HELLHOUND (Book Two of the Wisteria Chronicles)

CHAPTER 15~Mentor~

Titus

     I woke up to an empty bed, a note left on Phoebe’s pillow. Your sisters came for me, was all it said. I rolled my eyes, typical. I got dressed and headed down stairs. I entered the dining hall, searching for my mate. Cyrus laughed, “They already left bro.” I frowned, taking my seat at the table. “Where?” I asked. Brantley shrugged, “You know how crazy they are when it's the day of the festival.”

      Today was the 6th Annual Crescent Woods Festival. The pack spent all day doing family oriented activities, barbecuing and lit fireworks at the end. Lotus also held a small memorial service for Gwen. I took my time eating. I knew that once breakfast was over, we were going to have to go outside and work.

   I took my last bites of food, the guys watching me like hawks. I sighed and put my fork down, Devlin grinned as he grabbed my arms and rushed me outside. We spent a majority of the morning setting up tables, chairs, food stalls, jumpers, etcetera. 

    I would catch glimpses of Phoebe being towed around by one of the girls, a bright smile on her face. My sisters could be overbearing at times but I’m glad she seems to be keeping up. Devlin finally released us when the last stand for face painting was put up. I sat under a tree, letting the shade cool me down. 

   I closed my eyes, listening to the families enjoying the festival. I smelled her sweet lavender honey scent before I heard her footsteps. She sat down next to me and leaned her head into my chest. I reached over and intertwined our hands. We didn’t say anything, the silence was comforting. 

       “Auntie Bee!” shouted Summer and Autumn. The girls ran over with wide smiles. “Auntie Bee can we hang out with you and uncle Titi today?” Summer asked. Phoebe chuckled and looked over at me. “We would love that.” she replied, making the girls squeal.  

   “Can I play with your hair?” Autumn asked, her tiny hands already disappearing into Phoebe’s coils. Phoebe giggled and gave her permission. My nieces began to fawn over Phoebe. “Auntie your hair is so nice.” “Auntie I want my ears pierced too.” I chuckled as she awkwardly navigated through their compliments and requests. 

   A friendly face approached us with the rest of the children. “Bruce! How have you been?” I asked. Bruce grinned as he tried to juggle his twin toddlers, in his arms. “I’ve never been better.” he said. He looked amazing. Lotus had told me about his sad past, but now he was practically glowing with happiness. “Lotus asked me to leave the kids with you while I try to find Carly.”

  I laughed, “I saw her waddling around and pushing people out of the way near the food stalls earlier.” Carly was in her fourth month of her pregnancy, her cravings were aggressive this time around. Bruce busted out laughing, “I’ll be on my way to the food stalls then.” He shooed the hoard away and took his leave. August sat next to me while his cousins piled onto our laps. The kids were anxious to get started 

    We walked around the festival with all seven children in tow. The girls had their faces painted in different butterfly designs. The boys played a shooting game where Cylis annihilated the targets. He took a majority of the prizes, the stall owner livid.   

  Phoebe led the raid of the food stalls. She handed out candy, giant turkey legs, corn on the cob and much more. She fed me food relentlessly, her eyes dazzling with each new flavor. Phoebe seemed like a completely  different person. I’ve never seen her smile or laugh this way. The children adored her as much as she adored them. I felt like a love-sick puppy watching her shine.

   Lotus and the girls didn’t find us until the sun set. Violet and Donnie peeled Zara and little DJ’s sleeping bodies off of Phoebe. Lila and Lily grabbed their children’s hands while Devlin and Lotus grabbed the triplets. Lotus led the way to a small memorial service table. A picture of Gwen was placed on top, her mischievous smile wide.

   The Wisteria sisters placed lotus, lilac and lily flowers on the table. The triplets were tasked with carrying the blue cake that said Aiden and Archer. Lotus came forwards and lit three candles, her eyes gleaming with unshed tears. The ranked members approached the table and offered their thanks to Gwen and prayers for the return of the twins.

The Crescent Woods pack followed suit, mourning the loss of the Summons family. Phoebe and I approached the table together. “I didn’t know her but she must’ve been someone extraordinary.” she murmured. She placed two small peridot ores on the table. 

     “What’s that?” I asked. She shrugged, “This is just an elven tradition we do for we want to send positive energy to.” I listened intently, she’s never talked about her heritage before.  “Peridot is the birthstone for August. It represents strength and the restoration of peace. I hope you can find them and bring them home soon.” She said. I pecked her forehead, “Me too.”

    “Phoebe! Titus!” Lotus called out to us. I led us through the crowd to meet up with her group. “Phoebe, there is someone I want you to meet.” Lotus said. Blair stepped forward with a surprise look on her face. I felt Phoebe’s whole body tense up next to me. 

Phoebe

       My heart hammered against my chest. Why in the hell was Blair Summons here?! Titus gave me a gentle push forward. “Don’t be shy, baby.” he said encouragingly. I lifted up a shaky arm. “I-It’s a pleasure to meet you, my name is Phoebe.” I stammered. Blair looked at me through squinted eyes. She grasped my hand and pulled me in. 

