Filed to story: Secret with Betas Daughter: Skylar Story Series
He blurts. His whole body is shaking with rage.
I grab both of his massive forearms with my tiny hands. “It wasn’t voluntary. That’s what happened that night in the locker room. It’s why you couldn’t link me. I was injected with wolfsbane and silver and possibly some other poisons. Doc Ganon and Doc Sylvia took a ton of samples and are studying it, but what I was given should have killed me within minutes, from what I understand.”
“You need to tell me who did this to you. Is it the same person that gave you the silver scars on your back?”
“Yes, it was the same person and no I won’t tell you. You wouldn’t be able to deal with it in a diplomatic way…”
“Who gives a sh*t about diplomacy when you were tortured?”
“I do when it is a pack member who has been getting away with things pretty much forever. I won’t condone it, but at the same time, no one has ever made it clear the behavior is unacceptable. The pack leaders are responsible for that. Yes, things need to change, but current things need to be fixed, past stuff has already happened and cannot be taken back. Keep working with the pups, teach them to stand up for themselves. Teach them to be decent pack members, not to hurt people in order to get what they want. But we need to get back to the magic. I have some control over elements and I need to work on that like I work with weights. Magic is like a muscle, but it still takes a lot of energy for me to sustain, so I need someone with me just in case I overdo it by accident.”
“So let’s get to work here, a quick full body thing and then where do we need to do your magic? Is there like a special room or what?”
I move over and start setting up weights while I explain about being outside and what I have to focus on for the flow of magic to happen. I also have to read whatever instructions Elena gave me too.
We don’t talk much, we have never really had to when we work out. I love the silence and the ability to lose myself in my thoughts, but at the same time, I’m not alone. His large protective presence also makes me feel safe and loved.
When we are done and clean up the mess of weights everywhere, we head toward the kitchen to check in with Lenny for our lunch.
“I am so sorry that I have been so distracted this morning. Some demands are more involved than others.”
“Lenny, it is okay. We are more than capable of making our own lunch. I just didn’t want to be in your way. There are so many extra people in the packhouse right now. I know that prep takes time.”
She hands me a basket, and it’s heavy. “What’s in here, we just needed lunch!” I laugh.
“Well, you’re breakfast was on the small side and I know you just worked out and you are planning some more training. I want to make sure you maintain that figure, little miss. You are finally healthy and I want to keep it that way.”
Sho winks at me and I giggle again as Oliver takes it out of my hands and leads me out the back door.
“So what are we doing? What can I expect from this magic thing, Bitty?” Oliver asks as we head back to where my semi-hidden hammock is.
“Really, I can’t do much with magic, but I’m focusing on how to sense it and have been able to start manipulating elements a little with it. Magic is really hard. Do you remember learning to shift for the first time?” He nods at me. “It’s kind of like that when I use magic. Somewhere in me I have the capacity for it, but because it isn’t my first nature the learning is slow and draining. With the Rogues using magic, sensing it is my main focus and Elena agrees. If we can avoid things and people that are being manipulated and controlled by magic, we can keep more pack members safe. What happened to Jena’s pack and Tyler’s pack is unacceptable and I believe magic is going to be the Rogue King’s weakness.”
“How so?”
“The rogues are lazy and weak when it comes to real fighting. They are too reliant on magic to take control with no real effort. That’s how Jena and I were able to get away after Gentry kept the wolfsbane and other poisons out of our food. We had to fight a little, but not as much as I would have thought once they discovered us gone. I was also able to kill Janice without a lot of effort too when she tried to take me on one on one. I didn’t think about it at the time, but I don’t sleep well so I’ve had time on my hands.”
“What do you mean you don’t sleep well? You slept fine last night.”
“I have always slept better with you guys around.”
I smile at him. “I’m pretty sure it’s the only time I actually hit a deep sleep really. You guys are just my people, you’re safe, home.”
He pulls me into a hug and I can hear his wolf purr softly in his chest.
“That was the ego boost we needed. Now he isn’t going to shut up the rest of the day.”
Oliver laughs. “So what do I need to do?”
I walk him through what it looks like for me to work with the elements and some of the history that Elena has been teaching me. He’s as big of a geek as I am, so I know he appreciates the in-depth information. The rest of the guys would have stayed and pretended to pay attention while spacing out. Cam would have lasted the longest, while Sam would have made it two minutes before offering to get snacks and drinks. I also explained that he needs to watch me for signs of distress, because the concentration is so deep, I can’t always pull myself out of it and I can actually get hurt while I’m in a trance.
We finally unwrap and open the ancient grimoire. I know that this thing has been around for generations, but the thought of it being here outside the safety of the Royal pack makes me a little nervous and excited all at the same time. It is clearly important, if she broke her own rule to bring it to me.
There is an envelope tucked in between pages. I open straight to it and see why immediately. I open the thick envelope and unfold the heavy, hand pressed paper. I can feel the hum through my fingers just touching it. I know there is magic, even here. I begin to read.
Skylar, I wish I could be with you, but my coven needs me more right now. Your rogues are terrorizing my kind and we must help put an end to the injustice. Our leaders can no longer avoid it or pretend it is not happening. We are going to bring our brothers and sisters home.
You must continue your training. I believe you are vital to our cause. Read the grimoire from front to back and stop where the magic calls you. Your wolf can guide you as well since she is of the same magic. Make sure you are safe when practicing, knowing who to trust is becoming a dangerous game. I have marked three pages for you to follow before and after you practice casting. This will keep you and your watcher safe as well as suppress your strong aura.
The first will help you veil your practice area and bar anyone outside your space from entering until you drop the veil. This may affect your ability to mindlink when you first begin to cast. As you get better at the skill, it will be less broad and you can manipulate it to your will.
The second will help you ground and become intune with the elements around you before you cast. This meditation is what we did together, but will take some energy from you as you align with the earth to cast.
The third is instructions to infuse magic into elements that can be worn for protection. Make one protection pièce per day and no more. The magic is powerful and et contained, but you and your team will need the added protection. The elements can be placed in everyday Wearable items. I suggest infusing at night before you sleep so you can rest and recover overnight and no one will be suspicious of your lack of energy.
Check in with Nikolas and he will get messages to me if you need anything. Good Luck my girl.