"I know you're rich, but this is better than anything I could've imagined." Luke gushes as we board Jason's private plane. Even I have to admit, this is pretty impressive. The plane was white and gold. The stairs automatically pull out to allow us in the plane. There are snack bars, your typical bar, and even a massage center. I feel like I am in a hotel, not a plane. "Settle in. The bathrooms are further back." Jason says. He doesn't have to tell me twice. "So, are we really not going to tell Trevor that we're going to see his wife? I thought we were all going to stop with the secrets." Luke grabs some chocolate and plops on a cushion. "We made that pact between the four of us. Trevor is too close to this. We don't want to make things worse. Once we assess the situation properly, we an decide whether to keep this from him or not." Jason says. "You know, that's what we would say whenever it came to telling you things and clearly, you didn't appreciate it. I agree that telling Trevor could be troublesome and we're on a time crunch, but we're going to have to tell him about this." I try to make Jason see reason.
He frows his brows before sighing. "You're right,"
"I'm never wrong," I grin. Jason rolls his eyes and takes a seat. Delilah makes quick work of the alcohol. The rest of the flight is relaxing. I spend a bit of time at the massage center. Lord knows I needed it.
~~~
"So, this is the place?" Luke says as he gazes upon the small apartment building. "I was expecting something like a small cottage." I say. "Or an actual house," Delilah pitches in. "How about we go in instead of judging." Jason dryly says before going up the stairs. "Who peed in his coffee?" Luke bitterly says. "He often has mood swings. Especially when he's cooped up for hours. It'll pass but prepare for him to be an ass all day." I inform Luke and follow after Jason.
"You guys do realize that it's dangerous to be in close proximity when today is the last day of Delilah's spell, right? Who knows when the mark will activate." Luke's right. I feel the spell wearing off and I know Ace is getting rowdy which will only add to Jason's irritation. Today won't be fun at all.
We all meet at Carissa's door before Jason knocks on the door. We hear a soft-toned voice say
"Hold up! I'm coming!"
"Maybe all of us coming wasn't such a good idea. Imagine opening the door to four strangers, the broody muscular man being at the forefront of the group." Delilah points out. "True, but Jason's a familiar face. Carissa has known Jason since he was small and I'm sure not much about him has changed for him to be completely unrecognizable." I reason. Delilah shrugs and we wait for Carissa to open the door.
A few minutes go by and Jason's about to knock but Carissa opens the door. We expect Carissa to be surprised but on the contrary, she greets us with a smile. "Jason, you're here at last." Her smile is warm and welcoming. Her cardigan flows beneath her knees, her blonde hair is wrapped in a messy bun, her lowcut v-neck shirt is a stark contrast to the messy teacher vibe that the rest of her outfit radiates, and her sweats are stained with some sort of liquid that I can only assume is coffee.
"You were expecting him?" Delilah questions with suspicion. "I was expecting all of you. Please, come in." Carissa opens the door further and steps aside so that we have space to walk in. Jason says thank you before entering and Luke follows after. I'm about to enter next before Delilah pulls me aside. "Are your supernatural sense tingling?" She asks me. "Okay, well first, we aren't calling it that and second, no."
Delilah sighs before signaling me to enter. Her apartment is small and humble. Multiple pieces of art hang around her apartment. Papers and mundane stationary are scattered around the room. Multiple mugs are scattered around the room that were most likely filled with coffee if the smell of coffee grains were any implication.
"Sorry, I wasn't expecting guest." Carissa bashfully blushes and starts to clean. "But earlier you told us that you were expecting us to show." Delilah says skeptically. "Yes, but I didn't know a specific date or time. You kind of caught me off guard. I was in the middle of working on a chapter."
"You write?" I ask. "It's a hobby of mine. Nothing major. I'm kind of old-fashioned so most of my drafts are written on paper hence the mess, sorry."
"No need. We all know the feeling. We're all employees of the big man over here and he hates when we write reports online so they're either hand-written or typed and printed but never saved. A real pain." Luke groans. I can't help but reminisce about the more simplistic days when writing, typing, and collecting reports for Jason was the only thing that I had to worry about.
