon a little making her laugh.

'I'll take a nap while you go home and pack up!' Charlotte smiled as she patted my arm.

'You do that, Sexy Mama!' I groan while waving her off.

Harry's apartment is open. He never locked it as we walked down for breakfast. I found my wand on the nightstand, grabbed it, and used it to transfer myself to my cold and lonely tent.

Everything is washed-out and white except for the rug-covered floor - It's a mishmash of colors. It feels empty and sad. As if no one is living here. And I feel like I've already moved out and left this place for good.

'Venire,' I mumble while nicking my wand toward me through the air as if bringing something toward me. My suitcase comes flying and lands on the ground before my feta. I feel like Merlin in; The sword in the stone - when he's packing up his hut. I take a dramatic stand tapping my wand against my thigh before proclaiming: 'very well! We'll pack and be on our way!'

I know the words by heart. It's not a real spell, but the words are funny.

'Higitur figitus zumbabazing, I want your attention ev'rything! We're packing to leave. Come on, let's go!' I tell my stuff all around me as if they had life. I see before my eyes how the sugar bowl wants to be first and chuckle at my silliness.

'Shrink in size, very small! We've got to make space for all!' I hum as I wield my wand for real this time. I conduct my own orchestra, making my things fly through the air into my bag.

Doggie said he was helping me when he'd finished up with whatever. But there is no need! I dragged my bag outside and looked at what's been my home for years. The memory of Big Bear trampling all over it and that time it snowed to the extent that it almost collapsed is another less cozy memory. I consider keeping the shield up to protect it and leaving it just in case I'd need it. It has served me well despite never liking it.

I nod as I make up my mind. I'll leave it for now. The move might be temporary. What happens when the Auroras are defeated? I might be coming back. Or if I die, fighting them? Then I won't need it at all!

'Bye, bye!' I tell it with a slight wave before turning on the spot and disappearing back to my new home.

Back in Harry's room, I throw my suitcase into a corner before throwing myself onto the bed. The packing made me crazy tired. I need to sleep for like a week or so!

My head is heavy, and my fingers are shaking as the alcohol finally leaves my body. I think, or rather hope, I'll be human again by lunch!

*

*

*

I'm still not used to waking up embedded in warmth. I don't believe heaven can come close to this! Everything smells like Doggie, and I snuggle deep into his pillow, burying my face from the world as I sigh contently; this is perfect!

'Rise and shine, darling!'

Scratch that!

'Little witch!' He sings loudly, 'come out, come out wherever you are!'

His obnoxious happiness is going to be the death of him, I swear. I'll kill him!

'What?' I yell at him as I throw the cover off my head. I'm still in his t-shirt, but my hair has fallen from the bun, creating an untamed bird's nest on my head. I know my face is puffy from sleep, and I don't want to open my eyes. Not yet!

When he speaks up again, he's inches from my ear, making me jump and nearly punch his face.

'Well, well! You've been prettier!'

'I'll strangle you in you're sleep!' I threaten with a low hissing, only making him snort with laughter.

'Is that how you speak to your friends?' He pouts. 'That's not very nice, is it?'

When I suck in air, getting ready to answer. Another voice speaks up, revealing that Harry isn't alone as I thought.

'In her defense, you woke her up, Beta!'

'Don't be such a suck-up!' Doggie growls playfully. And I snapped my eyes open. I know that voice, the low tone, and the slight rasp. Harry grinned at me from above, and I felt a powerful urge to punch his teeth out.

'Careful, Doggie. Or I'll learn to enjoy tea!' I huff. Harry isn't looking at me, though, as he answers smugly.

'My dear friend here keeps threatening to turn me into a teacup, but nothing yet! I don't even think she knows how to do it!'

'She seems more than capable!' The raspy voice murmurs.

And I fight every cell in my body not to turn and look at him. I prefer to hide under the duvet instead and never come up for air, ever! I know how he looks. His blond hair, blue eyes, and inviting lips. Why is he here?

I meet Harry's eyes as he turns back towards me, hoping he'll get my question without me putting it into words. But he's useless! Only tilting his head to the side and c*****g an eyebrow with a smirk.

'We're here to help you fetch your things! Alpha is wondering if you'd like a room to yourself or if you'd like to stay with me?'

'Too little too late! I have all my things.' I say, waving my hand in the direction of my suitcase in the corner. 'And if it's alright, I'll stay with you!' I add lovingly before whispering, 'otherwise, I won't be able to kill you in your sleep!'

Tim makes a funny noise that turns into a chuckle from the doorway, and my skin gets prickly. Why is he here? He's distracting me!

Doggie smirks at me and pouts his lips sending me air kisses before telling me he loves me too. The air in the room goes thick, and I feel a little suffocated. I shove Harry's chest angrily, not making any impact whatsoever.

Stupid wolves!

