esbarnes

[esbarnes]

#MCU Phase 4: 

[esbarnes]

#Breaking news: Moon Knight is Spiderman’s girlfriend (insp)

Bonus:

[esbarnes]

Il materiale di origine: Anna Cortes (YouTube) / Oscar Isaac performing “From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea” at Joe’s Pub in New York City, NY (6th October, 2014)

[esbarnes]

Gadreel

It had been a long day trying to find Metatron and other angels that may join our cause. Cas and I decided to regroup with with Winchesters back at the bunker. I was making my way down the hall toward my room when I rounded the corner and somewhat bumped into Norah, my arms reached out to her waist to steady her. “Oh I’m sorry Norah I wasn’t paying attention.” She looked up to me “It’s ok Gadreel neither was I.” She gave me a small smile when I heard her hiss and raise a hand to her left ear. “Are you alright?” I asked searching her face and form for injuries. “Ah yeah I’m fine just an ear ache I think, nothing a little acetaminophen and some sleep won’t cure.” she smiled again, but I could tell it pained her. “Is this acetaminophen hard to find?” I asked ready to get it for her no matter what it took. She gave a little laugh “No, we have some in the bathroom, I was just on my way to get some.” That is when I noticed she was still in her sleep clothes, I raised my two fingers up to her head ready to heal her when she grabbed my arm to stop me. “I’m ok Gadreel, besides someone is probably about to come in with a bloody arm or something, save your strength.” she said. I noticed that her cheeks where flush. If I remembered correctly that indicated that she may have a fever. I brought my hand up to graze my knuckles against her cheek. “You are warm with fever. You should get some rest. Would you allow me to get this medicine for you and bring it to your room?” I asked her. She looked up into my eyes and it felt as though she leaned into me a bit. Then she nodded. “Yes, thank you. I would appreciate that. You are looking for a bottle with blue/green liquid that says Nyquil on it.” I nodded and told her I would be with her again shortly. She disengaged from my arms and walked back to her room. 

Norah

My brain was reeling, what was that? Do you really have to lean into him? But then another sharp sound rang in my ear interrupting my thoughts. This had been going on for a day or two. I hadn’t wanted to slow anyone down with getting sick, so I had stayed behind the last few hunts saying I was too into research to leave. The wonder twins had bought it and I think Cas and Gadreel had as well. I just needed some sleep and few doses of medicine and I would be right as rain. As I made my way back to my room I ran into Sam on his way out. “Hey, you ok? You look a little...” he started to say but I finished for him “Like my head is spitting open and on my last leg.” I said as I gave him a pained smile. “More or less” he responded. “Do you need anything before I head out with Dean?” He asked. “No, I’ll be fine, I’m just going to take some Nyquil and sleep it off.” I walked over to my door and turned to him “Hey be safe out there will you, both of you.” Sam smiled at me “ Of course and please call us if you need anything at all.” He walked over to me and leaned down to kiss my forehead. “I will I promise” I responded to him and then he left. I walked into my room, crawled back into bed and waited for Gadreel to come back. 

Gadreel

I had found the bottle Norah needed and was on my way back when I saw Sam Winchester lean down to kiss her forehead and then say goodbye. She had smiled at him and then went into her room. As Sam was walking down the hall he noticed me and asked “Is that for Norah?” I looked up from the bottle in my hand and said “Yes, she requires it to get better.” He raised his eyebrows to my answer “Good make sure she takes it and she may need soup and some water at some point. I’ll call you in a few hours to check in.” He said as he clapped my shoulder and walked past me. “Of course.” I responded. I walked into Norah’s room to find her laying in her bed on her side facing the door with her eyes closed. I knew she wasn’t fully asleep but I watched her breathe in and out evenly. I stood at the foot of her bed and cleared my throat. She slowly opened her eyes, “I’m sorry, I must be more tired than I thought.” She said as she started to lift herself up against the headboard. I moved to the side of her bed and sat down facing her. I handed her the bottle and asked “Is this the right one?” She looked down the bottle and smiled “My hero” she said. 

No one had ever called me a hero before and I liked the way she said it. I extremely liked the idea of being her hero. “Do you require anything else at this moment.” I asked as I leaned one arm over her legs. "Would you mind staying with me, just long enough for me to fall asleep. We can watch something if you like and you don’t have to stay for long.” She looked at me waiting for my response. “Of course.” I said and she smiled back. I think I would do anything for that smile. Norah scooted over on the bed giving me space to sit next to her. She turned on the TV that was sitting on the dresser. “You can pick whatever you like” she said handing me the remote. 

Norah

I handed Gadreel the remote and then worked to get a does of NyQuil in my system. It burned in all the right ways. I must admit that I was being selfish with him. The angel had always put me at ease. He was like a calm and steady pulse. I wasn’t really paying attention to what he had put on the TV as he got settled on the bed. There was just enough room for the two of us and his shoulder was just in front of mine and I could already feel my eyes grow heavy. I leaned my head down on his shoulder, he didn’t jump or tense up but he did look over to me “are you comfortable?” he asked. “Hmm hm.” was all I could get out. 

I could feel my self falling asleep quickly and I wanted to make sure he knew how much I appreciated what he had done. “Thank you Gadreel” I said as I leaned up to kissed his cheek and then leaned my head back on his shoulder. At this he did tense, which caused me to smile and the last thing I heard was “You’re welcome Norah.” and he leaned in to kiss my forehead. I was out like a light for who knows how long. I woke up and realized I was incredibly warm and I was laying on something very solid. I lifted my head and saw Gadreel sleeping. He had one arm around my waist and the other resting over my hand that was on his chest. Funny, I didn’t think angels slept. I thought to myself. I heard it again the sharp ringing which made me tense up. Gadreel shifted a bit and pulled me closer to him and then I felt a tingle spread throughout my body. Then it dawned on me. He was healing me with his grace while he was sleeping. How was that even possible? I had about a million questions for Cas when he and the boys got back. For now I would just live in this moment and I feel back to sleep with my very own guardian angel.

[esbarnes]

Guardian Angel

*Set throughout season 9 of SPN* A series of moments with Gadreel and an OA female character. Norah Elkins is a legacy hunter helping the Winchesters. She becomes a voice of reason for the Boys. Gadreel can’t figure out what she see’s in him, but he is determined to find out. 

Norah

Convincing the wonder twins, as I affectionally called Sam and Dean Winchester, that Gadreel deserved a chance to redeem himself was easier said then done. But thankfully Cas was on my side and once Dean had calmed down a bit we got Gadreel set up with a room in between mine and Sam’s. No one wanted to say it but we were to act as buffers between the angel and Dean. Anybody who really knew the wonder twins and myself knew that while Sammy was always Deans weak spot I was always his solid ground, his inner voice of reason. I’ll admit sometimes he didn’t hear me and neither did Sam, but this time I made it through. 

It’s not that I had a soft spot the angel or anything, but I could see how he tortured himself and that drove him to extreme to do the right thing. Gadreel was just trying to make up for the wrong that he felt we had done, the people he had let down and in his case that was technically all of humanity. For anyone that is a a lot to carry and it also made him very human, even if he didn’t know it. His road to redemption was his own, but I could give him tiny nudges along the way. It was the least I could do after he saved Sam. 

Gadreel

It had been a few weeks since I had been allowed to stay at the bunker, I could feel feel everyone’s eyes follow me to see if I was a threat, but the only intention I had was to be helpful. Norah’s dark green eyes seemed to hold no suspicion of me more like compassion or pity, I couldn’t tell which. She had been so quick to defend me, to step in front of me when Dean pulled the first blade and she was always there to point out how I could be helpful. I realized she would make a great guardian angel or even an arch angel. There were times when you could see the wrath in her. She had a switch between defending those who needed it and destroying the enemy. It was admirable. 

I admit I had taken to keeping an eye out for her. Especially when on a hunt, not that she couldn’t take care of herself, she was a hunter after all. Her compassion and empathy had drawn me to her and I couldn’t bear to let her down. I wouldn’t add her name to my list of shame. I wanted to know more about her, I wanted her eyes to look favorably toward me and I didn’t understand why. So when the demon Crowley got loose from the bunkers dungeon I knew I needed to find her and make sure she was safe. Most likely she would be in the Library at one of the tables closest to the fire place, she frequented it the most. 

Norah

Sam, Dean and Cas had gone out on a hunting trip and would be gone for a few days which left me and Gadreel to hold down the fort. I had just made a cup of hot tea and was about to launch myself into some research into the Mark of Cain when I got the faint a faint smell of sulfur. Shit, I thought to myself, most of the weapons were closer to the main part of the library and not in my secluded spot. Just then I heard the door to rooms open and Gadreel rushed in. He was panting and found me quickly, like he know exactly where I would be. He seemed worried. I stood up immediately and asked “What is it Gadreel?” He took a few long strides and was almost to me when Crowley appeared to my left and closer to me than Gadreel was. “Hello, kitten.” he said. 

I gave him my full attention. If Crowley was out of his dungeon there was no telling what he would do. “I’m not your kitten Crowley, now how did you get out and what do you want?” Crowley seemed amused but I could feel Gadreel getting more tense to my right. I extended my right arm out to him to signal him to hold. Something told me Crowley wasn’t going to hurt me, but I didn’t want to risk Gadreel in the off chance that I was wrong. Crowley placed his hand over where his heart should be and said “You wound me, my love! I don’t want to hurt you, Moose and Squirrel would have my head, and I suspect dark and stormy feathers over there would as well. I merely want some company and a cup of tea.” After the failed trials Crowley had changed, but I wasn’t convinced that he didn’t have ulterior motives. “How did you get out of your cuffs?” I asked him as his hazel eyes scrutinized me. Gadreel took a step closer to us when Crowley raised his index finger up and said “Easy there dark and stormy, I think she likes it when I call her my love.” I noticed Gadreel’s knuckles turn white. I needed to diffuse this and quickly. “Crowley, I’ll make you some tea, but first you have to let me take you back to your cell and then we can have a conversation.”

Gadreel

I could feel this overwhelming drive to protect Norah and this demons innuendos of affection for her bothered me more than I could explain. She, however seemed calm. She had raised her hand toward me to signal that she had this under control, but I was not going to let her get hurt. Crowley then spoke again “Oh my love I’ll let you take me anywhere you like, I’m sure we can have some fun with the handcuffs to.” With that I was standing in between her and Crowley, ready to kill him if necessary. Crowley looked up to me “now, now dark and stormy, I was just having a chat with the lovely lady. No need to get your feathers in a twist.” I was just about to say something when I felt a hand on my grip the inside of my elbow. “Gadreel, it’s ok. Something tells me Crowley just doesn’t want to be alone.” I looked down to her at my side. I searched her eyes for a moment and knew that she was right. The situation aside, I felt something within me while her had was on my arm and she beside me. It seemed right. I looked back at Crowley and said “Where she goes, I go.” Crowley huffed and rolled his eyes and then said “As her guardian Angel as it were. Fine terms accepted, Shall we kiss now?” Still by my side Norah huffed. “Sure Crowley, I’ll kiss you with the kettle after it’s done boiling.” He responded “Promise?” I had an overwhelming sense to punch him.  

[esbarnes]

This is us colliding.

Where one story begins with absence and desire, another will begin with discord and hope.

