Return to Wisteria (Book Three of the Wisteria Chronicles)

CHAPTER 25~Coward~

Nova

     I double checked the bags to make sure I had everything; I didn’t plan on coming back for a while. I tiptoed to the door and creeped it open. I poked my head out, making sure no one was coming. With the coast clear, I gently shut the door and locked it. I ran over to my bed and grabbed my bags. It was time to get the hell out of here. 

     “And where do you think you're going, young lady?” I yelped at Mom’s sudden appearance. “Well?” she asked, her arms folded. “M-Mom. I… I can't stay here like this.” I nervously blurted out. My parents had kept me on a hard lockdown since Summer left three months ago. When Vincent was revealed to the supernatural world as a traitor, the people were in a consistent civil unrest. 

       They demanded justice, threatened other Council members, and their distrust of others was harming innocents. Dad said staying close and at home was the best thing for my safety. They wanted me to concentrate on concealing my aura. With everything that was happening they didn’t want to take any chances. Not only was I putting myself at risk but also my people. But I mastered my new powers weeks ago, they had no reason to keep me here. I was tired of living in fear. This felt like a prison. 

       Mom tapped her foot, her expression angry and concerned. “Mom, I'm dying here. I can't even go to Hell’s Shield. It's been three months.” I tried to explain. Mom furrowed her brows, “Things have been a little tense lately. Especially with your brother's Alpha Ceremony coming up in July.”

       I nodded my head, trying not to show the hope that was slowly growing in my heart. “I assume you were trying to go to Wisteria Forest.” She didn't make it a question. “Yes. Summer and Autumn keep me updated but I feel like I'm missing out on their lives. They are remaking history and I want to be there for them.” I replied. 

      Mom squinted her eyes, her gaze on my bags. “How long do you plan on staying?” she asked. I shrugged nonchalantly, “Just until reconstruction is finished. Maybe a little after Summer has her ceremony.” Mom rolled her eyes at my attempt to act casual. “That could be up to two months!” she growled. 

           I shrugged again, “It could be, but all I want to do is help them. I really miss them too.” I lowered my gaze; I was being honest. I haven't been able to see them since Summer and I dropped Zaida off. We normally did everything together.  I felt useless being here without them. “You'll go straight there, no stops.” Mom huffed. 

         I snapped my head up, excitement flooding through me. “For real?” I asked cautiously.  “Yes. You better mind your manners and stay out of trouble. If I have to come down there because of a mess you and your cousins created, it will be hell to pay.” she threatened. I squealed as I jumped into her arms, “Thank you! Thank you!” Mom hugged me back, “I'm serious Nova, stay out of trouble. I expect you to be home the day after Summer’s ceremony.”

        I kissed her cheek, a giggle slipping through her threat. “I promise to behave Mom. There's too much to do over there anyway. We won't have the time for mischief.” I tried to convince her. “Mmmhhmm.” was all she said before pulling away. I readjusted my bags and gave her a bright smile. "I'll see you soon." I saluted her nod of approval.

        I warped over to Wisteria. It was more stunning than the pictures Summer sent. The warm spring air felt good on my cheeks, the purple trees swaying in the breeze. I heard someone calling my name before I was tackled down to the ground. Summer and Autumn wrestled with me, our laughter unapologetically loud. 

         “I can’t believe you made it out of there alive!” Autumn groaned dramatically; dirt smeared all over her face. “Of course, I did. It was easy as pie.” I gloated. “Mmmhmm, I called Auntie Phoebe and got permission for you to come out.” Summer said with a raised brow. My mouth flapped open. Well that explains why Mom was so calm about me sneaking away.

       “Lemme help you up.” A friendly voice called, their hand extended. “Grace!” I squealed, accepting her offer. Summer had introduced Grace through video chat a few days after they had settled down. I had talked to her just as much as I had talked to my cousins.

     Grace pulled me to my feet and helped me dust the dirt off my back. “It’s good to finally meet you in person.” I giggled, giving her a big hug. “I know! I hate using those damn phones; there are too many buttons.” she grumbled. The group chuckled, the conversation turning towards the construction.

    “Let me show you around.” Summer chirped. They lead me around the territory, making sure to highlight the most recent developments. So far there were only twenty cottages that were fully functional. Summer and Autumn were staying with Grace while the pack house was being built. 

      Auntie Violet helped with the designs. She had demanded that another sixty cottages be built. Summer had fussed, arguing that there weren’t enough members to fill the cottages. But her mom had gracefully guilted her saying that rebuilding the territory to its original size would mean the world to her.    