"Hackers are a thing you know." Jason defends himself. "Yeah, and so is cyber security if only you'd invest in it." I scoff. While Jason doesn't verbally respond, his eye roll says enough. "I see you're just as childish as ever." Carissa chuckles in reference to Jason. "It's been a while since I've seen you. You look well." Jason loses most of his rigidity and his expression softens. Carissa breaks out into a loud laugh. Jason winces and even I have to cover my ears. Delilah is relatively unphased as her main focus seems to be analyzing Carissa and as per usual, Luke is amused.
"This looks like I'm doing well?" Carissa heaves. "You look happy. That's more than I can say for most people nowadays."
"Happy, huh? I'm...content. I see you've made it big for yourself. How's the company going?" Carissa asks as she continues to tidy up. "It's doing well. As a matter of fact, these are my employees recently turned friends." Jason responds. "That's a bit of a surprise. I didn't take you as a man who would mix business with pleasure." Carissa continues to fly around the room. "We've...been through a lot together."
"Oh, I didn't mean that but, yes, that too. But I was referring to the mark on her neck." Carissa doesn't need to specify who she's talking about. "How do you-" Delilah starts but is cut off by Carissa. "Your magic is strong. It's not hard to identify the kind of spell that you performed. Besides, the mark itself is so potent that any hound or feline could smell it from miles away. Of course, that's what one could expect from an alpha of a powerful pack."
"So, you're a witch," Delilah states and side eyes me. "What? I can't detect every supernatural out here. I couldn't even detect you and Jason, and I've been working with you guys for two years, so apologies if my senses are a little rusty." I defend myself. "Of course you wouldn't react to us. We don't pose a threat to you. Those cramp-like pains you feel are like goosebumps on your arms. Your body can naturally sense when there's a supernatural threat around you. The question is how."
"Can you help us?" Luke asks. "I can tell you that you shouldn't have further problems with that mark."
"How come?" Jasons asks. "It's fading. I can tell it hasn't been reinforced and you two have been very distant with one another. I'm surprised your inner wolf is scratching around in your head, Jason." Carissa finally has everything tidy and encourages us to sit. We all sit on the couch in the order of Delilah, me, Jason, and Luke, while Carissa sits on the table in front of us.
"Trust me, I'm going feral up here." Jason taps on his dome for emphasis. "Why haven't you said anything?" I ask him in a soft tone. "Would it have mattered?"
"Of course it would've,"
"It wouldn't change anything."
"If I may-" Carissa interrupts. "-why are you two fighting this? You must've marked her for a reason." Everybody sighs, myself included. We already know how long of a story this will be.
~~~
"Okay, that's a lot. Jason, have you ever wondered why you're only now beginning to be attracted to Soren? I mean, you've known her for two years." Carissa asks. "I didn't know her well back then."
"But you've always found her physically attractive, no?"
"It would be a little hard for him to find me physically attractive considering he rarely looked at me." I roll my eyes and slightly pout. "Oh, cry about it." Jason snarls. "Don't get bitter, get better. I know it's hard for you to actually achieve character development, so I tolerate this prepubescent attitude, but I won't for long."
"Then I suppose going from ignoring your existence to saving your life accounts for nothing. In that case I see no point in coming to your aid anymore."
"You can save me a thousand times and still be an asshole. And frankly, if I wanted to hear from one every second of the day, I'd just fart." A few snickers are released around the room. I can tell Jason's attitude is getting worse by the second and I thrive on being the reason. "Why do you save her every time?" Carissa asks as if she's looking for something.
"We came here for answers, not a therapy session." Delilah impatiently remarks. "What you need is for Jason to get better. Trust when I say a therapy session is in order. A group therapy to be exact."
"I don't trust a single thing or person,"
"Yet here you are." Carissa gently smiles and Delilah can only manage an eye roll. "I save her because against my better judgment, I care for her." Jason answers the question. "Against your better judgment? I am your better judgement, babes." I retort. "Do you have to argue with me on everything?"
"Do you have to insult me in every sentence?" Our heated staring contest is cut short by Carissa's laughter. "Why is it that you two annoy each other?" She asks another question. "Somebody has to humble him. He can be a real prick and I don't take too nicely to his attitude."