**After the events of Times Convert**

It was meant to be a small event. Just a some family, a few friends and mixed creatures. It was a gathering at Matthew’s and Diana’s to celebrate the coming Samhain. The house was wonderfully decorated with symbols of the harvest and more than a few dozen lit jack-o-lanterns. A few of which Baldwin had carved himself with his niece and nephew. Baldwin had dressed in his most causal suit after his sister-in-law had told him it would not be a black tie event. He knew that Diana had few friends among the witch community before she had changed the creature world in the most fundamental ways, but there was one friend she had been telling the whole family about since she and Matthew decided to throw this party. At the moment he couldn’t recall the importance of this friend or how they met, just that he and the rest of the family would be meeting her tonight as her flight came in this afternoon.

It did not take long for his niece Rebecca and his nephew Phillip to find him and immediately give him a tour of the house to see all of their decorations. This tour eventually brought them to the staircase and at that moment he watched Diana and who he presumed was this famed friend coming down the stairs, with Marcus, Phoebe and Matthew right behind them. Baldwin had seen many beautiful women his time but something about this stranger struck him in a curious way. He instantly knew her to be a witch and as he breathed in her scent he was hit with a combination of apples, rosemary, lavender and something darker, pomegranates perhaps. She and Diana were in conversation as the came down the stairs. This gave him the opportunity to observe her without her noticing yet. She had auburn hair but much darker than his own copper. Her skin was a warm cream hue with freckles that were dotted along her nose and cheeks. She was wearing an emerald color dress that had quarter length sleeves and fanned out at the buckled waist. The color complimented her as did the cut of the dress. It came to her knees. With modest heals, she was just a touch shorter than Diana. 

Baldwin found himself completely focused on her and hadn’t noticed that they had all come closer to make introductions. “Ah and this is my brother Baldwin Montclair” Diana announced. “Baldwin I would like you to meet my oldest friend Sabrina Pendleton.” She extended her hand and as he took it into his he felt the smallest jolt go through his hand. It wasn’t the first time he had felt something like this from a witch but this was different. Baldwin noticed how green her eyes really were and realized that she was speaking to him. “Diana has told me a lot about you.” Her smile was warm. “I hope it wasn’t all bad.” He responded. Diana had noticed that their hands were still entwined and was just making something out when Marcus stepped forward. “No Baldwin don’t go scaring the poor thing, she has just arrived after all.” Baldwin dropped her hand and gave a tight smile. Marcus continued as he took the children’s hands and said “Now how about we show Auntie Sabrina the kitchen and get her to try some of the cookies we made today?” The children roared in excitement, grabbed her hand and led her to the kitchen with Phoebe in pursuit. Away from him. Baldwin pondered her and his last thought.  

Diana seemed to notice his pause as she and Matthew started to follow in their direction. “Baldwin are you coming?” He dragged his eyes away from Sabrina to Diana. “Yes, I am just going to grab a drink first.” Diana nodded and she and Matthew walked after them. All night Baldwin kept an eye on Sabrina. He interacted with his step-mother Ysabeau De Clermont and Marthe mostly. Eventually his niece Rebecca found him and dragged him over to Sabrina and her parents who seemed to be catching up and laughing. - Was she glowing? - Baldwin thought to himself. But no one else seemed to notice this so he thought perhaps not. Rebecca had climbed into his lap facing the others across from him and asked “Auntie Sabrina how long will you be staying with us and will you go horseback riding with us and Uncle Baldwin?” Sabrina seemed to shimmer a bit and said “I will be here for a few months and I would love to if your Uncle Baldwin doesn’t mind of course.” The way she said his name, it was like it called to him. “I don’t see why not, but not tomorrow Rebecca I think we need to give Mrs. Pendleton some time to rest.” Rebecca nodded at him and looked back toward Sabrina and her parents. “Please, Sabrina is just fine and Mrs. Pendleton is my mother.” Baldwin just nodded. Just then Marcus chimed in. “Oh Baldwin, I think you may have met Sabrina’s Ancestors, Elizabeth Southerns and her daughter Elizabeth Device, Of the Pendle witch trials. If memory serves me correctly, Baldwin was there to make sure things didn’t escalate further to other creatures.” Baldwin cleared his throat and said “I was and I did meet them, both were formidable women for their time. You have their eyes and auburn hair.” The little gathering fell silent for a brief moment. Baldwin was not typically this conversational with creatures he had just met and especially not witches. He continued “I would be happy to share more information about them. I believe I kept a record of my time there.” - There it was again, a shimmer - he thought. “I would like that.” She responded. 

As the party wound down and guest began to leave Baldwin made his way toward the stair case. He wanted to see everyone out and then retire to his own room. He was staying with Diana and Matthew for a few days before heading back to London. Sabrina’s sent washed over him as she walked up behind him and was about to make her way up the steps when he spoke. “Diana said you were here for a research project, do you mind if I ask what for?” Having made it up just one step she turned toward Baldwin and gave him a small smile. She was tired, he could tell. Must be the jetlag setting in, she had flown all the way from Boston after all. “Not at all. I am a Biological Anthropologist, I am working with Matthew and Miriam to reconstruct creature genetics through the years.” The scent of lavender seemed to come off of her more strongly, she must be exhausted. “Also, the last time I saw Diana was during college. Our families were close when we were kids and we went to the same college. So when she reached out to me telling me that she was living in France and married with two kids I was more than intrigued to pay her a visit.” She covered her mouth to yawn and said “I am so sorry, jetlag must be catching up with me.” Baldwin felt transfixed. “Not at all you must be tired, do you know the way to your room?” She yawned again and this time he could swear she shimmered a warm golden color. “I think so. I am pretty sure Rebecca and Philip put a green ribbon on the door knob for me.” She smiled at him. “Then your room is just across from mine, may I accompany you? I was just heading that way myself.” This caught her attention. “Thank you, that would be great.” Baldwin stepped up to her and extended his arm, which she took. “Don’t worry, everything Diana said about you wasn’t that bad.” She said. They both smiled. 

They walked to their rooms in a comfortable silence. “Here you are. Good Night Sabrina.” Baldwin said as she removed her arm from his. “Thank you and good night Baldwin” He watched her into her room before entering his own. Now he was on edge. He couldn’t tell what had really gotten under his skin, but he was not about to be flustered by a witch, not matter how much had changed. 

[esbarnes]

Distance

Part 13

You would think by now that I would be used to the unexpected. I had become a werewolf, found others like me and fought against serious dark magic. Was it so unexpected that this group Praxis would want me to join them or that Hamish had fallen in love with someone else. What unexpected thing was going to happen next?

Eilene’s pov

“Hamish?” I groaned. He had tackled me to the ground and was now hovering just above me “Hamish, how did you find me and why are you naked?” I asked. He searched my face and saw my split lip and immediately brought his thumb to it and said “Sorry, I heard the fighting and came to help.” He stroked my lip one more time and then moved to help me up. “What happened and why did you disappear like that?” he asked. I was still feeling a little combative from the fight and didn’t answer his full question. “That was Salvador. My car ran out of gas and somehow she found me, she asked me to join Praxis.” I replied. “Which is an odd invitation I’ll grant you. Oh and my phone died - I really need to get a car charger.” I said as I brushed off my jeans. 

Hamish was standing in front of me and as I looked up toward him, I noticed his whole body was tense and he was starring right at me. “Eilene, why did you disappear on me like that?” He looked down at the ground for a moment, took a breath and then looked back up at me. “I know that the past few months have been insane to say the least, but you have to know that everything I am doing is for you and for Lilith. I don’t know exactly what happened to us all but I am so close to finding out” His voice had gotten a bit louder but he wasn’t yelling. “And I just need you to stay close and stay safe because I love you. And no matter who messed with my memories or what they took away, I will always know that to be true.” 

I had stopped. Stopped moving, stopped thinking and stopped breathing. Hamish stepped closer to me and took my elbows in his hands. His grip wasn’t tight but firm. He was about to say something but I stopped him before he could get the words out. “what did you say?” I asked and I looked up to him. His face softened. “I said I love you.” He let out a breath and rested his forehead against mine. “I love you” He said again. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and opened the bonds back up. I gasped as it all came flooding in. Hamish’s grip tightened just a bit “Are you ok?” He asked. It was a lot of emotion to be hit with at once. I could feel his concern, his hurt, and then his fear and determination. But then finally just love. 

Hamish’s pov

When I pulled back to look at her, her eyes were glassy. “Say something” I said and I brought my hand up to her cheek. “ I haven’t heard you say that in about 6 months.” she said. “I know and I’m sorry.....I” I had started to say but she cut me off. “Don’t be sorry, it’s wasn’t and isn’t your fault.” she let out a breath and then continued “That last few months have been weird to say the least. I keep feeling like I get two steps closer to home and then kicked back ten. You all lost your memories and somehow worked it out all by yourselves. You got Jack, The Order and Vera.” My hands tightened just a bit at the mention of her name. Not enough to hurt, but enough for her to get the message and then she continued. “it made me realize, that you had all moved on and you didn’t need me. Maybe you still don’t.” I almost couldn’t take it any longer and then she continued. “I went from having a family to being completely in the dark and I still don’t know where I fit in here. This is just, harder than I anticipated.” 

Eilene looked down and bit her lip and then said “Did you wolf out and run all the way here?” I laughed. “Yes, I did. Now where is the car?” She laughed and it seemed that some of the tension loosened a bit. “You’re lucky I have some of your clothes in the car.” She said as we walked back to the car. I found some of my clothes in the truck as she leaned on against the hood of the car with her arms crossed. I could tell that everything she had said was true. She was hurt, confused and trying to figure it all out on her own. As soon I was finished I walked toward the front. “Where were you driving to?” I asked her. She snorted “No where really, just kind of driving. I think I was actually driving back to the den when I ran out of gas.” she replied. “Well were not far we can always take a long walk and just get your car in the morning.” I suggested. “That is probably for the best and it’s a nice night.” she replied as she moved away from the front of the car. I smiled, took her hand in mine and brought it to my lips to kiss her knuckles. 

We walked in easy silence for a long while. Right up until we made it to the bit of woods just in front of the den. I stopped as she took a step or two forward. Noticing I had stopped she turned toward me and asked “Hamish what’s wrong?” I looked at her. She was so beautiful in the moon light and her freckles standing out against her pale skin and her green eyes almost grey. “Shortly after you found us that day on campus I had a dream about you.” I said. She stayed quite. “At the time I didn’t know who you were or that I was a werewolf. I also had no memory of this place let alone how to get to it. But that night when I dreamed of you I changed into Tundra and came here. I woke up in these bushes and saw you taking things from your car into the house. Even with no memories I was connected to you in someway. I came to find you and I always will so long as you want me to.” I stopped. She was searching my face for something. 

Eilene’s pov

I looked back and forth between Hamish’s eyes. I don’t know if I was looking for him, Tundra or just processing what he had just said. So I said the first thing that came into my head. “Why didn’t you tell me this when you got your memories back?” I asked. “With you everything seems broken up with none of it really connecting or making sense.” he said as he stepped closer to me. “These past few months I have been going on pure instinct when it comes to you. Just reacting without fully understanding why.” He took another step, we were just barely a foot apart. He continued “I know why now, even if I don’t remember how we met, our first kiss or the first time I heard you laugh. But I do know that I am in love with you and the rest of it is just a minor set back.” 

