My Fated Mate

8. QUIET WITCH (PART 1)

POV (ABELIA)

Today had to be the worst day ever.  I am not one to complain or get overly emotional but today was a day that clearly was cursed. There were no ifs, ands, or buts about it. From the moment the blaring sun pulled me away from my peaceful slumber I should have known.  Jasmine came racing into my room, 4 hours ahead of schedule,  a complete and utter mess, which was nothing usual for her.  However today something was wrong.  She was pacing around and ringing her hands, while one of her fingers fiddled with her engagement ring.  It looked more like a shackle to me.  It did not matter how wealthy or powerful Victor Voltare was, it was obvious Jasmine was just a baby maker to him.  An incubator that would give him a pure blooded witch infant to carry on his truly obnoxious narcissistic line.  I wondered if the coven knew anything about inbreeding.  They had to know there would eventually be genetic defects and deaths in their Satan bless children.  Leave it to the outsider to bring up of the obvious. 

"Lia, I have to do something really mean and drastic today and... I don't know if I can."  Jasmine said, as she plopped down on my bed.  I prepared to say something but as usual this was Jasmine's monolog hour.  "You see, I have this friend." 

The moment the words left her mouth I eyed her, with a "don't even go there."

"Ok, fine.  I have to tell this guy off in front of all his friends, so that he will leave me alone forever.  But it could cause a really big fight."

"How big are we talking?"  I said, as I finally removed myself from my covers and started to make my way to the bathroom.  Jasmine quickly followed at my heals. 

"Umm.. big." 

I rubbed my face and pulled out my face wash as I turned on the sink.  "Is he violent or something?"  I sighed, as I leaned over and started to wash my face.  ICE COLD. Damn, no hot water. I looked up through my soap suds at Jasmine. 

"Sorry, you know when I get nervous I take really long hot showers.  It calms me down." Jasmine said, with an apologetic tone in her voice.  I sighed and suffered through the frostbit.  At least I was now very much awake. I continued to tried to get though my morning routine but Jasmine was not giving me much room to work. 

"Yeah... he might be violent or something."  Jasmine whined out, causing me to raise an eyebrow. "But he can be kind, and protective and.. sweet."  Her eyes started to get all soft and misty and I knew this was going to be a really bad day. 

"I see.  Well, it sounds like you need to break his heart." I said,  as I started to do my make up. 

"Oh my gosh!  Lia thats horrible!"  Jasmine gasped. 

I just shrugged my shoulders. "Well, if you don't want to do it just end you engagement."  I said, as I pointed to the ring on her left hand.  Jasmine quickly covered the sapphire ring with her right hand and shook her head. 

"No, I cant do that.  Victor is the correct choice, "He" was just a momentary lapse in judgement." 

"If you say so." I said, as I started to walk to my closet only to hear Jasmine cry out.  

"No, this is impossible, there is no way I could ever hurt him."  She whimpered. 

"That is not correct my Lady.  The problem is not that you can't hurt him, it is you don't know how too."  

Jasmine stopped and looked at me shocked.  I could see the gears turning in her head as she was trying to digest my words, and the moment it clicked she reached out and grabbed my hand.  I looked at her and saw the desperation in her honey brown eyes, and felt my heart stop.  How was I going to say no to that?  

"Very well.  The first thing you need do is ruin a memory.  A precious memory only the two of you shared.  Something that no one else knows about, only he would understand." 

Jasmine's eyes widening in confusion. "A memory?" 

I nodded my head, as I pulled out a black lacy dress from my closet.  It was one of Jasmine's hand me downs, but I knew better.  Jasmine had specifically told her mother she did not like it, before she even wore it once,  so she could give it to me. Jasmine beamed when she saw me put on the dress. 

"You always look so beautiful Lia.  Here, let me help zip you up."  I felt her hands reach for the zipper, but the moment she hit the middle part of my back she let out a gasped. "Oh, I know what to do!"  Suddenly, she was racing to her room and leaving me to struggle to zip the rest of the dress up without getting my hair caught in its metal teeth. 

After 20 minutes, Jasmine slowly entered my room in a yellow sun dress.  She was playing nervously with the dresses hem and I could see her eyes were red and swollen, she had been crying. 