"My attitude? You can't be serious. All you do is disrespect me, go behind my back, and make snarky comments!" Jason's tone steadily rises. I start swiveling my head to look around the house. "What are you looking for?" Delilah asks. "Whoever the hell he thinks he's talking to. Was he talking to you?" I ask Luke. "Nope, I don't think he was." He smiles and continues my ruse. He raises his arms as someone would in an act of innocence. "You've got to be fucking kidding me," Jason menacingly growls. Delilah and Carissa laugh for a short while.
"Yet despite the poor treatment you describe, you continue to help him." Carissa notes. "Yes, because I truly believe he deserves to find his parents and learn about who and what he is. Not to mention my family will always be in danger unless these issues are resolved. That alone is enough motivation to continue on despite my better judgement."
"It's your better judgement that's leading you to do this in the first place, idiot." Jason childishly says. I can't help but feel my muscles twitch in annoyance. "And why are you two helping them?"
"Soren is my girl. I'd do anything for her, and all of this supernatural stuff is exhilarating." Luke grins. "I'm here to make sure they don't do anything stupid that'll jeopardize me." Delilah sternly says. "Oh? Was karaoke in the car your way of supervising us?" Luke teases. I snicker at the comment. Delilah lightly blushes but stands her ground. "There's nothing wrong in indulging in a little bit of fun. I am still a succubus after all. I'm never against having a good time."
"Now that we have the incentives for all of us being here, let's move onto the next set of questions." Carissa happily claps once while the rest of us groan.
"What made you start caring for Soren?" Carissa asks Jason. "After getting to know her a little better I started to realize there was more to her than I initially thought. While she may be blunt, she's caring and it's impossible to not be appreciative after everything she's done for me."
"And at what point did you start developing feelings for her?" The question shocks all of us. "I...my feelings for Soren are...complicated."
"When did things start becoming 'complicated?'"
"I guess after I bit her,"
"You bit her because you felt something for her, try again. When did these feelings start becoming complicated?" Jason struggles to think, and I start to wonder if this is really a good idea. I don't need my relationship with Jason becoming more complex. "What's the reason for this group therapy anyway?" Delilah asks in frustration. "Jason will never be able to fully bond with his wolf if he can't tap into all of his emotions and be honest with himself. The goal you're all trying to achieve starts within yourselves. As a witch I'm sure you know all too well just how dangerous bottled emotions can be."
Carissa's comment instantly shuts Delilah up and I can see her start to tense. "Why do me and De have to be here?" Luke finishes the question for Delilah. "You're all involved with each other in some way, shape, or form. It'll be easier to go on from here once you all know where you stand with each other." I'm not so sure about that. "My feelings...started getting complicated after I saved Soren from falling at the gala. Something within me just kind of clicked when I saw that she was about to die. I can't really describe it. It was more instinctual than anything. After that I felt more protective of her, and things went on from there."
Carissa nods her head in acknowledgment. "And you, Soren?" When did my feelings for Jason become more? "I guess it would be when we met Trevor. Jason surprised me with his personality after I found out that he was a werewolf. After that I became physically attracted to him since my clouded anger towards him cleared enough for my body to start...reacting. But it was only after experiencing his gratitude that I committed to this. Seeing Jason happy makes me happy and it's fulfilling to know that it's all because of me." I gloat at the end to make this situation less awkward.
But the damage is done. Jason has that look in his eyes the I can't pin down and it makes it near impossible to look him in the eye. "And what do you two think about their relationship?" Carissa asks Luke and Delilah.
"Coming from a succubus, their sexual levels are off the charts, there's no denying that. And they genuinely care for one another, but I don't see anything long-term for them. I believe their feelings are more heightened because they can't have each other. Desire is a slippery slope and I highly advise you both to not go down that track." Delilah sternly warns and I can't help but feel slightly offended.
While I don't like to admit it, I'd like to think Jason and I have something more genuine than what Delilah is describing. "Well, I feel the complete opposite. I think sexual desires being strong is normal. The first thing you see about a person is the way they look and how they carry themselves. It's perfectly healthy, although their situation isn't desirable. If they were to get together it could work. They're learning about each other every day and it certainly doesn't get boring with the two of them."
Luke cheekily grins.