    So now the other cottages, the massive library and stores were under construction. Summer grumbled about the cost, but she didn’t seem too worried. Uncle Devlin had turned over the old accounts and funds that had accrued interest over the past 20 years. He said that he never felt right about accepting it. The pack wouldn’t need to worry about income for the next several generations. 

   I shuffled my feet, this territory was huge! By the time they dragged me to the lake, my back was covered in sweat. The lake was beautiful, its wide body connected to the mountain range a few miles back. Autumn was excited to host barbecues for the pack.

  The tour ended in front of the pack house. Summer’s eyes shined as she explained what it would look like. It was going to be the usual three-story building, with an enormous common room, kitchen and dining hall. “But I want it painted white, so the wisteria trees stand out.” Summer said dreamily.

      “We also added an underground bunker and clinic that was completed last week.” Grace announced. Summer was really taking the safety of her pack to the next level. I didn’t blame her, but this was still intense. I shivered, this was another reminder that the war was coming, and we needed to be extra cautious. 

       I shook my head to clear my dark thoughts. “So, what can I do?” my voice cheery. Autumn and Grace shared a look then grabbed my bags. Summer’s grip on my hand became tighter as she pulled me towards the back of the pack house. “There’s only one thing I couldn’t ask anyone else to do.” she said mysteriously.

   We stopped in front of an overgrown garden, it’s length almost 300 yards long and stood eight feet tall. “It used to be a maze. It was the only thing that wasn’t burnt down. Do you think you could make it beautiful again?” Summer asked. My mouth dropped; I was shocked by her request. The maze was intimidating; even in its messiness it was beautiful.

   I walked up to what used to be a rose bush and gently touched its twisted branches. I softly whispered a spell then stepped back to watch the magic unfold. The overgrown bush started to unravel itself, its gnarled roots retreating into the ground. Large yellow roses began to bud and bloom, their warm fragrance carried on the wind.

   The girls exclaimed, equally captivated. “I’d be honored to help.” I beamed at Summer. She tried to blink away the tears that were forming. “Thank you, Nova.” she said gruffly. Autumn and Grace crowded my face, demanding to know what my plans were for the maze. 

   Opal stirred, her pacing agitated. The smell of crushed pine became stronger. That’s weird, I thought the smell was coming from the maze. “Nova, are you listening to me?” Autumn huffed. I turned my head to focus on her words, the source of the smell was walking this way. 

    “Hey, Auggie. Did the Council release you early?” Summer asked him. August stalked towards us, his gaze never leaving mine. Goddess, August was always attractive, but this was too much. His beauty mark stood out against his long eyelashes and his dark green eyes were clouded over and unreadable. His deep caramel skin had tanned, giving him a warm hue. I licked my lips.

     August inserted himself into our small circle, his broad chest heaving. I stepped forward to touch him, but he shook his head quickly, giving me a hard look. Maybe he wants to talk in private, Opal guessed. I bit my lip, Maybe.

     “Not quite. I have one more follow up meeting with them then I’ll be able to go home. I just stopped by to see how everything was going.” he answered. Summer smiled, “It’s good. Thank you for all of your help and recommendations.” August offered her a small smile and nodded his head. 

  “Oh, sorry Auggie. Elder Archie is looking for me. He needs us to go over the blueprints and invitations we are sending out to the Assembly. Will you be staying for dinner tonight?” Summer asked with hopeful eyes. “I’ll try.” August murmured. 

     Summer gave him a quick hug before she walked away. “We’re gonna join her, can you help Nova with her bags?” Autumn asked, already handing them over. They didn’t wait for his reply, both of them chasing Summer down. Their loud conversation was back on pack business. 

     August grabbed my bags and walked to the cottage I would be sharing with the girls. I followed him in silence, confused by his reaction. Why wasn’t he excited about finding his mate? Was he disappointed that it was me? 

     He held the door open for me then led the way to the small room I was given. August put my bags down on the bed then stomped to the door. “Wait! Are we not goi-” my question was cut off by the sound of the door locking. August turned around; his eyes dangerously dark. I took an unconscious step back, my heart hammering. 

     He crept forward and I tried to step back again. My back pressed against the cool wall. I had trapped myself. August closed the distance between us, his chest eye level. I strained my neck to look up at his face. His eyes were turbulent and filled with an unknown emotion. “Auggie, are you ok?” I asked quietly, placing my hands on his chest.

   A jolt of pleasure shot straight to my core, making me breathless. August’s eyes dilated as he took in a deep breath. He dipped his head down his lips a few inches away from mine. I frowned, annoyed that he hasn’t touched me yet. Go get him, Opal purred. I tiptoed to close the distance, successfully capturing his soft lips.