Hidden Powers

                Why did this Mark guy intrigue me so much? As soon as I saw him through Ava’s eyes at her wedding, I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest. There’s only one other person who has made me feel that way before, and the was Jack. He broke my heart though, and I try not to think about him too often, or at all if I can help it.                 “Hope, are you in there?” I heard my mom walking towards the barn. This was my favorite place to go when I needed to contact Ava. It was peaceful and the horses didn’t mind too much.                 “Yeah mom. I’m up here!” I called down to her. Next thing I knew, she was walking up the stairs and sitting next to me. I turned this area into my own getaway. I brought a couch up here, and a desk with a chair, some books, and a nice rug so I can place my candles when I’m practicing spells.                 “Will you ever leave this barn? We haven’t seen you in the house for days.”                 “I like it out here. Plus, I can communicate with Ava better.”                 “I can’t believe Ava has red eyes like you and your brother. Katherine never told me, otherwise we could have kept in touch. Maybe I could’ve been there to protect them.” She started choking up and tried her best to fight back the tears at the loss of one of her best friends.                 “Mom don’t blame yourself. I think that’s what fate had in store for them. Even if you tried, it wouldn’t have worked. They would have asked you to protect us, not them.” She looked at me with tears in her eyes and nodded.                 “You’re right. You’re always right.” She chuckled. “Have you spoken with Ava lately?”                 “She was just about to leave with James and her personal guard to come find us. If my vision is correct, they will be here in three of four weeks.”                 “So they make it safely? No vision of Michael getting in their way?”                 “He’s too damaged to move right now. He took the last of his strength to reach Honor Mountain after his attack on them. He needs time to heal since he got the brunt of the light.”                 “That’s good.” She sighed. There was only one other time I saw mom this worked up before, and that was when her and dad moved us out here to the farm. We’re still in our coven territory, but we’re concealed, and really close to the wolf pack in case of any danger. We kept to ourselves in the coven because my brother and I were experiencing major power development and our parents didn’t want us to hurt any of the other children. It was the summer before we turned 16 when we moved to the farm and were hidden from the world. When mom and dad learned of Katherine’s and Cooper’s deaths, we went into hiding. It was only on the night we turned 18 when we learned of the reason behind it.                 “Mom, how did you meet Katherine?” I asked her.                 “We eventually went to school together. Since I’m a witch, it wasn’t common for us to attend school with other supernatural beings, but when I reached high school, my parents were banished out of their coven. Don’t ask me why because I still have no idea. Clifford’s parents allowed us into Midknight Coven to keep us safe. At least that’s what I remember hearing. I met Katherine and Lilith at school the next day, and we all connected right away. Almost like we were meant to become friends.”                 “Why don’t I remember them from our visits when we were younger?”                 “Your father and I thought it would be best to wipe some memories until the right moment came along to remind you.”                 “When will that be?”                 “That’s up to you sweetie.” She said as she moved closer and started brushing her hand through my short blond hair. I had it spiked up perfectly, but now it’s a huge mess. “Your heart and your mind will know when the time is right. Be patient.”                 “Where’s Holton? He wanted me to tell him when Ava and James were leaving.”                 “He’s out there in the field somewhere. I think Logan came by and needed help with something. You know how those boys are.” Even though I wasn’t looking at her face, I knew she was rolling her eyes at her son and best friend. “I’m going to make supper. Please don’t stay out here forever and take a break from your powers. You don’t know who can sense them out there.”                 “I promise mom. I’ll be inside in a moment.” She kissed my forehead before going back down the stairs and out of the barn. I knew she means well, but I can’t stop using my powers. I’m still learning about them. I knew I could shine some light in the dark before I helped Ava in her fight against Michael, but I didn’t know to the full extent that both Holton and I could do together. It was the first time we tried anything like that obviously, and I’m so glad it worked. Once Ava gets here, I’m excited to learn what else we can do together on our own and with Holton’s help as well.                 A few minutes later, I decided to go into the main house and have supper with my parents before dad came looking for me next. They were both sitting at the table prepping homemade pizzas. This was my all-time favorite family dinner. We had a ton of fun making them. I only wish Holton was back to make it a perfect family night.                 “Hey sweetheart, this is your crust over here.” My dad said with a smile while pointing at the pizza crust next to him. I walked over and sat in the empty seat.                 “How was your day dad?” I kissed his cheek before getting started on the sauce and cheese.                 “It wasn’t too bad. I think some people are starting to get suspicious of my disguise.” Dad had to change his appearance whenever he left the farm to keep our secret. My brother and I had to do the same while finishing school, but that was the only place we were able to go. Only a few people knew who we truly were because we trusted them. Mom stayed home to make sure the protection bubble stayed in place.                 “Will you have to change your look?” I asked him.                 “I hope it doesn’t come to that.”                 “What’s for supper? I’m starving.” Holton’s voice rang out from the living room. I rolled my eyes as he sauntered into the kitchen and spotted his own pizza crust. “Pizza night! I’m glad I decided to come home.”                 We finished our pizzas and started putting them in the oven. Mine and moms went in first, then Holton’s and dads in next. The boys started talking about work while mom kept fussing about cleaning the kitchen before the food was done. I stayed in my chair staring out the window. I have an uneasy feeling in my chest that I can’t seem to shake. Holton and I looked at each other and I think he was feeling it too. If that was true, something was about to happen.                 “Time for the next pizzas!” Mom said as she took ours out and put the others in. I tried to smile and shake off the feeling for now. I’ll have to talk with Holton later so we can figure out what’s going on.                 “Has Ava left already?” Holton asked me.                 “They left a little bit ago actually. They should be making their first resting stop soon.” I looked over at him curiously. He only nodded his head then busied himself with helping mom with some dishes. He had a far away look in his eyes though. We definitely need to talk to tonight.                 Dinner went by fairly quickly with Holton telling us what him and Logan were up to today. Apparently he might have smelled his mate, so they went searching for the scent and following it to dead ends. He has to find his mate before he takes over as Alpha of his pack, so he’s been searching since his birthday back in November. When we were done eating, I stayed back to help with the final dishes. I was washing them then Holton came over and started to dry them.                 “I told mom and dad to go enjoy a night looking at the stars while we clean up.” He said.                 “You only did that so we can talk, right?”                 “Of course, I hate doing the cleaning.” He made a face at the thought of getting his hands dirty.                 “You felt it too then?”                 “I’m not sure what I felt, but something is about to happen. The only thing I can think of is something bad happening with Ava and James.” He said. “Oh and that other guy coming with them, what’s his name again?”                 “I think it’s Mark, but I’m not certain.” I told him, even though I was very certain. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him since I saw him on the wedding day. This is still confusing for me since I haven’t officially met him yet.                 “Have you tried to reach out lately?” His question pulled me out of my thoughts and back to the present.                 “We’re waiting on morning for a quick conversation so she doesn’t use up too much power while traveling. I’m not sure when she’ll have the chance to sleep.”                 “I’m sure James will make her sleep at some point, I would if I was him at least.” Holton has had a little crush on Ava since we were in her head fighting off Michael. He understands that she has a mate already and won’t make a move towards her, but it won’t stop him from liking her right now. Witches and warlocks don’t often find their true destined mates. Most of the time we find who would be next best for us. Mom and dad never told us if their were true mates or next best. I never understood why it was rare, but I never questioned it. I thought Jack was my true mate until I saw him with someone else on the night of my birthday two years ago. Enough about that guy though.                 “Don’t try and make him look like a bad person once they arrive please.” I told him.                 “I would never.” He said in mocked shock. I rolled my eyes and started laughing at him. “What if you happen to fall for James? Maybe we can make some arrangement with them.”                 “Holton, they’re married, and became Queen and King. I think it’s time to put your fantasies away.” I didn’t want to tell him that she’s pregnant. It was a mistake that I even found out. I sensed it when we spoke last, and I am extremely happy for them.                 “You’re right, I know. I can’t help who I find attractive.” He shrugged.                 “When they’re here, keep your thoughts to yourself.”                 “I can try my best.”                 “What do you think the danger could be if it involves them?” I tried to lead the conversation back to what was more important at the moment. This threat we’re both feeling that’s going to happen.                 “I can only guess that it has something to do with Michael. He should be too damaged to move though, it’s too early for him to start making a move again.”                 “You’re right, but maybe he has some other warriors that weren’t there that night who didn’t get hit by our light.”                 “That’s a possibility.” He sighed. “When you talk to her next, make sure they know to be alert at all times during the night. Daylight is their only time when we know for sure they’ll be safe.”                 “I’ll pass on the message.” I said as he put the last dish away then set the towel down and walked out. I listened as he walked upstairs and closed his bedroom door. He always understood these feelings more then I did, but I can understand to an extent. The only difference with this feeling, I don’t think it has something to do with Ava and her group. It has something to do with us.