It was like I felt a levy break inside. I didn’t know what to do or say exactly so I closed the gap between us and hugged him tightly. His arms immediately encircled me. I wanted to just let it all out but I was still processing everything and so lost in him. His arms around me, the way he smelled, how he physically relaxed when I wrapped my arms around him. Then I looked up to his face and cupped his cheek. “I love you too.” I said and then he brought his lips to mine. It was one of those long and deep kisses you see in old movies. 

Suddenly there was a surge of urgency. We both felt it. The bond between us was opened wide and sending a jumble of thoughts and emotions through. Hamish quickly laid me on the ground and continued to kiss me. Soon he moved his lips to my neck and collar bone as his hands roamed. As he did so, I started unbuttoning his shirt. He lean up away from me so that he could discard the rest of his clothes and I did the same. Everything about this was needy and built up. He kissed every bit of exposed skin as he slid into me. My moans only drove him to thrust harder and deeper into me as I pulled his lips back to mine. Each thrust had me on the edge and ready to burst. Maybe he sensed this and felt the same because soon enough his pace was quick and I had to grip his arms to hold on. Before too long we both cried out together as we came. That night we both fell asleep in the woods outside the den, lying on a pile of our clothes and in each others arms. What every problems we still needed to face we would do so and together. That was the only thing I knew for certain. 

Part 14 Coming soon

[esbarnes]

Distance

Part 12

Maybe I had been itching for a fight, or maybe it was Red who was tired of playing nice, either way I have claws for a reason and now was the perfect time to use them. There was apart of me who didn’t care who was on the end of them so long as they met flesh and bone. The other part of me just wanted it all to stop.

 Eilene’s pov

Had I been ignoring Hamish’s calls? Yes. Had I intended to drive until the car ran out of gas? No. When the car was on it’s last fume, I pulled over and rested my my head on the steering wheel and let out the biggest breath I didn’t even realize I was holding. My shoulders were tense and I did my best to relax all of my muscles. I fished my phone out from the back seat only to see about 10 missed calls, mostly from Hamish and no signal. “Fuck” I whispered under my breath. I suddenly realized I was exhausted and rubbed my eyes, I knew I would have to get gas and It was getting dark. I might as well start now. 

I don’t know how long I had been walking when I felt someone’s eyes on me. Great - I thought, just what I needed. I kept my pace the same and pulled out my phone to see if I had a signal yet. No luck. Now I could hear some steps behind me, just off to the side and along the tree line by the woods. Whoever it was, was steadily getting closer, Red seemed to be just fine with this. I could feel her rustle under my skin and come to the surface. I decided to pick up the pace a bit. My pursuer took the bait and charged from the treeline. I quickly braced myself and turned toward them with my claws extended, teeth coming out and a growl on my lips.

Hamish’s pov 

I had no idea where I was going to start looking for her. She had already shut me out of our bond, but it wasn’t completely closed. I could get glimpses and bursts of emotion but nothing concrete. I was headed toward her apartment when I felt how tired she was. She wasn't at her apartment. I let out a frustrated sigh. It wasn't until I got back to the den and upstairs to our room that I felt a spike of energy and rage from her. She was fighting somewhere on the road. Tundra reacted within fraction of a second and shifted. We ran and ran in a general direction. I had no idea where exactly but it seemed Tundra did. 

Randall’s pov

I heard a loud crash upstairs and then Hamish is wolf form barreling out the door. “Well that not exactly something we see everyday in this house.” I said out loud. Just then Nicole from the Order walked through the open door. “Randall, was that Hamish or Jack?” she asked. “That was a very angst ridden Hamish aka Tundra. What’s up Nicole?” I responded. She took that as her cue to pull out several books from her backpack. “I found some incantations we may be able to try to get Lilith back and I found a section on memories that might help with you guys remembering Eilene. So it says here that a powerful practitioner can preform what is called a Fractorium. This incantation can be preformed within a Respondio to break specific memories into fragments. The practitioner can hide them or change them but they can’t actually remove them. Neat Right” She said. “Huh, is there a way to reverse it?” I asked. “Well it says here, that it can be reversed by the one who cast it and the sacrifice must be their blood, along with a mix of huh, get this, Wolfs bane, Ginkgo powder, Ginseng, shavings from an ash tree and sea water. All of which we can get - Well if we can figure out who cast it the Fractorium in the first place.” That made me pause. Who could have cast that incantation, I may have to do some gossiping with Gabby. I am sure she would know about someone using bad magic. “We will have to tell Hamish when he gets back.”

Eilene’s pov 

Taking the fight just into the woods was probably the best idea. I didn’t need to create car crash on top of all of this. She was good, ferocious but not a fast as me. As she threw a punch toward my face, I ducked and brought my elbow to her right cheek bone. Stumbling back a bit she said “You know, your pretty good. You have a lot of Moxy, my dad would have liked you.” She said. “What do you want Salvador?” I asked as we circled each other. “I’d like to offer you place in Praxsis.” was her response. Just then she charged me, throwing her full force into my abdomen and into a pine tree. I could hear it crack from the impact. Catching my breath I locked my hands together and brought them down with full force into her back. She let go of me but as she was falling toward the ground I lifted my knee to her stomach and then kicked her away from me. 

She fell back to the ground and was laughing. “See Moxy.” Salvador stood back up and continued “We could use someone like you, someone who could help protect us, help us fight for whats right.” I stepped a bit closer to her “And what makes you think I would fight for you? Especially after everyone you’ve hurt?” She laughed again at that. “Like your Order hasn’t killed people or destroyed lives.” I interrupted her “This isn’t about the lesser of two evils.” “Isn’t it though? Think about it, if Magic was free to everyone with out sacrifice, we could create a world more in tuned with itself. A better and safer world free from greed and tragedy.” Just then she moved to kick me, but I caught her leg and threw it toward the ground with some force. She took that opportunity to use the momentum and swing her other leg toward, but this time it made contact with my shoulder. This made me stumble to the side a bit and took the opening to punch me. Her knuckles connected with my lips and I could taste blood. 

I wiped the blood away. “So what we fight until I say yes?” I asked her. “No, I would much rather have you fight on our side and it be your choice.” This finally got me to laugh “Well you have a funny way of showing it.” I took this chance to punch her, spin and kick her into the tree behind her. She hissed “Think it over will ya and I’ll be in touch.” With that she brought out some kind of charm and spun it. It glowed and then she disappeared. I had been so focused on the fight that I hadn’t sensed someone close by and then I was tackled to the ground by a very naked body. “Hamish?” I groaned. 

Part 13 coming soon.

[esbarnes]

Distance

Part 11

This next part will be bitter and messy. Is it possible that we don’t really know who we are or what we are capable of until we are called upon to prove it. Each new thing that came around the corner seemed more impossible than the next. But we were still here, still fighting and for now that had to be enough. Especially if we were going to save the world and everyone in it.

Eilene’s pov

We were still no closer to figuring out how to get Lilith back and we still needed to get to the bottom of what Foley was really up to. Then came the night of the party and everything shifted. The knights had finally decided to officially join the Order or well return to the Order. This of course drew some hard line between us all. Randall was not happy about it, Jack seemed to realize the advantage of it and Hamish, well I couldn’t tell if he was making a smart play for us all or if he had feelings for Vera Stone. He seemed quick to defend her and an eagerness to please her. In those small moments it just reminded me that he was still lost to me on some level.

To say it had made me cranky was an understatement. I didn’t want Hamish to think I was silly for being jealous but I also didn’t want confirmation that my fears were right. Hamish must have known that something was off with me as he went out of is way to be reassuring. He would stand next to me and lean his hip into mine or his hand would rest on my knee and every now and again lightly squeeze. The night of the party would also be the night that Hamish was kidnapped. He had been drinking and had gotten a text from Vera. Which he explained to me that it was to play nice, get Lilith back and to trust him. With that he slid me a drink he had named Lily Bell, kissed my forehead and left. That night I went to bed alone. Only to wake up without Hamish and the sinking feeling that either something was wrong or my fears were more valid than even I wanted to admit.

It didn’t Jack, Randall and I long to find the kidnapped Hamish which thankfully  led us to Foley. Randall and Jack were interrogating Foley while I helped Hamish get out of the silver chains and give him the clothes I had brought. I was helping him with the buttons on his shirt when his hands covered mine to still their movements. I looked up to him and it seemed like he was mapping my face. I turned my hands into his and squeezed “Hey, It’s ok, your ok.” I said. He leaned his head down to rest against my forehead and took a deep breath. “I...I know, I just feel like an idiot. I put myself in danger and I could have put you in danger.” he responded. We stayed like that for moment until the others brought Foley out. We had to get him to Vera for more answers.

The next few days were full of surprises. Foley had killed himself some how, we learned that Salvador was also a werewolf, we were brought before the Gnostic Counsel to explain the situation and then put in quarantine. To top it all off Vera might be voted out as Grad Magus and if that happened our little pack would most likely be fugitives or worse, dead. As the day progressed we all got a bit more edgy the vote seemed to be taking forever and more members of the Order were dying. But when I saw Hamish wolf out and protect Vera I couldn’t help but feel the air tighten in my chest. But if I’m honest it wasn’t until I overheard Hamish talking to Vera that the things got considerably darker. “I almost died yesterday and now it seems like I might die anyway. Part of me wishes we never got our memories back and I could just go back to being happy.” I was standing just out of sight and I felt that tight air solidify in my chest. Randall bumped into be as I was about to leave. “Eilene are you ok?” but before I could respond Jason Priestly walked in and hit us all with sleeping spell.

After we woke up we were able to finally figure out what was infecting people and how to stop it. Next we got Vera back in her seat of power. I had to shut out all my emotions so that I could focus on what was in front of us. It also meant I had to shut down the bonds. There was just too much information coming through at once to focus. Jack was worried about Alyssa - as usual, Randall was uncharacteristically angry with a hint of excitement  when Gabrielle was around. Lilith felt manic and Hamish, well he was hazy. 

We were able to get a potion brewed to save everyone and once Vera was put back on her throne, I couldn’t think about anything except getting out of this damn temple. I decided to drive to clear my head. I was a knight after all and that would have to come first. My phone buzzed off and on and eventually I just threw it in the back seat. I couldn’t bare talking to Hamish right now. I didn’t know what to say or what I want to hear him say, so I decided we just wouldn’t say anything to each other for a while.

Hamish’s pov

I knew that something was off with Eilene, Hell something was off with me and I couldn’t figure out what I should tell her. I did have a plan. Kepler was going to pay for what she did and then she and Vera were going to fix whatever they had done to our memories. I did admire and respect Vera, but my heart was tied securely to Eilene. It had been hours since I had seen her and I called a few times, but no response. The only thing I could do next was to try our bond. I was standing in my room looking out the window when I closed my eyes, placed my hand over my ribs and then thought of her. Breath in, breath out. I was flooded with a frantic energy and the feel of a breeze against my cheek - she was driving. Then I heard her. Her mind was loud in mine “Hamish” and then I was knocked out of our bond. The blow wasn’t physically real but it pushed me back a step or two just the same. When I tried again there was nothing, she had thrown up a wall. Panic set in and my muscles tightened. I couldn’t loose her again. I needed her home and I needed her to not lose faith in me.