"What do you think about what they said?" Carissa asks Jason and me. "I think everybody is entitled to their own opinion, so I won't say right or wrong, but I don't think we should always have to know. I agree that introspection is important, especially to a shifter, but my and Soren's relationship isn't the usual one and it's hard to navigate it. Soren and I have talked to each other about our feelings, and I'd like to think we can handle this like adults." Jason says his piece then turns to me.
"I agree with him. We know we're attracted to each other and that we have certain feelings, but the mark has also made things difficult for us. It's hard to tell what we're truly feeling in the moment when everything is so enhanced. Especially with the mark forcing us to mate and the depression when we're not next to each other. It's exhausting and I'd rather think about it when we both have a clear mind." Jason grunts in agreement. Carissa nods in respect to my statement.
"And your wolf? What does he think?" Carissa asks. "My other half tends to lack in the thinking department." Jason huffs. "That's where you're wrong and once you become in sync with your counterpart, you'll realize why."
"And what about you? We came here for answers and got questions. Aren't you even the least bit curious about Trevor?" I ask Carissa. If she was going to pry into our relationship, it's only fair that we reciprocate. "Trevor and I have a complicated history. Unfortunately, our relationship always had to suffer the consequences. The choices we've made...sometimes I wish I were more selfish, but I know I could never live with myself if I let my morals go to be with him. The less I know the better. One day I might say 'fuck it' and go against my better judgement. So, if you guys could get rid of this threat soon, that would be lovely." Carissa says solemnly.
"Why can't you and Trevor be together?" Luke asks. "Trevor doesn't know this, but Jason's biological parents trusted me with a lot since I was their designated witch when they came to earth. I don't know who exactly they're running from in a sense that I can't give you names, but I know what they were running from. They're called soul snatchers. They first appeared decades ago in the magic realm. They stole magic from other supernatural creatures. We don't know why or what they used the magic for, but they are allied with the hunters Trevor told you about. Completely different from the hunter and huntress you all encountered at the warehouse.
These hunters were commonly referred to as Acetaeon X. Acetaeon are a group of ex-humans. Humans turned supernatural. By what means, nobody knows. Ever since their appearance, they've been attacking all magic wielding creatures. While werewolves don't use magic like witches do, every supernatural creature contains a pouch in their organs that allow them to absorb and use magic. Humans aren't born with this which is why even when magic surrounds them, they can't use it. Not on their own anyway. They could use amulets such as the one you have on now, Soren. The soul snatchers started with small prey, supernaturals that wouldn't raise suspicion if they disappeared.
This included regular shifters such as wolves, foxes, unicorns, etc. Then they started going for bigger prey such as stronger wolf packs and low-ranked witches. Your pack, the Ulimina Pack, was one of them. Nearly your entire pack was wiped out. Your family had to flee, and you know the rest of the story from there. I don't have anything special to add to what Trevor said aside from the reason we can't be together. Me and another witch created a jewel that would open a gate to where your parents and your remaining pack are located. We split the jewel between me, Trevor, the other witch, and Jason's adoptive parents.
We presented these pieces of the jewel as a token of appreciation from your biological parents. We never told Trevor or your adoptive parents of the power it holds. Trevor and I, our relationship developed before the jewel was created and I knew what I'd be sacrificing when I created it. Right now, your parents are in a pocket dimension. These are exactly what they sound like.
Small dimensions branching off from the magic and earth realm. They can contain their own passage of time and environment. It's up to the creator's choice. You caught a glimpse of that pocket dimension when you were thrown into the portal, Soren. The only person who could access that portal without the jewels is the other witch, whom I can only assume to be Delilah's sister from what you've told me.
My magic was sealed after the jewel was created so that I could remain on earth safely. Trevor and I were to keep our distance to prevent the jewels combining. They hold powerful magic that can be detected from miles when joined together. Every supernatural in the area would be drawn towards its power. This mission you're all on is dangerous and can affect more than yourselves. And when Jason becomes one with his wolf, his supernatural presence will be even harder to conceal. Your parents kept your human side away from your wolf side as greatly as possible to avoid that. Even though their pack was compromised, they still wanted you to live a normal life. A life that wasn't confined to a pocket dimension. I don't know what happened to your adoptive parents either. It wasn't part of the plan for them to disappear, but we always left you a fortune so that you wouldn't be limited. Please just...be careful."
