The Missing Beta

Chapter 23

I look around the room, feeling suffocated with all the eyes on me. I start shrinking into myself, not knowing if I had said something wrong or not. I focus my eyes on Mom and see her holding back her tears. “A?”

“Aston, mom. Aston will do.” A sob breaks free as she reaches for me. I let her wrap her arms around me, and I’m transported back. I remember how it felt to be wrapped in her embrace, and I missed it. I missed her. “I missed you so much, Mom.” Her response is muffled since her face is buried in my neck. I look at Dad to see his facial expression, which mirrors Mom's. Uncle Blake has a smile on his face.

“Does this mean that you have your memories back?’ I close my eyes and sift through my mind. I have so many memories, and they are warming my heart. I open my eyes.

“No, I don't have all of my memories. I don't remember my shift or anything after. Didn't I disappear after my shift?” They nodded, and sadness takes hold in their eyes. My mom lifts her head and looks at me.

“You don't remember being taken or anything that happened when you were gone?”

“No, it's still a blank.” There's a heaviness on my chest, and I hate it. I wish I could remember everything, but I can't. Any idea strikes me, and I sit up more to look around the room. “Where's that witch?”

“She left. Is there anything you need?” I do need something. I need to voice my issues, but something has me feeling like now isn't the time. I shake my head instead.

“No, I was just wanting to say thank you.” I shift on the couch. “I'm really tired. Maybe we can go home. Dad, are you free to come with us?” He’s the only one who hasn't said anything since I woke up, but he didn't have to. His face says everything that needs to be said.

Uncle Black pats Dad on the back. “You should go home with Aston and catch up. There are no pressing matters.” I stand up and follow behind my parents. Uncle Blake stops me with a hand on my arm. “I'm glad to have you back, nephew.” I smile at him.

“It's glad to be back.” I continue after my parents, ready to get to our home. As we leave the packhouse and walk outside, they tuck me between them, each with an arm around my back. I never thought I'd see them again, and then, I never believed I would remember who they were to me. I'm beyond grateful, but I have more work to do.

We congregate in the kitchen and sit at the table when we walk into the house. Mom is clearly overwhelmed, and I think Dad is too. As much as I would like to give them all the time in the world to come to terms, I have a feeling that we are under the gun.

I clear my throat and look at my parents. “So, that witch…”

“Who? The one that was here today?”

“Yes, Mom, her. There's something about her. I'm not sure what it is or if I shooudl be worried, but she rubs me the wrong way.” Mom and Dad look at each other with apprehension.

“Son, do you think she had something to do with what happened to you?” I sigh and close my eyes while rubbing my temples.

“I don't know. I can't remember. I just know that when she's around, I don't feel good about it. Something in me spikes up.” The room fills with silence after my omission. I wish I could say more about it, but I don't have the words.

“You’ll have to talk to her Eddie.” He exhales with a shudder, and I'm left confused.

“I'm not sure if that's a good idea, love.”

“How else are we going to find out about that witch? You know her personallly so you should reach out. Just make your intentions clear.” To say that I'm confused is an understatement.

“I'll reach out to her now then. Son, I'm assuming that the sooner the better, right?”

“I think so, yes.” Dad gets up and walks out of the room. I turn to my mom and watch her face fill with tension. “Um, what am I missing?”

~Eddison~

I don't know why I never prepared myself. Chalk it up to naivety or just being simple-minded. I should have known that I'd have to confront my past one day. I guess I just hoped the past could stay there forever.

I sigh and pull my phone out of my pocket. I start to pace around the living room as I dial the main number of the local coven. It doesn't take long for the call to connect. “Hi, I wanted to speak with Topaz.”

“What business do you have with our HIgh Priestess?” High Priestess, yeah, I'm not at all surprised.

“Just tell her it's Eddie.” The woman huffs on the phone before walking away. I listen to a bunch of sounds over the phone, trying to imagine what she's doing. I hope Topaz will take the call, though I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't.

“Eddie?” My breath hitches when I hear her voice. I will never forget how that voice used to make me feel. It's been so long since I heard it, but the feelings are as strong as they were back then. I clear my throat and close my eyes.

“Hey, ‘Z. Long time no hear from.”

“Please don't say that as if I was the one who stayed away.” Silence settles between us, and I'm not sure what I should say to make things better. “What did you call me for?” Her voice snaps me out of my musings.

“I, uh, I called to ask you about one of your witches. It's important.” She sighs on the phone.

“Of course, you'd only call if you needed something. More than that, you'd only call me if you were desperate. We can meet where we used to.” I swallow thickly as the call disconnects. I really don't want to do this, but I will suffer through it for my son.

I walk back to the dining room and stand in the doorway. Shawna and Aston look at me. It's in Shawna's eyes and all over her face. I don't have to say a word because she already knows. I really don't want to do this, but I have to hope that we are strong enough to get past this. “Just go Eddie. Go and get back as soon as you can.” I sigh and turn to make my way to my meeting.

~Aston~

My mom and I have been sitting at the table for a while now, and she has offered up no information. Whatever is going on, I know it hurts my mom. I can only imagine what she went through. I hope it was nothing that my dad did because I don't want to see him differently.

As Dad walks out of the door, Mom stands from the table. “Mom, are you okay?” She smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes. She lays a hand on my shoulder.

“Everything will be fine. It's just an old wound that will close again.” She pats my shoulder and walks away.

I sit back in my chair and have nothing but questions that flood my mind. There are a lot of things that are going on right now, but the one constant is my warrior training. I don't have to think or worry when I'm training. I stand up, determined to blank my mind and not focus on the mess my mind seems to be making right now.