All I could do now was wait. I would give her the space she needed, but there was no way I was going to lose her without a fight. Eventually she would come back to me and we would talk this through. But it would seem that would not be happening tonight, or the next night. On the third night I had had enough. She hadn't come home or called. I was going to find her and I was going to get her to talk to me. It seemed I would have to go hunting for her. If she was going to ignore me she would have to deal with Tundra. 

Part 12 Coming soon - Much sooner than this one came lol

[esbarnes]

Distance

Part 10

Being apart of a family, even a haphazard one can be complicated. This family was being pulled apart at the seems and I wasn’t sure that I would be strong enough to keep it together. Something told me that this was just the beginning and that I would have to give up more before this was done. I just hoped it wouldn’t be them or him.

Eilene’s pov

I was walking into the front door of the den when I saw Hamish barreling down the stairs and Randall coming out from the kitchen. “What happened. Are you ok?” They each said at the same time. Hamish came to stand right in front of me as I put my hand on his chest to reassure him I was fine. “I’m ok, I just got a little tied up is all.” He gave me a quick once over and then said “What happened?” I was about to explain when Hamish’s hand gripped my wrist and I hissed. With that his eyes got big and he immediately pushed the sleeve of my jacket away and said “A little tied up?” Randall moved forward while saying “Hey let me take a look.” This was a mistake, as Hamish snapped his head toward Randall with a snarl and Tundra moving to his eyes. I stepped closer to him while extending my other out to Randall to stop him. “Hamish, look at me, hey it’s ok. I’m ok and he’s just trying to help.” It took a moment and then finally looked down at me. He calmed a bit. Still holding his gaze I spoke to Randall. Randall, please get the first aid kit and start some tea.” Randall left the room and I leaned more into Hamish. He brought his arms securely around me and said “What happened and who tied you up?” 

Hamish’s POV

I took in everything Eilene was saying but it was also taking everything within me to not take her upstairs, lock us in my room and keep her in our bed. Tundra fully agreed. She explained what happened and we went over everything that happened with the Promethean’s and about Praxis. I was standing across the Island from her so that I could check her for more injuries. Randall finished cleaning up her wrist and wrapped them. It may take a few hours for them to heal and she would be ok, but it didn’t change the fact that someone had hurt her in the first place. I noticed that she had finished her tea and started rubbing her neck. “Alright, I think we have all had a long day and should get some rest.” Randall seemed to read the room for once and just said “Good night kids, don’t stay up too late.” and left. I came over to stand in front of Eilene and ran my hand up to her shoulder. “Come on let’s get you to bed.” 

Then I leaned down, brushed my lips against hers and rested my forehead against hers. “I’d like nothing more.” she said. I took her hand in mind and we went upstairs. She decided to jump in the shower and I thought about joining her but decided to give her some space. When she came out she was drying her hair with a towel. “I don’t think Foley is the real leader of Praxis and we should try to find Salvador” by now she was within arms reach in nothing but my t-shirt and some underwear. It was easy to reach out and bring her to stand in between my knees. I took the liberty to run my hands along her legs, over her butt and to her sides while she finished drying her hair. “I’m serious, there’s more to this then whats on the surface.” She said as she tossed the towel and then brought her hand to my shoulders. “I agree with you, but before we dive into that pool I would very much like to check your wrists.” I said looking up at her. She huffed and said “as you wish.” I smiled at the reference and unwrapped the gauze on her wrists. Her right was completely healed and on the left there was just a faint scar. I brought it to my lips and kissed it. “All better.” I said again looking up to her. 

Eilene’s pov 

Hamish and I seemed to fall back into our old routines. With the exception of him being ready to take off someone’s head every now and again. I brought my hands up to the back of his neck and started to rub my fingers through his hair. “Thank you.” I said and I kissed him. Softly at first but he reacted quickly and his grip tightened around me. We stayed like that for a while just kissing with his arms practically locked around me. He pulled back just an inch and breathed out “I don’t like you getting hurt or being in harms way.” at first his eyes were closed and then opened them to meet mine. I brought my hands to frame his face and said “I am also a werewolf Hamish remember, long the road and short the life.” At that last bit his hands gripped my sides. “It doesn't mean I don’t like it any less.” He said. I just looked at him for a moment. How could he do this, how could the man that I cared so much about, one who didn’t fully remember who I was still send what felt like shock waves through me? “I know” I whispered. “Now shut up and kiss me.” He smiled at that and said “As you wish.” Then brought his lip to mine. 

I felt his hands travel underneath my shirt and up along my back. Once he had the shirt off, he threw it behind him and pulled my into lap with each of my legs on his sides and then his lips moved to my neck as he trailed kisses down to my collar bone. He was being slow and precise while his hands roamed from by back to grip my butt. Our breathing had gotten heavy but when he slightly bit down on my neck I couldn’t help but moan. When he heard it his eye snapped up to mine and he said “I want to hear that again.” He kissed me on my lips, this time deeper and then he went to the other side of my neck to repeat the same slow torture. He was rewarded with another moan. I trailed my hands down his chest reaching for his shirt as I pulled it up and over his head. I kissed him and then said with a smile “You have me at a disadvantage Mr. Duke, you’re wearing more clothes than me.” He stood up with me in his arms and walked us over to his desk which he laid me down on. Then he quickly took off everything but his boxers. “Your turn.” He breathed out before kissing me again. This time his hands went to unclasp my bra and then toss it over his shoulder. He went back to kissing my neck but this time kept going past my collar bone. He teased each breast and nipple with his tongue and teeth. I couldn’t help but huff out and bite my lip in an effort to hold back more moaning. 

Hamish’s pov 

I could tell Eilene was trying to hold back. Maybe she was trying torture me with it because she knew what hearing her did to me or maybe she was trying to keep apart of herself separate because of our situation. In any case I wanted her to open up to me, I wanted to hear every sound I could make fall from her lips and I wanted it all to myself. Something about being with her was different, more heightened. Maybe it was a werewolf thing or maybe it was just how were were with each other. I couldn’t focus on any of that now, just her, only her. I wrapped one hand around the back of her neck to kiss her lips again and when I did I caught her bottom lip with my teeth. She hissed at that and kissed me back. Having her sitting up on my desk made this easier. I trailed my other hand down the curves of her side. “I want to savor every moment of you.” I said as I slipped that hand into the front of her underwear. I let out my own sigh when I felt how wet she was and then kissed her hard. As I rubbed her along her folds and up to her clit her breath hitched, but she still hadn’t moaned for me again. I let out a low growl and then went to attack her neck again with kisses. I had to hear her again no matter what. I began to rub her clit in circles and with the slightest more pressure and then there it was “Hamish” she whispered. “It’s time for these to go.” I said and I pulled my hand away to take her underwear off.

But before I could put my hands back on her, I felt her hand on the bulge in my boxers. “Not so fast.” she said and kissed me as she kept rubbing me. I groaned and then placed my hands flat on the desk framing her hips. I could tell she wanted to draw this out and enjoy it as much as I did. She ran her free hand up my bare chest and to my cheek as she kissed me and then started trailing to my neck. All the while still stroking me through my boxers. My hips moved forward into her hand and my breathing got heavy. She was beating me at my own game. I moaned into her mouth as she kissed me again. My hands ticked, I wanted to touch her to make her moan again. I picked her up to her surprise and then laid her back down on the bed. I got rid of my boxers and then trailed kisses up her body and back to her lips. Her legs spread for me and wrapped themselves around me.  

I was kissing her deeply as I pushed inside her slowly. I stayed there for a moment and then moved in and out as slow as I could. This got her breathing deeply in between kisses but not moaning yet. I decided it was time to kick this up a notch. I began to move my hip only slightly faster but more deeply while I kissed her neck and cupped her breast. And there it was, she moaned as she arched up toward me. I wanted to live in those sounds. Before I could think any more on it she rolled us so she could straddled me. I couldn’t bear to not feel her skin against mine so I sat up to pull her in. This was an even better angle that allowed me to grip be butt and still set the pace. At this point we were both a tangle of limbs and moans. I started pulling her in faster and her head fell back exposing her neck to me. I locked my lips to her pulse point and soon enough my name was on her lips “Hamish....I” she huffed and then I moved faster and finally “Hamish!” 

Afterwards we just laid in bed. I was on my back with Eilene curled into my chest. She was already asleep and breathing evenly when I finally closed my eyes. I thought I would be too exhausted to dream, but I was wrong. It seemed like just a replay of memories. I was on the phone with Eilene filing her in on Jack and the Order as she was driving home. Then I was at the Blade and Chalice when a member of the order came up to me and blew white powder in my face. But there was something else - I was in my bed but could hear voices “How could you be so stupid.” - it was Vera. “I did what I had to, since no one else seemed to able to protect the Order. We have to find a way to keep these wolves in check if your plan fails.” - I didn’t recognize that voice at first. Then I could hear Vera huff out “It they find out that you have messed with their memories especially about one of their own and are trying to use her as a bargaining chip, They will be more inclined to slit our throats then help The Order.” The other person was quick to reply “They wont find out, I preformed that Respondio myself Vera.” There was a moment of silence and then “Kepler, how many times will I have to tell you, I am your Grand Magus.” Then it all faded out and I woke up with a start. Eilene was still in bed just turned away from me. I curled myself around her to bring her close and kissed her shoulder. I could feel Tundra lurch forward with anger. There was nothing I could do tonight except hold the woman I loved close to me. The woman someone had tried to take away from me. 

 Part 11 coming soon!

[esbarnes]

Distance

Part 9.

The fragments of a broken mirror can help you see things in a different way. But it can also distort what you see. How can you trust what you are seeing is real and what isn’t. At this point I felt like I was running my finger along the fragments of that mirror and so far I hadn’t gotten cut. If what I saw was just a distortion would the cut be deeper? Would it draw more blood?

Eilene’s pov

I could feel a firm arm locked around my waist and a warmth at my back as I was awoken but a few rays of sunlight that came in through the window. For the first time in a long time I felt rested and home. I tested the arm and rolled over to face Hamish. The arm loosened but just for a moment until I was settled and then tightened around me once again. This brought a small smile to my face. Hamish seemed to still be sleeping. He was on his stomach with his face turned toward me. In this moment he looked completely relaxed, his breathing even and I couldn’t help but bring my hand to his cheek. When I did he took a breath in but didn’t wake up. I settled back into him and his grip tightened but not uncomfortably so. I fell back asleep. 

I don’t know how long I slept for but I was woken up by a hand under my shirt trailing up my back and someones very cold nose in my neck. I groaned and said “too cold” as I tried to pull away. This was met with a growl and a response of “Let me warm you up then.” I laughed. Hamish pulled me in closer and then kissed me. But before things could get any further we heard heavy foot steps coming toward the door and Randall burst in “Guys, Guys, we think we might have found a way.......woooo I’m sorry, that is not what I expected to...... uhm Eilene your awake...... I’m just gonna” He had turned his back toward us at at this point but hadn’t left. What I hadn’t noticed was that Hamish had shifted us to that he was in front of me with a dead stare toward Randall. He peeked around and said “Wow your both very naked. I am just going to let you two uhh...... I will be down stairs with breakfast and info when your ready.” With that he left and closed the door behind him. 