~~~
We left Carissa after her warning. She gave us her piece of the jewel, a bracelet with the piece of the jewel embedded in the middle. We decided it would be safer if a human kept the bracelet since supernaturals are attracted to each other and it would be best if the bracelet didn't end up in the wrong hands. And since the bracelet couldn't fit Luke, it was assigned to me. Carissa told us that the bracelet would glow when it's close to another piece. She also decided it would be best for her and Trevor to not meet until the danger has passed since her and Trevor wouldn't be able to live freely until this matter is resolved.
"So, what now? Carissa was our last lead, and we have no idea where Jason's adoptive parents are." Luke breaks the silence that settled since we got back onto the plane. "We find my sister. My past it's...I don't like talking about it, but my family is somewhat of royalty in the magic realm. Since I'm only half witch, I was considered a bastard and sent to marry off the vampire king to soothe relations between witches and vampires. Those vampires have unique features that are passed down from generations. They all have red hair and a spectrum of eye colors ranging from yellow to orange. If the way you describe Ash is accurate, he's part of that family. He could lead us to my arranged husband. His power combined with mine can help us locate my sister. His link to my family isn't strong enough on its own but paired with someone from our immediate bloodline will do the trick. If we can find my sister, we can get to Jason's parents."
We're all left stunned to absorb the information Delilah just gave us. "But De, you've been running from something, and it has something to do with your family. Are you sure you want to undo all of that work to help us?" Luke asks Delilah with genuine concern. "I have no choice. This is bigger than all of us. The soul snatchers and Acetaeon X aren't going away on their own. And with the magic dimension tearing, magic is leaking into this world and if the soul snatchers make their way here, it'll be hell. Humans may not be able to wield magic but it's everywhere and in everyone which means all of earth is in danger. This isn't just about finding Jason's parents anymore; it's about saving the world and we need as many allies as possible. And if humans can really be turned into supernaturals like the group that makes up Acetaeon, the magic dimension will change as I know it. I'm not going to sit back and let humans gain the power needed to destroy everything. We've already witnessed what a group of humans granted magic have done.
Our existence to humanity must remain a secret and having soul snatchers killing everybody isn't exactly the best way to go about it. Jason's pack held great authority in the magic realm. If we can get his pack, it'll be easier to gather allies. We have three prominent families of three different races here on earth. If we can ally our forces together, we'll have a solid chance of convincing the supernaturals back in the magic realm. My royal family of witches, Ash's royal family of vampires, and Jason's powerful pack of wolves can easily make a pitch to higher powers."
"Woah, hold on a second. What the fuck is going on? We're going to war now? Saving the magic realm and all of earth? Royal families? And here I thought all we had to do was find Jason's family and make it to the wedding on time." Luke panics and I'm right there with him. This is more than any of us signed up for and I'm only human. How much could I possibly do?
"Delilah, hold on. Maybe we're going too fast." Jason worriedly says. This is the first time I've heard such deep doubt and uncertainty in Jason's voice. "I get how this can be too much for you all. After we reach Jason's family we can go our separate ways. This is a supernatural problem after all. Matters like this are common in the magic realms for royal families, covens, and packs alike. Of course, they're not all to this degree but I have a responsibility to uphold. I can't sit back and watch this happen. "
We all go silent. All of this, it's, I don't even have words for it. "Regardless of if we're ready for this or not, we also have a responsibility. Our families are in danger guys. Jason, you will never be able to marry Saiya peacefully as long as this threat remains. None of us can afford to leave this matter unattended. I know this is much more than what we bargained for, but our reasons for starting this in the first place still remain. And when you think about it, most of this is out of our hands once the three families unite. For now, our priority is uniting the forces here on earth. As far as I'm concerned, the rest isn't my problem to deal with. It's not up to just the four of us to save the universe, but it starts with us. Jason, Delilah, I don't know where you guys will end up at the end of this, but I don't want to think about that right now. Let's control what we can and leave the rest up to the future."