"This dress will really hurt him."  She whispered, as she tugged on the cloth like it was scorching her body.  I sighed, not sure if I wanted to tell her the rest of my plan. 

"Are you really okay with this?  You seem.."  But Jasmine quickly put her hand up, and reached for my hair brush.

"No, I am sure.  Here, come sit down and let me do your hair.  For old times sake."  I watched as she patted the chair in front of my vanity.  I sat down in front of the mirror and watched as Jasmine started to glide the brush through my silvery blonde hair. 

"The last thing you have to do is humiliate him in front of a group of people, preferably his people."  Jasmine, c****d her head and gave me a worried look.  "It is important that whatever you chose to ridicule him about, it is something he has no control over and could never change."  Jasmine looked at me puzzled as I continued.  "Also, when you do this, you need to not be talking to him but talking to others about him.  He just has to be able to hear what you are saying." 

"That should not be a problem. He has the hearing of a dog."  Jasmine muttered under her breath

"A dog?"  I said, as I eyed her.

"Yes, I mean... no... I mean... I have to do what again?"  Jasmine fumbled, as she nervously looked at me. 

"Basically, you have to make fun of him behind his back, but let him and his friends hear you doing it." 

"Are you crazy!  There is no way I can do that, I can't even bring myself to talk to him!"  She shouted, as she waved the brush around wildly.  "What would I even say?  There is nothing wrong with him, hes perfect!"

"Perfect? If he is so perfect then why are you..."

"Don't, just don't even say it."  Jasmine huffed, as she began to tap her foot. "Just wait a second, I need to think."  As Jasmine pondered her quandary I reached out and picked up a black ribbon from my dresser and started to tie my hair up while I gazed at my reflection.  My golden brown eyes had slight bags under them, nothing new there.  I always gave off an anemic look.  It was not like the Goldenrod family starved me.  On the contrary, they treated me like their own daughter but since I was very young I had always been a sickly child.  Maybe that was why healing magic took to me so.  Since I understood death was always close I needed to have a sword or shield to stop it from taking me and the ones I loved away. 

"Oh, stop it Lia. How do you think that looks good?  Let me." Jasmine said, as she undid my crooked pony tail and started to make the bow look like a headband. It was clear she needed a hint. 

"What is something you have no control over, that if I made fun of you for you would get really mad at me?" It appeared Jasmine was done thinking too hard on this topic because no sooner did the words exit my mouth she shrugged her shoulders and gave me a slightly annoyed look. "You know, something like your name." 

"Oh Lia! You know I hate my name!"  Jasmine snapped, as she playfully hit my arm, causing us both to laugh.

"Exactly, so if someone you loved made fun of your name you would be?"

"Devastated."  Jasmine whimpered , as her hands fell limp at her side.  I sighed as I watched her sit on my bed deep in thought. 

"Its going to be alright. Whatever happens you know I will be there for you." Jasmine gave me a strained smile as she looked up at me. 

"I know.  I am so blessed to have you."

"And I you." I felt Jasmine put her head on my shoulder as we wrapped each other in a hug. I was not so sure if the one getting their heart broken today was going to be Jasmine's mystery guy or her.  Either way, it was clearly going to be a bad day for the both of them. 

The moment Ashfork Academy appeared from our limousine window I felt a wave of sadness wash over me. Jasmine had already put in the paperwork for us to be transferred to Ridgeback Academy for The Dark Arts, at the end of the month, and so my time here was coming to an end.  I knew she wanted me to go with her, but the truth was I did not want to.  The last place I belonged was with those posh "well bread" coven witches, who were bound to eat me alive.  There was no way they would accept a witch that could only do herbal healing magic, nope my demise with eminent.  The irony was, even if they bullied and hurt me the moment they were injured I would be the first line of defense, and would be forced to save their miserable lives. Stuck up brats. 

"Good Morning, Lady Goldenrod and Miss."  The guard said, as I handed him Jasmine and my school ids through the car window.

"Hello Charlie, how are you today?"  I said with a smile. 

"Oh... I could be better."  He sighed, causing me to notice he had a rather painful looking red and purple bruise on his right wrist. 