“Hamish” I said with my hand on his shoulders. He relaxed and we both laughed. Finally he said “Well I guess that cat’s outta the bag.” Then he kissed me again. “Let’s go see what he’s excited about.” I said. I found a clean pair of leggings and kept on Hamish’s t’shirt as we went down stairs. True to his word, Randall had coffee, orange juice and various pastries. “Oh you’re clothed!” Said Randall as we both came into the Kitchen. “Ha ha” I responded. He was cutting up some banana when he smirked and then casually pointed the knife our way and said “You know I knew there was something with you two, I just couldn’t quite put my finger on it. But I bet you did two did a lot with your fingers last night.” Hamish gave a low growl. It seemed he and Tundra were still on edge. Randall put his hands up in surrender. “What did you want to tell us?” I asked. “So Jack, Alyssa and some others from the Order may have found a way to get Lilith back.” I was sipping some coffee when he said this and set the cup down. “What do you mean get Lilith back?”

Alyssa and Jack were needed at the Temple for some peace talks with a rival magical order, so that left Randall and Hamish to fill me in on everything that had happened while I was recovering. As I took it all in I just stared down at my cup. Somehow I knew she had been gone and that she was alive. Randall went over what they had found and about how today Jack and Alyssa would be hostages for the parley while Randall and Hamish took Gabrielle's and Jacks Ethics exam. My head hurt. Hamish seemed to sense this and he placed a had on my leg. “It’s going to be ok, we will figure this out together.” he said. Randall kept looking between the both of us and finally said “Agreed Hammer time.” To which Hamish said “No.” and I gave a pained face at. “Man come on..... alright I am going to pick up Gabby so we can take this test.” Then he left. 

I kept my eyes on my coffee in front of me which Hamish had refilled twice already. “It’s my fault.” I finally said. I was so absorbed in my thoughts. “If I had gotten there sooner, I could have helped either by what I found or helped Jack and Lilith.” Finally I looked up at him feeling nothing but guilt and shame. “I’ve already lost all of you once and now i’m losing you all over again.” My eyes kept darting around him and around the room. I was starting to feel helpless and trapped. Neither of which are good for a werewolf. Hamish acted quickly stepping in front of me, peeling my hands away from the coffee cup and up to his chest. “None of this is your fault.” he said looking into my eyes to keep me focused on him. “what happened to Lilith could have happened to any of us. But we will get her back somehow” I had to tell him.”Hamish, I can feel her, through the bond I can feel her. Her bond is pulled tight like it’s being stretched. I don’t know how long it will hold.” He brought one hand up to my cheek and said “You didn’t fail her and you are not losing anyone. Do you feel that?” He squeezed my hand that he had laid against his chest. It was over his heart and it was beating fast. faster than normal. “I may not have all the pieces to the puzzle, but I know what I feel for you. Yes, I’ve been drawn to Vera, but that is because she reminded me of you, only I didn’t know it. She may be the only way to get Lilith and our memories of you back. We have to take this one step at a time. fight today's battle and keep going.” 

All I could do is nod. I stood up and wrapped my arms around him to hug him. As I did so, he let out a sigh of relief and wrapped his arms around me, resting his check atop my head. “We will get through this.” he said and he pulled me in tighter. I relaxed into him and then looked up to say something when he brought his lips to mine. This kiss was needy, desperate almost and I let him have it. “How long do you think we have until Randall gets back with Gabby.” he said. I laughed and then kissed him again. 

To say the day brought surprises would be an understatement. Not only had Jack and Alyssa’s hostage situation taken a turn, but Hamish, Randal and Gabby had found the source of the magic tourist. After Hamish lost Foley, I headed to his office at the university to look for him and see what else I could find out about him. Hamish wasn’t fond of me going alone and then I reminded him that I was a werewolf just like he was and I couldn’t just stay home. Foley was clearly smart enough not to be in any place we might actually find him so it allowed me to search his office for anything of interest. I found books on magic and few out of place items that were defiantly from the Orders vaults.

But when I went to inspect a statue on his book shelf there was a clicking sound and part of the bookshelf slid back and over. There wasn’t much space there but just enough to hid a box or two. “Well, well, well Foley. Seems you have more secrets.” I said out loud to myself. Looking down at the box on top I realized what I was looking at. - but how could that be - I thought to myself. Etched into the wood was the word Alpha. This was a hide locker. I sprang open the lid but it was empty. “Foley’s a werewolf?” I said out-loud only this time someone answered me. “No, not that one.” I quickly turned around to see a small Asian woman. “Who are you?” I asked. “The name is Salvador and you are unexpected. But we may be able to fix that. You may be useful.” As she finished she pulled her hand behind her back and blew dust into my face. Then everything went black.

When I woke up I was on a concrete floor with big windows around. I had been moved. I moved to get up and that’s when I realized I had silver chains around my wrist. “Don’t try to move it will only make them burn more.” Someone said from behind me. They came around me and into view. “Salvador. ahhhh.” I hissed. Unfortunately she was right, the chains did burn. “So you remember. I had a feeling that powder wouldn’t work on you.” She said in response. “What do you want” I asked. She knelt down in front of me. “I want to tell you a story.” 

Hamish’s pov

Even though we had gotten Jack back in one piece we still needed to deal with Foley. At some point I was going to have ask Vera for help with Eilene, but now was not the time. We had to work on the current crisis in front of us and get Lilith back. But his mind wandered back to Eilene. Her smile and the way it felt when she touched him. Since she woke up Tundra was more settled but he could still feel him bristle underneath him at times. Something told him that Tundra did not feel comfortable with someone being able to take her away from him so easily. As he got lost more in his thoughts Randall seemed to notice and snapped at his face “Earth to Hamish” This worked as intended and I looked at him “What were you saying?” I responded. “I asked if you had ordered Pizza. You were thinking about her weren’t you?” I just gave him look.

“Ok so I have some questions, is she going to be our new mom, are you still in charge or is she.” He said laughing so I punched him in the shoulder.”Stop it Randall, she means something to all of us. Here I’ll prove it to you. You know you’ve know her for a while right, try to remember the exact first time you met her.” Randall looked down in front of himself trying to focus and then said “Well I bumped into her at school.” “No before that.” I said and then “Really try to remember. Or better yet try to remember when all of us were together before we got our memories back.” Randall continued to focus. “Huh I can’t. I mean I know her and I know she’s been with us for a while but I can’t remember.” He looked up at Hamish and asked “How can that be?” Hamish just sighed and crossed his arms of his chest. “I don’t know, but it seems that all of our memories concerning her were tampered with for some reason. It’s added to the list of things we need to figure out.” Randall’s head snapped up suddenly. “Hey, do you feel that? It’s like something is tugging on me but on the inside?” Hamish tried to scan himself and then dropped his hand to his ribs, he could feel it to. “Where is Eilene? she should be back now from raiding Foley’s office.” I said. We both checked our phones and neither of us had a text or missed call. 

Eilene’s pov

I was still sitting on the ground with my back against the wall. Salvador had given me a lot of information to process. Of course nothing too specific and everything was worded very carefully. But what I needed now was to get these chains off my wrists. She seemed to pick up on this and said “Look I would like to take those off of you but I am not entirely sure I can trust you yet.” I huffed. I could feel the skin under my skin burning. “Are you going to kill me?” I asked her. “No, I plan to let you walk out of here so long and you don’t try to kill me or get in my way.” We stared at each other for a moment evaluating one another. “I can’t promise you that. Especially if you put those I care about in harms way. But I can give you my word that I mean you no harm tonight.” She just looked me over for a moment and then shrugged her shoulders “ Alright deal. I am going to place the key to those chains on the table behind me then i’ll leave and in five minutes you can free yourself. Sound fair?” I nodded “We have a deal.” Once she place the key on the table and left I gave her the five minutes. I heard her get into a car and drive a way and then made my way over to the table. True to her word the key was there along with a card. It had her name on it and a message. -You and I are a lot more a like than you think - I went for the key and undid the chains. There were deep burns all the way around and since they were silver chains they would take a while to heal. I had to make my way home and let the guys know What I had found.

Part 10 Coming soon

[esbarnes]

Distance

Part 8.

We all have battles to fight. Some we win and others we loose. It was starting to feel like I was losing all of them and the only option left was to give up the ghost completely. Things had changed so much and I was starting to believe that I had really lost him all together. Maybe it was time to let go of the place and people who no longer needed me. 

Eilene’s pov

I remembered the pain mostly. I could still feel the way it slithered like a snake in my body. When I finally passed out I went somewhere to some otherness. It must be my subconscious but it also felt exactly like the werewolf bonds. I was in a forest with tall pine trees and a golden sun low in the sky. My hand shot up to my stomach and as I lifted my now clean shirt up there was nothing there. No stab wound. I did however notice an assortment of cords tied to me. - Those must be the bonds - I thought. A golden cord was wrapped around my left foot keeping me steady and I knew it represented Randall. Next I saw one that was a thin piece of black leather wrapped around my right thigh. It looked like it had been stretched - Lilith - I said. She was there but very far away. Next I noticed a silver chain around my left wrist and knew immediately that it was Jack. It was shiny and new. Then I realized the rose colored ribbon fitted around my ribs. I rubbed my hand over it and it light up a little. - Hamish -. I could feel all of them and I hoped that they could feel me. 

Back at the Den

Randall occupied himself one the couch reading one of his premed books with his legs up when he started rubbing his left ankle. Nothing was bothering it really, it had just gotten warm. 

Jack was talking to Alyssa out on the porch and he kept fiddling with his right hand wrist. She noticed and said - Jack, what is going on with your hand?”she was obviously frustrated with him. “It’s nothing, just an itch.” he said and they continued their conversation. 

Somewhere in the demon realm, the only thing Lilith had to hold on to was dark leather cord tied around her right thigh. It was pulled taunt but she would not it let go. Something told her it was her life line and she could not give that up. 

Upstairs in his room leaning back in an old leather chair next to his bed, was Hamish. He had leaned his head back so that he could keep an eye on the sleeping Eilene in his bed. One hand was propped up on the arm of the old chair and the other resting just under his chest along his ribs. That area had felt warm to him which seemed odd but he left hand there anyway. When they all had gotten back to the den, he had Alyssa help get Eilene cleaned up while he found some of his sweats for her to sleep in. He didn’t know why but he needed her to smell like him, It calmed him and Tundra, who had been very uncooperative these last few days. 

It had almost been two days since she passed out from Vera healing her. Hamish had decided that everyone needed to stay close to home until she woke up and they figured out what to do about Lilith. Eilene didn’t know about Lilith so when she woke up to them being happy that she was alive, she would also learn that Lilith had been sucked into a demon realm and the knights at present were trying to find out how to get her back. All he knew is that he needed her to wake up. Needed to see her deep green eyes and hear her laugh or say his name. He knew that she was something special to him but every time he thought about it too long his mind would wander. By now he knew enough about Magic to know that some practitioner had gone to great lengths to keep her from him and now he wouldn’t stop until he knew who and why. He was also going to keep her as close to him as possible. That was something that both he and Tundra could agree on. 