'Feed me!' I order him dismissively.

'No!' Harry smirks. Oh, how I wish I could wipe that off his face.

'So, your useless?'

'I'm not feeding you. Yet!'

He nods towards the door, and I fall for the need to look. Adonis stands leaning against the wall with his hands behind his back. The tired expression on his face makes me wanna hug him and tell him that he's going to be okay! Even though I don't know what's wrong. He sends me a cautious smile as I meet his eyes.

Why on earth is he here? Is he the latest addition to Doggie's army of witch-sitters?

Harry stands and walks off, patting Adonis's shoulder as he passes him, murmuring something under his breath. Adonis's face goes pale, and his eyes go dark before he nods his head to Harry. And Harry leaves.

I slowly sit and reach for my wand, pulling it into my lap. I need it to feel safe without "my Doggie" around.

'So...' He mumbles. 'I've been a jerk! And I want to apologize.'

I stay quiet, waiting for him to continue. But he says nothing.

'Well, go on then!'

'With?'

'Apologizing, of course!'

'I already did!' He states with a tone of surprise, making me laugh. 'Na-ah! You said that you want to apologize. That's not an apology!'

Tim's face is adorable as he registers the differences. It's like seeing the glowing orb change colors. Except he is changing emotions; surprise, confusion, understanding, and recognition. His eyes flicker between baby blue and midnight dark as he slowly steps toward me. I clutch my wand nervously, watching him fall to his knees before the bed. He's a large man. And if he'd been without a shirt, Oh my! I couldn't have fought the impulse to lick my lips. He's still the most beautiful man I have ever seen, despite now having bags under his eyes as if he hasn't slept.

'What happened to you?' I frown, making him sigh.

'Nothing I didn't deserve! Now, Raven. I'm sorry for what I said, for how I said it. But mostly for how I made you feel. Can you please forgive me?' His tone and eyes prayed for me to accept his apology. When I said nothing, he lowered his gaze and then his head, resting his forehead against the bed.

Forgiveness? I should be able to give him that. He didn't do anything too horrible! I've been through worse, much worse. Yet I feel incredibly hurt by this man. And unsettled by the power he seems to have over me. How can he affect me this much? I don't even know him, to be honest.

At the same time, my heart aches for him. He is hurting somehow, and all I want to do; is take him in my arms and comfort him. All this is too confusing.

Fuck! I hate being indecisive. Confidence is key! And since I've met these damn wolves, I've become distracted. I don't even recognize myself anymore. All this does; is create pressure over my chest - a vise squeezing my heart. I feel the minutes pass as I contemplate, and the air goes thick again. Anxiety, I tell myself it is. I'm not sure how I know it or feel it. But I'm sure of it.

The silky blond locks before me are thick and lush. They look soft and inviting, making my fingers tingle from the urge to touch them for myself. As in a trance, I reach out and let my fingertips dance across the ends. My dance slowly turns to me twirling a lock around my finger before allowing it to glide between them. I catch it before it falls back and twirl it all over. It's as soft as I imagined it! And I can't resist running my finger through it down to his scalp, combing it, looking at the strands of hair giving way for my fingers and falling back into place.

I keep playing with Tim's hair, lost in the moment. I feel the vise loosens its grip, and my lungs expand fully, making it easy to breathe again. However, it's not my breathing that I hear in the room. Deep breaths and a steady rise and fall of Tim's shoulders bring me back to the present.

Oh, s**t! He has fallen asleep.

I suppress a giggle at the thought; that I made the wolf fall asleep like a pup. I grab the wand still in my lap, slowly spinning it while mumbling not to wake him from his slumber.

'Elevatio.'

His body limply levitates up into the air before soaring towards me. I keep spinning my wand, turning him to his back while I move out of the way, making room for him in the bed. I put him down where I had my head minutes ago, letting him rest. His body jerks when I let the magic that has lifted him fall from around him, and a soft snore comes from him as his nose twitch. My stomach grumbles as I stand to my feet, looking at his sleeping form. His arms rest alongside his body, showing his swollen hands. They look as if something heavy has run over them, and I shudder at the sight.

I guess I'll have to forgive him later.

'Where is Tim?' Doggie asks as I step out into his living room. He's seated on his couch playing a game, not looking up at me as I close the door.

'Asleep! I don't think he's feeling well!' I shrug.

'We don't get sick!' Harry tells me adamantly, still not looking up.

'Well, he has!' I frown. 'And I'm hungry!'

Harry pauses his game and looks at me, bothered by my words. Instead of saying anything, he nods and stands to leave, mumbling something about every dumbass person being allowed to sleep in his f*****g bed. Harry makes me smile widely. Because even if he's not happy about it, He'll let it remain so, for now.

'Come on, buddy, don't be such a sourpuss!' I laugh as I jump his back, throwing my arms around his neck. 'Now, take me to the food!'