"Are you alright?"  I said, as he handed our ids back allowing me the chance to reach out and lightly squeeze his wrist.  He winced.

"Oh... don't... its nothing. I promise Miss." I gave him a worried look, as I noticed his eyes squint in pain.  Before the drive could stop me, I opened the car door and stepped out. 

"You go on ahead Jasmine.  I'll see you in class." 

"Looks like Healer Abelia has found a new patient.  You are in good hands Charlie."  Jasmine said, with a wave, as she ordered the driver to drive on.  As the car drove away I undid the clasp on my messenger bag and started to pull a green vial and a cloth wrapping. 

"Now, how about letting me see that wrist?"  I ordered, as I held out my hand. 

"Really, its nothing I swear...Ahhhhh."  Charlie shouted, as I snatched his wrist and tightened my hold. 

"Yep, that is very clearly broken.  I am surprised you did not notice."  I said, as I started to pour the oil from the green vial on the cloth and wrap Charlie's wrist with it.  "I mean I know you werewolf boys are all about, no pain no glory, but a broken wrist has to be causing you discomfort."  I said with a smile as I started to massage his pressure points. "There, all done." I said, as I finally released him

Charlie looked at me shocked as he took his wrist back and began to move is slightly. "Wow, how did you do that?  I feel nothing." 

"Healing hands."  I said, as I held up my hands and wiggled my fingers. "Now, I know your kind has fast acting healing but sometimes you need a little something extra."  I pushed the green vial towards him. "Olden root, mixed with a little ginger, and a touch of cinnamon and sandalwood, so you don't smell like medicine all day.  Since you werewolf types have really strong sniffers."  I said, as I tapped my nose. 

"Miss, I don't even know what to say." 

"It's nothing really.  Take it has my thank you, for always welcoming Jasmine and I to Ashfork every morning, and a goodbye present." 

"Good bye?  You're leaving?" Charlie said, sounding a little pained.

"Sadly, yes. Jasmine is getting married to a high warlock's son and so we are to transfer to Ridgeback Academy for the dark and spoiled, in four weeks." 

"Oh, I see.  Sounds like you don't want to go." 

I sighed as I closed my bag. "Truthfully, I do not want to leave Ashfork.  Being a healer, Ashfork as offered me the chance to learn about all different kinds of supernatural beings, counting yourself.  If I go to Ridgeback, I will only learn how to heal witches, and thus I will be locked away in a classroom of ignorance and I will never grow past what they deem fit to teach me." I said, shocked by what was coming out of my mouth.  This was the first time I had actually spoken my mind about how I really felt, and hearing it out loud made me realize I truly did not want to leave.  However, there was no way those racist over bearing coven elders would care about what I wanted.  They only believed witch lives mattered, but I wanted to save.... Suddenly, I froze.  Charlie had taken hold of my hand, causing me I looked up and gasped. 

"I don't want you to leave either."  He said, as a deep growl shook his chest and his glowing brown eyes stared hungrily at me.  Oh dear!  I knew what that meant.  Charlie may be a sweet boy but there was no way those glowing eyes belonged to anything innocent or decent.  I quickly pulled my hand back and watched in horror as he raised his hand to his nose and sniffed. "You smell heavenly.  Don't worry about healing witches, you can become my own personal healer." 

Before I could take a step Charlie had jumped out of his guard box and was standing right in front of me.  His eyes raked over me with lust and I quickly felt a shiver go down my back. This was not good. 

"Listen... Charlie."  The moment I said his name he took a step forward, causing my back to hit the guard box wall. "You're a really sweet boy, but I don't have time... what I mean to say is..." 

"Shhh." He placed a finger to my lips hushing me, and causing my blood to boil.  Peace treaty by damned, I just might kill him!  How dare he shut me up!  I could feel my hands turn into little fists as my eyes saw the pair of dog tags hanging from around his neck.  Damnit, he was warrior class, how the heck was I going to get way from him?  I looked from side to side to see if anyone was coming, as a disgusting laugh came out of his mouth.

"Don't worry so.  No one is coming to bother us, little witch."  He snicker, as he grabbed my face and forced me to look up at him. His lips were too close, no everything was too close.  Damn these werewolf boys who don't know personal space or the term s****l harassment.  I was starting to regret every treating him, no that was not right.  Even if he was a DOG he still needed to be helped. 