Eilene’s pov

Still in my forest I felt eyes on me and when I looked up to the hill in front of me I saw a beautiful red wolf. The wolf made it’s way down to me and rubbed it’s head into my stomach. I leaned down to rub her fur when she licked my face. - Red - I said. I leaned my head toward hers when I heard her in my mind “it’s time to wake up now. they need you, HE needs you.”  Her voice was a whisper but I could feel it echo throughout my whole body. “I don’t know how I got here or how to get back.” I said. “Yes you do, Think of home, think of him and you will be.” I closed my eyes to do just that - “Wait how can I get back here if I need to” I said. “You’ll know when you need it.” Was all she said. Then I thought of home and Hamish. 

Hamish had been sitting by her side since they got back and had slept off and on for only a few hours at a time. He was just about to shut his eyes again when he noticed Eilene was starting to move. knitting her eyebrows together she took in a breath and then opened her eyes. She found him immediately. “Hi.” She whispered.” he was out of his chair and siting on the bed next to her in seconds.  “Hey” he said as he laced his hand with hers. “How do you feel?” he asked. I lifted myself a bit to sit up against the headboard still holding his hand. "A little stiff and I have this wired taste in my mouth.” Hamish reacted quickly. “Ah this is for you” he said as he handed me a glass of water from the bed side table. I drank the whole glass and thanked him. My fingers wiggled a bit noticing we were still holding hands. He was looking at me with something unreadable in his eyes then he said “You really scared me there for a moment.” Then he looked down at our hands and my eyes followed his. I squeezed his hand and I could tell his lips formed a small smile. “I didn’t mean to scare you, but it does seem that everything worked out and Rogwan is gone.” I replied. With that he looked up and was searching my eyes. “In a manner of speaking and yes he’s gone.” 

There was a weird tension building and I couldn’t figure out what was really causing it. I told him I needed a moment and he let my hand go so I could go to the bathroom. When I opened the bathroom door to come back out he was still sitting on the bed but when he saw me his whole body stilled and I could see his jaw clench. I was just about to ask him what was wrong when I notice that his eyes had started to lightly glow. I realized that both he and Tundra were looking at me. I slowly walked back to the bed and sat down in front of him. He hadn’t said anything but his eyes roamed all over me. Finally his eyes came back to my face as he took one of my hands back into his. His other hand came up to touch my neck and slide slowly up to cup my check. I didn’t know what to do or feel. I kept searching his face for a sign that could tell me what he was thinking. He bit his lip and then said “I have missed you.” 

That caught me off guard. I grabbed his wrist of the hand that was on my cheek and he finally looked into my eyes. I could only whisper “you remember?” His eyes were lightly rimmed with Tundra’s glowing ones and then he said “I know, but I don’t exactly remember. I can’t remember the exact details but I know that my memories of you have been messed with. It didn’t really set in until I saw you get stabbed and a few things clicked.” I could feel my eyes start to water and I let out a shaky breath. I hand to look down, anywhere but his face. I was still so close but yet a million miles a way. 

Hamish’s pov

I hadn’t intended to make her upset. So I did the only thing I could think of in that moment, the only thing I wanted to do since I'd woken up outside the house but didn’t know her. I brought my lips to hers and kissed her. I could feel her tears fall against my check and her hand grip my wrist. But I kept kissing her. She pulled away by a mere inch and let out a sigh. I let go of her hand and warped my arm around her waist to pull her into my lap. Just as I did so her free hand reached to the neckline of my shirt to pull me toward her and she kissed me back. I removed my hand from her cheek to wrap around her waist and up so that I could tangle my fingers in her hair. I wanted her as close to me as was possible. Her hands came up to either side of my face to pull me even closer. My hands started to roam all over her and when she said “Wait Hamish wait.” It came out in huffs but then she continued “If you don’t remember then maybe we shouldn’t.” I took in her face, her cheeks flushed and eyes bright searching my face. She smelled like me and I could feel Tundra move underneath me. “Ours” He said. I pulled her hips closer mine and said “what ever we had was is still there I can feel it. I want to make new memories with you and I want you now........If you’ll have me.” She stilled in my arms and said “Are you sure?” I ran a hand along her thigh and then up to her cheek then said “Yes.” I gave her a moment to stop me but when she didn’t I pulled her into another kiss. 

This time she did not hesitate, her lips opened and I slipped my tongue in, which drew the faintest moan from her. I needed more of her so I rolled us over and pinned her to the bed with my hips. This time I kissed her long and deep while her arms snaked around to my back. Then I slowly kissed down her jaw and neck. She was squirming underneath me and her breathing was heavy. “While seeing you in my clothes has been driving my crazy since I put you in them, I would very much like to take them off now.” Eilene nodded and then said “Wait, you dressed me and not Alyssa?” I brought my face back up to hers and kissed her lips once “Yes.’ I kissed her again “I.” Another kiss but this time she smiled against my lips “Did.” another kiss. This had her laughing. “And I would very much like to relieve you of them now.” I finished She leaned up and kissed me this time. Her hands reached for the hem of my shirt and said “You first.”

They each made quick work of their clothes. Hamish began to place kisses everywhere on her body but when he got to where her stab wound should have been he ran his nose along the area and then bit down. Eilene moaned at this and he kissed the area again before making his way back to her lips. As he kissed her, he slid inside her and they both let out a groan. Hamish started to move slowly, then more forcefully and her hips met him each time. It was bliss. She was close he could feel it. She was tightening around him and her fingers were digging into his back. Hamish leaned his head in to kiss her neck while he changed his pace to push into her harder. This had her huffing out his name “Hamish” and he lost it. 

That night Hamish slept on the right side of the bed with Eilene tucked into his side. For the first time since meeting her again, both he and Tundra felt at ease and peaceful. 

Part 9. Coming soon

[esbarnes]

Distance

Part 7. 

The world was slipping from me. My blood was on fire - Was this Magic? it felt like magic - The edges of what I could see were fading and a cold sweat was starting to travel throughout my body. The bonds were all over the place, From Lilith and Jack I felt panic and almost like something was pulling Lilith away. From Randall I felt worry and from Hamish I felt fear, but that didn’t make sense, had we beat Rogwan? Suddenly It was like Hamish was all around me. I could feel him around me, he must have picked me up. All I could smell was blood and him. Then things started to get darker. 

 Hamish’s pov

I watched Eilene as she put a hand over her stab wound and take a breath. The other acolytes had been startled by the whole thing, but they had also lost their fear of her and rushed on her. She worked to knock them out and not kill them. I was making my way over to her when her face started to loose it’s color and she stumbled a bit. Two more acolytes were running toward her. One of them shoved her into her the book case and she slumped with a heap of books to the ground with more blood spilling from her stomach and staining the pages. She managed to kick him in the face.The other I managed to hit him in the jaw. That punch was hard and I am pretty sure I heard something crack. As he slumped to the floor I made my way over to Eilene. I gathered her up in my arms as she said “Hamish I..” But I cut her off and said “Shhh it’ alright I got you.” I had to get her to Vera now.  But she continued “Hamish I have to tell you something.....” “Please, you need to save your energy.” I said and with that she leaned her head on my shoulder with her face tucked into my neck. I could feel her shallow breath come in then out, this calmed Tundra and me but only by a fraction. 

“Vera I need you now! I yelled as I  kicked opened the doors to her office. Vera looked up from her desk and said “What now!” “She has been stabbed with the knife that killed Kyle, you need to heal her NOW!” I responded. As I was speaking she was up and opening the doors to the smaller temple and said “how long ago was she stabbed - here lay her on the alter.” As I laid her down I said “Maybe 10 minutes ago.” Eilene hadn’t stirred as I laid her down. Vera lifted her shirt to get a closer look and found that there were these dark red veins spreading from her stab wound. “That didn’t happen when I was stabbed or when Kyle died.” I said looking at Vera for answers. “That is because this knife appears to have been tampered with since it was used on you and my best guess would be that someone anointed it with a magical poison to speed up the process of killing werewolves.” she said. My patience was worn too thin “Was it you?” I asked. “Mr. Duke if I wanted you and your little group dead you would be. This blade was enchanted with malicious intent, to make whoever it stabbed die a painful death. Even I am not that cruel.” 

Just then Eilene’s eyes shot open and she screamed through a clenched jaw. The red veins started traveling up her neck and toward her eyes. I grabbed her hands to help hold her down. Vera ran back into her office while I placed a had on her cheek. “Hey, hey look at me Eilene, look at me.” I said in an attempt to calm her. Her breathing was heavy and coming out in gasps. “ It’s going to be OK, you are going to be OK. I am right here with you.” I said. Vera came rushing back in and over to counter with various objects on it. Randall came in right behind her and over to the other side of the alter. “What happened? Is she going to be alright? Did we win?” he asked. “Move” Vera shouted as she brought a silver bowl up to the alter. “Now, both of you hold her down, I am going to heal her wound and then she will need to drink this mixture to stop the poison.” Both Randall and I braced Eilene on each side as Vera moved to the head of the alter and spoke to Eilene. “Now Ms. Danvers, after I heal you stab wound you are going to have to drink every drop of this. It’s going to hurt like hell but you have to drink it all ok?” Eilene just nodded, she was getting more pale and the red veins looked as if they were getting darker, taking root in her body. 

Vera placed her hand over Eilene’s stab wound and her hand glowed. When she removed her hand there was no scar just a stain of blood on her skin. Then she brought her attention to the bowl for step two. “Down the hatch as they say.” She said to Eilene as she started to pour the liquid down her throat. Eilene took a few gulps and then a breath. Sweat started to form on her brow and she was gritting through her teeth when Vera started to pour a second round of the potion. This time Eilene started to resist against Hamish and Randall. She was able to shove Randall off to his surprise “Wow someone had their breakfast this morning .” He said before getting a hold of her again so Vera could give her the last of the potion. Hamish could feel Tundra getting even more antsy inside him. Tundra came to the surface but just a little. He looked at Eilene, steam was starting to rise up from her skin. She was burning up and gritting through her teeth so hard he thought her teeth might break. She had been trying not to scream this whole time and then closed her eyes and relaxed alittle.

“What is happening to her?” I looked to Vera. She replied “The poison is literally burning out of her system by evaporation. It’s the only way to remove it from her blood stream.” right as the words were leaving Vera's lips Eilene gulped for air and then arched back against the alter forcing both he and Randall to put more weight on her. This went on for a few minutes and then finally she let out the scream she had been holding. The steam came off her more and then subsided. She fell back down and her breathing evened out. The red veins from before were now completely gone and she gripped my hand. With her eyes halfway closed she said hoarsely “Thank you, Hamish I L” and then she passed out from exhaustion. Vera spoke “Don’t be afraid Mr. Duke, she is just sleeping and will probably be so for a few hours.” “Thank you.” I said as I looked up at her. She just nodded and then left. Leaving just him, Randall and Eilene. Jack then burst through the doors with Alyssa. Something had happened. I looked back down at Eilene running my thumb over her cheek. "Where is Lilith?" Randall asked, and the look on Jack's face told Hamish it wasn't good. Looking from the passed out girl on the alter to the rest of the group he said “We are all going to the Den tonight just as soon you tell us what happened and we have a very strong drink.”

Part 8 coming soon. 