I say my mini speech with as much confidence as I can muster but the truth is I'm terrified. We don't have all the time in the world, and I have other problems to deal with, that may seem miniscule now, but are still important in the long run. I'm supposed to be starting a relationship with Sebastian, getting rid of this demon that's trying to take over my body, going through with my fake relationship with Keith and the gang, and making ties with my family. Five minutes ago, I would've fainted from the stress and now, now I would give anything to have only those four tasks.
"Oh my god. I can't believe I'm doing this, but you know I'll follow you to the ends of the earth. Besides, how can I possibly rest easy knowing earth can be consumed by soul snatchers any day now? Count me in." Luke's grin doesn't extend as far as it normally does which is a sign of his hesitance, but I'm happy that he decided to stay. We all look at Jason, awaiting his response. "I'm the reason we all got involved in this, aren't I? There's no way I could back out now." We all sigh in relief and a small smile settles on my face. "I'll get started on a locator spell on the jewel when we get home and see if I can get anything from it." Delilah says. The task is daunting but having these three with me somehow makes it a lot easier.
~~~
"So, this is it." I nervously chuckle. Only a few minutes until Delilah's spell on the mark wears off, and while Carissa said the mark is fading and wouldn't cause us any trouble in the future, there's no telling what Jason and I will feel after the spell is broken. "This is it," Jason says, but his soft tone and his eyes tell me he isn't here in this moment. We await our fate on the same couch where Jason told me he's a werewolf. Thinking about how much has happened since then, it's a feeling I can't describe. The journey that seemed to finally be coming to an end is suddenly the beginning of the threat that's really to come.
"What are you thinking?" I ask Jason. We face each other, criss-cross applesauce on the couch. He takes his right hand off the couch and lifts it to my face and caresses me. "I'm so sorry that I got you caught up in all of this. I'm sure you'd rather be anywhere else right now." Jason's eyes hold deep regret that make my heart ache. I put my hand on his that caress my face and assure him. "I can't think of one place I'd rather be right now. I don't regret a single choice I've made since meeting you, Jason. It's insulting and very arrogant of you to think that my decisions are entirely your fault. I'm a grown woman who makes her own decisions. I decided to stand by you then and I'm doing the same thing now. Sorry, but you aren't getting rid of me." I smirk.
Normally Jason would reciprocate my vibe, but once again, he seems to be in his own world. Finally, he cracks a small smile. "What am I going to do with you?" He rhetorically questions and we're left in silence again, but our eye contact remains. "I think the better question is what can you do without me?"
"You vex me," he says after a minute or so. "You irk me" I respond, and we start to go back and forth. "You aggravate me,"
"You agitate me,"
"You infuriate me,"
"You annoy me,"
"You stupefy me,"
"I thought we were supposed to be throwing insults. All I hear is that you can't handle me,"
"You wanna bet on that?" Jason says with a slight growl and gold begins to swirl in his eyes. "Why when we both know I'm going to win?"
"Ever so competitive,"
"To compete, you'd have to be on my level,"
"You're right, but it's beneath me to lower myself,"
"Aww, that's cute. How many brain cells did it take for you to come up with that one?"
"About the same amount that thinks this is a good idea," he says before lowering his head to take my lips. My body instantly goes rigid before melting into the kiss. Jason's grip on my face becomes sterner as he pulls me towards him. My mind is hazy, and I can only recognize the feel of his body on mine. Everything else fades into the background.
Our lips desperately ravage each other, and I'm pressed to him until I'm practically on his lap. I entangle my fingers into his hair and furiously grip which triggers a low growl. He bites my lip and I release a whimper. We're left panting as our bodies heave up and down. When I open my eyes, they're met with Jason's blue and gold orbs. His ears and tail are on display, and he wraps his tail around me. "There were brain cells that thought that was a good idea?" I pant. "No," he says with his labored breathes. "You-" he cuts me off before I can complete my sentence. "Like I said, you stupefy me." We're both left speechless as we're left to catch our breath.
Jason's hands have settled on my waist and mine on his shoulders with my legs wrapped around his waist. The only thing we can do is look at each other, nose to nose. The sudden sound of my alarm makes me flinch. I reach for my phone on the table and silence the alarm. "That's our five second warning," I say before putting my phone down and looking back at Jason. Once again, he holds such an unreadable expression. He gently pulls me towards him, and we return to our position.
Five, four, three, two...one.