Tormented

-Shadow Wood-

In the weeks following Alejandro & I worked diligently with the inclusion of Cary, Celestra, Joaquina, Alina, and the school of mystic teachers.

We systematically performed every mystic ceremony without fail in attempts to discover how to awaken Ruben without success. Finally, remembering Thom's mystic friend. Alejandro suggested a visit to Alex and his coven in Shadow Wood Grove Penn.

Beta sent Thom to get right on it and arranged the visit which he did. The night before we went. I originally decided one of us should remain, so as to deal with anything from One-Eye should he attempt a second attack. Although I wanted nothing more than to join them, in my place, I instructed beta to accompany Alejandro. Who was already being accompanied by Thom and Ben on this visit.

Thom, as per Betas instruction, communicated with Alex our situation and together, arranged the visit. Beta also instructed him, for safety reasons, to take precautions explaining why. The night before we left, I was relaxing on the balcony with Alejandro watching the moon & the stars on his favorite bamboo sofa when Star joined us appearing through a portal.

I briefly look at my son with his mate, the peace reflecting from them curled up on the sofa. something i once knew the meaning of. For a moment, I am reminded of my sacrifice with a dull ache within my chest once more makin its presence known.

A sacrifice justly made.

"Hello you two. I am glad you are both together. Alejandro, there is something I must tell you. I was previously unaware Alex is a member of the coven of the Shadow Wood Estate Run by a MS.Madeline LOCKHART. A coven established in 1792 by Jedidiah Lockhart to protect and maintain the balance of magic with nature.

Since her rise as matriarch, we have held a shaky relationship with The Grove. She does not particularly care for Alex for reasons of her own. Yet, The history is dark regarding the Grove. Shadow Wood are the guardians responsible for balance with nature.

Alejandro, it is important for you to remember, they are descendants of powerful ancient bloodlines in witchery as we are in wulf necromancer.

While we are the guardians of the Celestials and humanity. They are the guardians responsible for nature and balance and she abhors the unconditional pairings the mate bond forms. Again, her reason behind this, remains shrouded.

While Their powers cannot affect Celestials but there is my grandson, Thom and Alex to consider. As well as you are a Guardian, you will behave as such."

Hearing this, I growl now, "I think it better I accompany you mate instead of Beta." My tone matter of flatly. Alejandro's response reassures me he had begun thinking along the same lines.

I pause with Toti to answer Crim "I agree but we are still taking Beta." I then redirect my attention addressing my mother "Mom could you Mima and Don Yonell stand in for us here? I seriously doubt I will hold my bitch mode back for long if this Ms. Lockhart starts acting up."

I feel tension off Crim and look to him. I notice Crim's eyes, as he was laying next to me on the bamboo sofa, begin becoming lighter. Looking at him square in the eyes while resting my hand on him I use a ploy to change his mood say"burn my favorite sofa and you will be sleeping out here till I get a new one."

It does the trick. Mom chuckles at my sadistic humour as Crim looks at me, his tail thumping lightly. His eyes returning to their normal green color, he light heartedly follows my jest "You wouldn't, mate? Looking at him challenging with a devilish grin "try me." I redirect my attention from Crim to mom "ok lockhart, bitch, behave, got it"