    “Princess, we have a lot to talk about.” she whispered in my ear, my body breaking out into a cold sweat. She pulled away, “Welcome to the family dear. You can call me auntie Blair from now on. I can't wait to catch up with you.” I chuckled nervously as she squeezed my shoulders before she turned away. Titus gave me a nudge, “I’m so proud of you baby!” I licked my dry lips before smiling up at him.

   We spent the rest of the festival with his family, the fireworks signaling the end. Titus showed me mercy and carried me up the stairs to our room. I kicked off my shoes and put on the pajamas Titus handed to me. I pulled the covers over our tried bodies, sighing as I nestled into Titus’s hold.    

     “Did you have fun?” he sleepily asked me. I grunted a yes, too tired to speak. He laughed a little before falling asleep. My body was exhausted, but my mind was running nonstop. What were the chances that Blair Summons would be related to Titus. 

    I had met Blair years ago when the Council visited the palace. She was easy to talk to and developed a quick friendship with my mother before she had passed. She attended her funeral to offer me condolences, knowing it wasn’t necessary since she wasn’t a part of the Council anymore. I couldn’t believe she had recognized me and still didn’t say anything. 

     I’ll talk to her tomorrow, I needed to make sure she would keep my secret. Her silence made me nervous. I wanted to find Faedan first then tell Titus the whole truth. I didn’t need Blair messing everything up.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I walked towards a secluded corner in the garden, following Blair’s scent. I had received a note from her asking to meet up after breakfast. I had no reason to decline her, the sooner we talked the better. Her scent became stronger as I took a turn. She was sitting on a bench; her hair hung loose and a small smile played on her lips.

    I steeled my nerves and marched up to her. “Do you plan on telling my secret?!” my high-pitched demand revealing how scared I was. “Princess, if I wanted to divulge your secret, I wouldn’t be meeting you here. Come sit.” She chuckled, patting the spot next to her. I took a hesitant step forward, plopping down beside her. I turned my head, staring at her with mild confusion.

    “If you’re not here to rat me out, then what do you want?” I asked. She grabbed my sweaty hand and stayed silent for a few minutes. “I am over the moon to see you here Phoebe.” she said, a fat tear falling. “I’ve grieved for so many friends and family this past decade. My best friend, my cousin, their children. I’ve mourned for your mother and I mourned for you.” she murmured, her voice sad.

    “You were so full of life, slightly wild and a bit lazy.” she said, making me chuckle. “I’m so relieved that I no longer have to mourn for you. We both can celebrate this miracle. But first, you need to tell me what happened. Why do people think you’re dead and why are’t you ruling your kingdom?”

      I looked down, unsure of what to say. We should tell her, Phoenix said. Everything? I questioned. Everything, Phoenix replied. I smiled up at Blair. I closed my eyes and relived the worst night of my life. I told her about my sister, the goddesses and my missions. I told her about my life with Titus and my search for  Faedan. For the first time in years I was finally able to be my true self.  

     Blair held my hand the whole time, offering me quiet support. When I finished, she took a deep breath and shook her head. “Ok, I’ve officially decided.” she said suddenly. I frowned, “Decided on what?” “I will be your magical mentor.” her eyes were clear and determined. I shook my head, “What? Why?” 

      “From the sound of it, you need to be as strong as possible if you’re going to go to the Underworld and locate a Fallen.” she said matter-of-factly. “I'm already strong!” I pouted. She waved her hands, “Yes, you have potential. But your aura is all over the place. You magical essence is just escaping instead of you controlling it.” 

   I frowned, “It is not all over the place.” Blair scoffed, “Darling, your aura is a hot mess. You're wasting your ability with subpar methods. You did two mid-level spells that left you weakened. You also had to use a magic circle which left you vulnerable to physical attacks.” She counted my faults. “W-Well, yeah, I-I”  I fumbled to defend myself. 

     Blair stood up and flicked her wrist, her enchantment only four words long. A pale yellow haze formed around the pack house in seconds. My mouth dropped open as Blair smirked with pride. “I just performed the same barrier you described with no circle.” My mouth flopped a few times. “Well of course you did! You a damn Summons for crying out loud!” 

       Blair scowled at me. “My genes have nothing to do with this. My magic is at this level because of my training. This is just a simple spell. If I wanted to, I could extend this to the entire territory and it not phase me.” I stared at her in disbelief, I didn’t know how vast her power was.  “I see the same potential in you.” she continued.

   I grabbed my elbows, trying to understand. Could I really be that powerful? “Will I be as strong as you?” I asked her, my cheek red with embarrassment. “Stronger.” she said without hesitation. I shivered at the thought. She started to walk away, I had to jog to catch up with her. “Wait where are you going?”

   “We need to start immediately.” she said, never looking back. “Right now?!” I squeaked. Blair simply nodded her head. “Also, I overheard Titus asking Lotus to help train you in self-defense.” My stride faltered, “Why?” Blair shrugged, “He probably wants to make sure that you don’t get hurt. Just making sure that you’ll be ok for when he can’t be there to protect you.” 

    I frowned. Titus promised to always protect me, why did it seem like was preparing for me to have to fight on my own? Blair snapped her finger, drawing my attention back to her. “Go change. We start at 15. The girls will have their turn with you starting this evening. Make sure you were something you’ll feel comfortable sweating in.” I paled at her words, this already sounded like hell.