Quickly I fumbled with the clasp on my bag trying to open it.  There was no way I was going to let this fool steal my first kiss.  I would only have a few seconds to race to the doors of the school before he reached me.  Thank goodness only students that had been marked were allowed entry into the school, and luckily for me Charlie was not a student.  

Suddenly my fingers wrapped around a vial and I quickly put my plan into action.  I had no idea what I was grabbing but I was certain he would not like it.  Before Charlie could do anything more I uncorked the vial and shoved the contents down his throat. 

"AHHHHH, what as that!"  He yelled as he wiped his mouth. 

"Your medicine, you dumb ass!"  I yelled as I raced to the school. 

The moment my hands hit the big wooden school doors I turned back around to see if Charlie was following me, and sure enough he was not.  He was doubled over hurling into the bushes.  I smiled to myself when I saw the empty red vial in my hand.  It was one of my special potions with its main ingredients being some of the hottest spices in the world, not even a ghost pepper stood up to my little potion.  Charlie was right now have a serious case of the hot lips. 

I swung my bag over my shoulder proudly and entered the school. The usual antics of the early morning hour at Ashfork were underway.  On the left hand side of the hallway I spotted Jasmine and her coven of prissy witch girls, most likely ogling over Jasmine's engagement ring, while on the right hand side were a group of werewolves, and one of them looked very pissed.  Nope that was wrong, all four of them looked irate.  Nothing new there, werewolves always looked angry when they spotted a group of witches.  However, the annoying thing was they were way too close to my locker. 

OH DEAR SATAN MY LOCKER!

To my absolute horror my locker looked like it had gone into a boxing ring and clearly lost.  It was completely caved in and my books were spilling out of it and on to the floor.  Worst yet, my term paper on "The Healing Properties on Wolfvain," not to be confused with wolfsbane, which was due in this morning, was scattered all over the floor.  I raced to my locker in a panic and got down on my knees as I tried to pick up the 20 something pages of my term paper, that were now covered in giant foot prints.  How in the world had this happened? 

"Don't worry Sir. I will take care of the locker." 

What did he just say?  The moment I heard that I c****d my head up and glared my eyes up at the owner of the voice.  Yet, when I realized who I was looking at I felt my stomach clench.  He was a tall dark haired, brown almost black eyed werewolf.  He was dressed like the usual prep school student, with the blazer, tie and expensive leather shoes. To add to his arrogant look he was sporting a pair of glasses that made me question if he actually needed them, or were they just a fashion accessory to make him look intelligent.  It was clear he came from money and he knew how to use it to get whatever he needed.  And the worst part was, his foot was resting soundly on page 17 of my term paper. 

With all the courage I could muster, since I was still rattled from my previous encounter with a werewolf this morning, I tugged on the bottom of his pant leg. "Excuse me?"  Nothing. I pulled a little harder. "Hello. Pardon me.  Down here!" I snapped, a little louder than I had intended, thus catching the attention of the red haired green eyed werewolf standing next to him. 

Unlike the stuck up tall werewolf, this one gave off a sporty jock vibe.  He was wearing his Ashfork Academy Lettermans Jacket but he had slashed the leather to give it a bad boy look, to most likely match the knee holes in his jeans.  He looked down out me with a grin that made my blood run cold. He was dangerous. As my eyes met his I noticed he was wear a pair of silver dog tags and I knew I was in trouble.  Not another warrior class, and from the muscles that were peeking out from his graphic t is was clear he was one of his packs top fighters.

"You need something?" He said, as he gave me a cocky smirk.  It was clear he was happy to see me on my knees.  Sadistic ass. 

"Yes, I need you and your friend to please remove your feet from my term paper."  I said, in the nicest voice I could possibly muster. 

"Oh, I see. You mean this foot?" He said, as he pointed to his shoe that was clearly planted on the front page of my paper. I did not like where this was going. 

"Yes, that foot. And his." I said, as I pointed to the tall werewolf who now was looking down at me with a, "what the hell are doing down there" look.