[esbarnes]

Distance

Part 6.

I could feel my control over Red starting to slip. I was tired of being so close to him and not really being with him. I was angry at whoever was behind all of this and more than anything I wanted things to be back to normal. But something told me that wasn’t going to happen. Red was ready to take over and finish this with tooth and claw, and I was just about ready to let her. 

Eilene’s pov

It had been weeks since the night they got their memories back from Alyssa and since Lilith came up with a potion to protect us all from having our memories messed with in the future. There was a small part of me that hoped that this potion would help restore Hamish’s memory of us, but it didn’t. Alyssa and I had brought them up to speed about everything going on. I told them about what I had found out from being away and about the bonds. Randall was thrilled with this “So basically we have internal walkies talkies with each other!” he said excitedly. “Yeah kinda, while you were all still memory wiped I started practicing. I was able to reach all of you although you probably didn’t realize it at the time.” I replied. This caught everyone’s attention and Lilith said “That was you in the Library!” “Guilty.” I replied. I showed each of them how to feel for and use the bonds. It was easy for Randall, Lilith it took a few tries but she finally got it. Jack took to it pretty easily as well and then he and Alyssa got a text that said “Temple NOW.” from the Grand Magus and left.

That left Hamish and I in the living room as Randall and Lilith took off to their bedrooms. He seemed nervous to be alone with me and then said “how about a drink, I promise I wont bite, unless you want me to.” He was smiling and I couldn’t help but chuckle. 

Hamish’s pov

- My god her laugh - he thought and then shook his head to concentrate. After they had taken sips of the drink he made, she went on to explain the bonds and how to use them. He focused his breathing and thought of her. But nothing happened. He huffed and took another drink while he sat down at one of the bar stools, which she noticed. Hamish couldn’t help but look at her deep green eyes and think about his dream. He had to look away, none of this made sense and then Tundra started shifting under his skin again. Hamish could tell that Tundra wanted to be near her, to touch her and protect her. But he still couldn’t figure out why. It was just Eilene after all. Eliene saw his pause and looked concerned. She walked up to him and placed and hand on his shoulder. “Just close your eyes, take a deep breath in and then out. Now think of me. See me in your mind and the bond will do the rest.” said. He did just as she instructed and just then his dream came back to him. She gasped at the images he was sending to her through the bond and in return he just felt hope and warmth. He pulled her toward him and rested his forehead against hers. Breathing her in like he hadn't seen her in months, like he missed her. Both of their wolves were scratching at the surface and their breathing had gone heavy when both of their phones went off breaking the moment entirely. She stepped away from him to fish her’s out of her back pocket while he grabbed his as well. They both had gotten the same text, “Temple NOW.” From the Grand Magus herself. 

Eilene’s pov

They both arrived to the temple and were given various assignments. The Order was under attack yet again. Even though Hamish seemed to be aware of their connection, I couldn’t help but notice the strange pull he had to Vera Stone. I would be lying if is said it didn’t bother me. It set my wolf on edge even more so. Hamish was ours. There was a small part of me that thought maybe this was for the best, maybe this would gave him a second chance at being with someone who wasn’t a werewolf, someone he wouldn’t loose like he had Cassie. But Red said a resounding “No!” I had to stop having thoughts like that or I was going to lose what control I had left. 

I had already been filled in on the magic heist, which for the record I thought was a bad idea and also why the others had left me out of it. When we arrived at the temple we all understood why. Everyone was on edge and The Grand Magus was telling us about how an emperor Demon Rogwan was going to break through to this realm and destroy us all. I then heard Hamish mutter something about Vera, being smart for not mentioning that the reliquary had been emptied - By us - I thought. Then Randall piped up next to him and asked “Dude are you hot for teacher?” Hamish blushed a bit and then looked over at me “I just admire good leadership.” he said and then looked away. That was a lie. 

After a bit of initial panic we all came up with a patchwork plan that involved summoning Rogwan early to surprise him and hold him, while Jack and Lilith tried to find the sickles that the Demon Zecchia had stolen for them and then stolen from them. Hamish, Randall and I would stay at the temple to do our best to keep everyone safe. This meant I had to finally explain to Vera what I was and to some degree who I was. There was no way I could trust her but I needed her to trust me, just enough to get closer to her. “Wonderful, we have more werewolf muscle in case things get out of hand, which they most likely will. Rogwan is a demon who eats your fear, which makes you reckless and completely removes any self preservation you may have. We will all need to be careful. if you mutts hadn’t stolen my reliquary to begin with this wouldn't be an issue.” she said. Something about her tone made Red Snap. I could feel her move up to my eyes and that they were glowing bright yellow, when I took a step toward her. This caught her attention as well as Hamish’s, since he took a step toward me. Randall hung back behind us ready to jump in if he was needed. I looked Vera Stone straight in the eyes and said. “Regardless of the mistakes that have been made, if anything and I mean anything happens to these “mutts” I will personally hold you responsible.” I could see her square her shoulders as I continued “And there is nothing in this realm or any other that will keep me from you.” Hamish reached a hand out to touch my arm and the whole room felt tense waiting for the Grand Magus to respond. She looked at me with what almost looked like respect when she nodded and  said “Understood. First let’s live through the day and then we can discuss your issue with authority Ms. Danvers.” With that settled we prepared for the worst. 

Of course, our plan fell apart at the seams. Rogwan seemed particularly fond of the fear of werewolves and had already gotten to Hamish and Randall. Jack and Lilith had had zero luck getting the Sickles back nor could they remember where the stolen reliquary was. Alyssa was also down for the count and was working with the Grand Magus on one last plan. At some point in the chaos I remembered that I had found a random chest that seemed to have nothing but an assortment of information in it and a book on the demon realm. It also had some kind of spear in it that if I remembered correctly could hurt demons. It was a long shot but I had to give it a try before anyone else lost their fear. I had to get back to the den, get the book, the spear and make it back to the Temple before Vera set off a magical bomb. 

Hamish’s pov  

Having no fear didn’t seem all that bad, especially when you were a werewolf that could heal. It was like being immortal. Randall and I had to get the others to Rogwan so that he could take their fear to! Jack and Lilith were already headed back to the temple when he and Randall had arrived. It seemed as though Rogwan had saved some of the other members of the order as well since they were all hanging around and doing all kinds of fun things. A few of them were even trying to learn hand to hand combat with a knife that looked a lot like the one he had been stabbed with a while ago and another huge knife that reminded him of Crocodile Dundee. As he passed bybthem he said “Now that’s a knife.” in his best Australian accent. They just nodded and kept trying to stab each other. Just then Vera Stone walked passed him with Alyssa Drake behind her. They were headed to one of the more private temples toward the back. - I should say something to Vera - he thought, but she was already out of sight. Shortly after Eilene came in, she looked like she was on a mission, she had some things in her arms and her eyes were still a bright golden hue - God she’s beautiful, I should make love to her right now - He thought. But before he could get to her the two acolytes playing with knives saw her and stepped in front of her. “Hey, I’m no longer afraid of werewolves, watch this.” and as he finished speaking he stabbed her. 

Watching the knife slide into her stomach. Seeing the mix of surprise and pain on her face caused something in him to break completely. The sound that came from him seemed to be a combination of both him and Tundra “Noooooo.” It was more of a growl than actual words. He was on his way toward her when she dropped what she was holding, gripped the boys shirt and tossed him across the room. The only problem with this was that she threw him into Hamish and  they both fell to the ground. Hamish was pushing the kid off him when he noticed the knife he had used to stab HIS Eilene with WAS same knife that was deadly to werewolves. The same knife that had stabbed him. She wouldn’t have long if she kept fighting these fearless acolytes and if he didn’t get her to the Grand Magus soon. 

Part 7. coming soon!

[esbarnes]

Distance

Part 5. 

I was one step closer to really being home. But it seemed as though with every step forward I would have to take two more back. I was losing patience and I left like I was losing him. 

Eilene’s pov

It had taken a few more days of Alyssa and I doing some research and making sure the Grand Magus was on board with inducting the knights into the order before we give them their memories back. As a fail safe Alyssa had decided that I to should be inducted into the Order. In case their memories had been tampered with, I would be able to move within the Order to get information without being connected to the Knights. Plus no one else knew I was a werewolf. This gave me the upper hand and hopefully I wouldn’t needed. First we had to restore everyone’s memories. Here’s to hoping everything goes smoothly. Once Alyssa had gotten all of them in the house by using magic, she would be able to hit them with the new memory dust all at the same time. Once they woke up, I would come and we would see how they reacted to me. As I waited outside, I could feel each of them turn into werewolves. This must be from the bonds..... I wondered what else they could do. Next I felt them shift back and heard them each hit the floor. That was my signal to head inside. I found Alyssa in a corner of the front room with Hamish, Lilith, Randall and who I guessed was Jack, passed out on the floor. “Hmm did he actually choose that color of hair? I asked as I looked down at Jack. “It’s a long story.” Alyssa replied. I made us some drinks as we waited for them to wake up.

Finally they all came around and thankfully they had put on robes before passing out. I had decided to wait in the living room behind the bar pouring everyone a drink. Alyssa herded them in and they each took a seat. They hadn’t really looked at me yet as I assume there were having to sort through somethings in there head. Finally I decided to walk around and hand everyone a glass. It was Randall who noticed me first. He took the drink I gave him and did a double take. “Red Riding Hood.... I’m mean Eliene!” and with that he shot up and hugged me. I didn’t notice that I had somewhat been holding my breath until Randall Was hugging me and I let out a sigh of relief. “You know me?” I asked. With that he pulled back and looked at me. “Well duh, your Eilene aka Red aka Red Riding Hood” and gave me a funny wink. With that Lilith stood up and said “Stop being an idiot Randall and let me have a hug.” She pushed him out of the way and gave me a death grip hug. “How do you remember us, Eilene? Did the magician twerps not get you with the powder to?” she asked me. By then she had let me go and we were facing toward Hamish, who was still sitting with his hands intertwined in front of his face. He looked like he was still trying to piece things together. Something was off I could feel it. “No, I was out of town when they got to all of you and I don’t think they know about me really.” I replied. 

Hamish hadn’t moved nor said a word this entire time. I decided to tug on the bond I had with him to see if anything happened. When I did he looked straight at me and I asked “Who am I to you Hamish?” He looked around the room and finally seemed to relax a bit. “ I know you are a werewolf and a knight just like us, but other than that I cant quite piece it together. It’s like there are gaps in my memory where you are concerned.” He said and with that I looked at Alyssa. She tried to give me a reassuring smile and then said. “Randall, Lilith what do you remember about Hamish and Eilene?” Lilith was the first to chime in “That they are both disgustingly into literary banter and sometimes make weird faces at each other.” Then Randall said “Wait, that’s not quite right” but before he could finish Alyssa said, “Let’s give it some time. Resorting memories can be tricky.” Everyone seemed to relax a bit further with that. Everyone except me. But before I could get anymore riled up about it Jack came over and introduced himself and then he and Alyssa went off to talk. 