"Oh, why didn't you say so?" He said, as he grinned at the tall werewolf. Slowly he lifted his foot up and just as my hands were about to grab the paper,  he slammed his foot back down and twisted.  I was barely given enough time to remove my hand before my fingers would have been crushed. I look up at him with disgust as he laughed.  I was certain the force he was exerting on my paper was gonna to leave a nice big hole in it. 

"It would be in your best interest, girl, to run along." The tall werewolf said, as he took his foot and slid the page 17 to me. I clutched the papers to my chest and quickly stood up. I was furious and had, had enough of werewolves to last me a lifetime. 

"Just so you know." I said, as I held up my paper for him to see. "This is a paper on the healing effects of wolfsvain which can help werewolves if... they... are... poisoned.... by..." Damnit! I screamed in my head, as the two werewolves growled and stormed towards Jasmine and her coven.  It was clear my words had been completely ignored and I certainly did not want to stay and witness whatever was about to happen.  As I walked to class I heard one of the werewolves say. 

"Did that witch just diss our Alpha?"

I hoped that, that had not been that case, and that Jasmine was not the witch in question. Yet, there was a part of me that knew better. Oh Jasmine, what in the world have you gotten yourself into now? 

"MISS. ABELIA GOLDENROD, what in the world is this?!" I winced as Professor Waters gave me a searing look, as she held up my paper.  The first page had a giant hole in it, which I had tried to mend with a few piece of scotch tape but the massive black and brown shoe prints were not lost on anyones eyes, least of all my teachers. The worst part was because of Elder Goldenrods disdain for computers because he deemed science was the death of magic, the old fool.  I had, had to type the entire paper on an old fashion typewriter.  Meaning that the ink was very sensitive and if it was handled too roughly it would blur and fade.  Having giant werewolf feet on it had made pages down right illegible. 

"I don't even know what to do with you young lady.  This is by far the biggest disgrace of medical learning I have seen in my 20 years of teaching.  And my dear Miss. Goldenrod, that is saying something!  Just look at this, I can't even read it!"  She shouted, as she waved the papers in the air and then slammed them down on her desk.  "I would have expected this from anyone else, but not you.  I don't even know, if I should let you explain this."  Her words were so humiliating that all I could do was look down at my feet. "Just go sit down. I'll...I'll need to think on this." 

Slowly, I made my way to my desk.  I was grateful Professor Waters had not asked me to explain, if she had I would have been at a complete loss for words.  If I told her it was because a werewolf beat the crap out of my locker it was bound to cause an investigation, which Jasmine might be pulled into.  And I was not willing to take that risk.  If my suspicions were correct, Jasmine's mystery boy might very well have been one of the werewolves I had tangled with this morning.  I certainly hoped not, but my brain was starting to recall our conversation and how Jasmine had distinctly said, "hearing of a dog."  Damnit, did she really fall for a werewolf?  As my brain tried to dissuade this thought, I began to notice I had become the perfect prey for my classmates ridicule.

"Why didn't she just use a restoration spell?"

"Don't you know, she's cursed?  She can't use any magic." 

That's right!  I wanted to scream and shout.  Lets all point and gawk at the poor sad little magic-less witch girl,  but as their words began to sink in I could not help wanting to hit myself.  A restoration spell, why didn't I think of that?  I could have easily caught Jasmine before her first class, and she would have been more than willing to fix my paper.  I groaned as I placed my books down on my desk.  This was officially the worst day of my life.  It felt like everything was against me.  Why was this happening?  I needed a nap.  I rested my head in my hands, but the moment my eyes closed a screeching voice jolted me away. 

"MISS. GOLDENROD!  You have got to be kidding me?  Are you sleeping in my class?"  Professor Waters shouted, as she sent a giant book flying.  I had to jump out of the way to miss getting a concussion from it.  The book landed with a loud thud causing everyones eyes to turn directly towards me. "Get out! Get out, right this minute! And take that book with you! I expect a 30 page paper tomorrow on its contents!"  She screamed.

I nodded my head and quickly gathered my things, as my shaking hands picked up the monstrous book that lay at my feet.  The moment I was outside the classroom I was not even give a chance to close the door.  Professor Waters waved her hand causing it to slam behind me making it clear I was very much not welcomed back today.