“I am going to get some air.” I said and walked out to the porch. So their memories had been tampered with to block me out, but why? What real threat could I be to this unknown person? Could it have been some kind of magical accident? There I was again with more questions then I had answers. Then I heard someone come out behind me. It was Randall. “Hey, Eilene.” He said. I turned to face him and tried to give a passable smile, he was Randall after all. “I get the feeling that we, and by we I mean Hamish, are missing a very important part of our memories and that is has something to do with you.” Did he know? “When you first bumbled into me, I had this strange feeling that I knew you, so I followed you. Oh Jeez not in like a stalker, I watched you undress in your bedroom kinda a way.” To that I just raised an eye brow at him and he kept going. “Look what I mean is that I know something is missing and it has something to do with you and Hamish. We will figure it out Red, don’t worry.” Then he pulled me into another hug. 

Hamish’s pov 

- She was the girl from my dream, the girl I was kissing, the girl I wanted to keep kissing and then some. So why couldn’t he completely remember her? - He thought. Just then Tundra started to get antsy under Hamish’s skin. It was almost like he knew what Hamish didn’t. He wanted answers and he had the strongest urge to walk out onto the porch, wrap Eilene in his arms and kiss her with everything he had. But that made no sense since he didn’t know her like that and didn’t currently have those feelings for her.  

Part 6 coming soon.

[esbarnes]

Distance

Part 4.

I didn’t know that Hope could be painful. That it could make you hard with determination and then completely vulnerable when it came to saving someone you love from harm. Sometimes Hope can completely remake you as a person. I’m just not sure if that’s a good thing or not. 

Eilene’s pov

After we had had a few drinks at the bar, Alyssa and I went back to the Den. She told me everything and I mean everything. I then filled her in on what I had been doing out of town and the weird incident I had the day I came back. Then we discussed her plans to convince the Grand Magus to induct the Knights into the Order and how the memory powder seemed to be losing it’s sway on the werewolves. This caught my attention and I said “I read in one of the books I brought back, that werewolves react differently to most magic than humans do. So that must be why they are building a tolerance to it and why we were created to fight bad magic. It’s easier to fight something that doesn't effect you.” Alyssa chimed in “that must be why when I used magic with them to find Randall, they didn’t wolf out or hear ringing. I was using magic to help them.” 

“So what is the plan then? How do we get their memories back and stop whatever evil plan your so called Grand Magus has?” Alyssa paused and then said, “I don’t think Vera Stone has an evil plan, she wants to protect the Order. But there must be something more to their memory loss, usually when we need to alter people’s memories we also use what is called a “Respondio” incantation to make sure things in the real world match what we want those people to believe. Only the last time we preformed that incantation there were extra ingredients. At the time I didn’t think anything about it. But now that I have met you, it makes me think that someone else within the Oder knows about you too and doesn't want you in the way.” At this my head was spinning. I could feel Red getting restless under my skin, she didn’t like the situation and wanted to do something, but we still needed more information. I think Alyssa could sense how uncomfortable I was and continued “I plan to give them there memories back, but without knowing what was in the “Respondio” I don’t know if they will remember you correctly. If they do, we have nothing to worry about. But if they don’t or if their memories of you still seem altered in some way, then we know something is off and someone has tampered with the incantation.”

I turned this over in my mind for a moment. What if they didn’t remember me? What if something much worse was at the root of all of this. Either way I had to find out and if I could do that and keep the others safe, it’s didn’t matter if they remembered me or not. “Alright, let’s do it, I’m tired of being in the dark and I want my friends back.” I told her. 

Alyssa and I worked out some more details of the plan and as she was getting her coat to leave she turned to me and said “I know what it’s like to have feelings for someone from afar. There isn’t really a get well soon card for it, but if you ever want to talk to someone, you can always give me a call.” “Thanks” was all I could manage. With that she nodded and left. It would still be a few days before she would bring their memories back so at least I could test out the bonds more. That was the only comforting thing I had at this moment. 

After raiding Hamish’s bar, I decided head up stairs to check on the rest of the Knights and hopefully to pass out. There was a small piece of me that hoped If I fell asleep soon, I would wake up tomorrow and find this whole ordeal was a joke of a nightmare. I checked in with Lilith and Randal satisfied that they were both sleeping - that’s right it’s just past midnight - I remembered. Alyssa and I had talked about Jack Morton as well, I figured if I concentrated and focused on Silverback, that I might be able to reach him to. When I did so, I found that the bond was there but it was small and I couldn’t get anything from it. - it must be because we haven’t really met yet. - I thought. 

Of course, I saved the best for last. Hamish. Surely he was either sleeping or up grading papers. Before checking on our bond, I got into my pj’s and got into our bed on the left side where I always sleep. It still smelled like him although it was faded since he hadn’t been here in a while. I yawned and then focused on Hamish, but I must have fallen asleep before I could get anything from the bond. 

Hamish’s pov

Hamish was sleeping on his back when he felt his chest get warm and his heart start to beat faster. It wasn’t unpleasant but he turned and shifted so that he was on the right side of the bed, with his face in the pillow and his chest now on the cool sheets. Then he dreamed of the girl he saw outside his college a few days ago. With one hand on her cheek and the other around her waist, he was kissing her. The kind of kiss that is deep and filled with need. A need to be so connected with the other person that you lose yourself in the process. Her hands rose up to his chest to grip his shirt and pull him closer to her and continued kissing him. It felt so real and so right. Almost like he was missing her, needed her and he had no Idea why. He didn’t even know her name, did he? As he and the nameless girl kept kissing he felt something inside him shift. It felt like something inside him was shaking itself awake because of her, but he didn’t know what. 

A few hours later as the sun is coming up...........

I could feel a breeze on my face and the sun warming me as I slowly opened my eyes. I saw nothing but trees - how did I get outside - I thought. Then I realized that not only was I outside, but I was outside naked! Hesitantly I got up off the forest floor looking around for clothes and to figure out where I was. I knew I had gone to sleep in my bed and I could not recall leaving my apartment. I was still looking for something to wear when I turned around and saw this old house that looked a little run down. A car was parked outside and someone was carrying boxes from the car to the house. I edged a little closer to the bit of trees I had fallen asleep in to get a closer look and when the person came back out of the house I recognized her immediately - The girl from my dream - just then I heard someone from behind me clear their throat and as I turned toward them they said “Hamish, your not supposed to be here, not yet anyways.” and then they blew something in my face. 

Alyssa Drake had come back to the Den to go through the other books Eilene had found when she saw a very naked Hamish Duke staring at the house and Eilene from some trees around the property. He must have turned and then made his way here to her, she thought. She couldn’t have him ruin the plan by getting his memories back before everyone else, so she hit him with some memory dust and then called an acolyte from the Order to come and take him back to his apartment. She could only give them back their memories if they were all together so she had to make him forget. Hamish seemed to be drawn to Eilene which was really adorable but might mess things up if she didn’t do the incantation exactly right. 

Part. 5 coming soon.

[esbarnes]

Distance

Part 3.

Slowly piecing together what had happened to the people I cared about was easier than I thought, but trying to keep them safe and find out what exactly the order was up to was hard. Especially since it all hinged on me keeping who I was to them a secret. 

Eilene’s pov

The first thing I did when I got back to the den was make myself a cup of tea and find my wolf’s journal. In it was the passage I had read about Pack bonds. Red seemed to be a bit of a fierce mother hen but with teeth and claws. Red was known to be the Guardian the most strategic and protector of the pack and those in need. Every knight that had ever worn Red’s hide were also exceptionally good at keeping records. I quickly found the section on pack bonds, it explained their purpose, how to open and close them and how to sense them. The bond between Randall, Lilith, Hamish and I, was there because of how close we had all gotten. But we had never really known what that bond was or how to really use it. I decided it was time to test the bonds and see what information the could give me. I would have to be calm, concentrate and think of the person I wanted to connect with.

I started with Lilith - I had seen her first and thought she may be easier to reach since we often ran together being the only two women in the pack and all. It was late enough that she was probably by herself studying. I closed my eyes breathed in, breathed out and thought of Lilith. I thought about how we would have rants together on the feminist movement of the 60′s and 70′s and how I would always bring popcorn if we were watching a movie. I breathed in, breathed out and whispered Lilith. 

Lilith’s pov

Finally the Library had cleared out most of the idiots that were normally there so I can study. Lilith thought as she grabbed a table and opened but the Feminine Mystique. This was the subject of her next essay for class. As she began reading and taking notes she noticed and warm feeling spreading in her chest. Almost like when you know someone is looking at you, but this feeling was comforting like the person who was looking was looking out for her not at her. She quickly looked around the library to see if anyone was there, but it was empty. The feeling faded so she went back to reading. She was half way through the chapter when she felt it again and said “Who has popcorn in the library.”

Eilene’s pov 

I let out a breath of relief. Lilith had felt her, knew that she was somehow there. In return I could feel Lilith's annoyance at the phantom student with popcorn! It had worked, really worked. Now to try Randall. I repeated the steps from before.  Breath in, breath out and think of Randall. Connecting with him was so quick, but it must have been because he was sleeping. My whole body felt relaxed and my eyes sleepy. But something was different with my bond to him, it seemed more familiar like it recognized me. 

Randall’s pov

Sleeping with his face almost off the end of the bed, he moves a bit to get comfortable having a too warm feeling on his chest and whispers “not now red riding hood.” and falls back to a peaceful sleep.

Eilene’s pov

I couldn’t help but smile and the use of the my nick name. But now it was time to try Hamish. I had saved him for last on purpose. I wasn’t sure this bond thing would even work and when he had dismissed her so easily earlier, she was afraid to feel nothing at all from him. I shook my head, I needed to concentrate. I placed my had over my heart and repeated the steps again. Breath in, breath out...... “Hamish.” She said out loud. 

Hamish’s pov

Hamish was in his office grading papers as he usually was this time of night. While running his red pen over one student’s essay he started to feel a warmth spread over his chest. His hand stopped over the paper and he put the pen down. Something seemed off. His placed his hand over his heart as it began to beat faster for no obvious reason and then he heard it. A voice calling his name, but no one was in the office or in the hallway that he could tell. He heard the voice again and was about to walk out of the room and down that hall when it stopped and all he could hear were the clacking of heels down the hall as Ms. Vera Stone walked his way distracting him. “Mr. Duke, you look as though you’ve seen a ghost. You should head home and rest. I’m sure those papers can wait.” Hamish smiled at her and said “Not a ghost but perhaps a guardian angel. You’re right of course Ms. Stone I probably should go home and have a night cap.” He was turning back to go back his things when she replied “Please call me Vera.”

Eilene’s pov

After I tested the bonds with each knight I knew two things. One their memories had been tampered with my magic. I could practically feel it vibrating from them. Two somehow This Order and Vera Stone were the cause. When Hamish breathed in her scent I also smelled her and she had been in the den. It was one of the scents I could’t place earlier. after weeks of reading every book at my disposal along with some heavy research into The Hermetic Order of the Blue Rose. I felt like I was still grasping at straws. Finally I went to the Blade and Chalice for a much needed drink. Just as I was ordering my second Alyssa Drake sat next to me and said “Hi, your Eilene Danvers right?” To which I replied “I am and you are?” She ordered a drink and another for me “her friend” and said “ I am Alyssa Drake, I am a member of the Hermetic Order of the Blue Rose. You, Hamish, Randall, Lilith and Jack are werewolves and I would like to help you get their memories back.”

Part 4 coming soon!