Changing Fates: A Sons of Satrina Novel (The Sons of Satrina Book 3) (11 page)

“Well, I guess I could start preparations here.” Ash looked disappointed, but her mind was already whirling with ideas for where to put the tree. There was the perfect spot in the corner of the large dining room, but a space would have to be made. She’d have to get a couple of her friends to help her move the large, heavy antique furniture.

“Well, I’ll go and find Verynai, round up a couple of trainees and we’ll be on our way.” Doctor Phillippe said as she reached for her coat, taking the credit card from Professor Verynai and putting it in her pocket. “I shouldn’t need this, but it’s better to take it in case I see anything while I’m out.”

“You’re going now?” Ash looked shocked.

“No time like the present. It’ll be dawn soon but we’ve got enough time to get into the city and get back before the sun is up.”

Doctor Phillippe paused in front of Aisline and smiled. “Have we got everything you wanted?”

“Yeah, I think so.” Ash grinned. “I just want it to be traditional, you know? I want everyone to have a good time.” She could almost taste the turkey, she was that excited.

“We’ll make it work. I promise.” Doctor Phillippe leaned in to give her a quick hug before leaving the room. Normally, she wouldn’t get like that with the trainees, especially seeing as they were all male, but with Aisline? They had a bond, a close friendship and she wanted to do this right for the girl. It was a wonderful idea and she was pleased to be part of the preparations.

Doctor Phillippe was waiting in the reception area with Master Warrior’s Verynai and Riley. Aisline grinned as she bounded down the stairs with Trey and Dylan grumbling behind her.

“So, we’re ready? These are the helping hands you promised us?” Master Warrior Riley grinned and nodded a head at Trey and Dylan.

Master Warrior Verynai rolled his eyes and glared at everyone, “This is a fate worse than death. Shopping. I can’t believe you’re dragging me into this shit. I’d rather take on a group of Mortuorum, on my own with my hands tied behind my back!”

“Oh, man up!” Doctor Phillippe joked.

Aisline couldn’t help but giggle at the warrior’s expression. It had taken her a little while to get used to the burly warrior, but now she thought Verynai was simply amazing. He looked all kinds of hot and fierce with his tattoos and piercings, but deep down, he was one of the good guys who’d do anything to protect his people. It was a lethal combination. Plus, he had a wicked sense of humour and knew that he’d have fun on their little field trip.

“Stop moaning. You know you love shopping.” She teased him.

“Shoot me now.”

Ash laughed at the expression on the warriors face, he looked disgusted by the idea of a girly shopping trip out. She wished that she could go along with them, but knew that Kelton would never allow it. Plus, her worries about the enemy would have tainted the trip for her and she wanted this to be a time that she enjoyed. It was unbelievable to think that her plans were actually coming together. She’d even talked Jackson into helping her clear the dining hall in preparation.

“Have you got everything in hand here?” Doctor Phillippe asked. Professor Fieldman was busy making some last minute purchases over the internet for the group to pick up, so Ash was on her own to sort out the preparations.

“I’m on it. I’ve enlisted the help of the guys.” Aisline grinned wickedly. None of the boys were particularly happy about it, given the late hour, but they grudgingly agreed to make her happy.

“You know you’re on Brussel sprout duty for this hell you’re putting me through, don’t you, girl?” Verynai growled, but laughter twinkled in his eyes.

As she waved them off, she turned to find Jackson waiting for her. He was lounging against the wall and Aisline felt a surge of longing run through her. He looked goddamn perfect with his closely cropped jet black hair and piercing eyes that were trained on her. In his casual jeans and snug t-shirt, she couldn’t believe that he was hers.

They were still taking their relationship slowly, but seeing him like that made her want to jump his bones and take things to the next level. A slow smile across his face, as if he were able to read her mind. Ash could feel herself blushing, even though such girly things were usually beyond her. But, dammit, he looked so hot.

Ash took a step towards him, ready to take a moment before they got down to the dirty work, when Rhian seemed to step out of nowhere and strode straight towards Jackson.

“I knew you’d come.” Rhian whispered, but not quietly enough that Ash wouldn’t hear her. Judging by the bitchy glance in her direction, Ash was definitely supposed to hear that.

Jackson frowned. “What do you mean? I came to meet Aisline.”

Rhian chuckled and ran her finger tips down the bare skin of his arm. “Of course you did. You would say that when she’s standing there.”

Jackson took a step away from her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Rhian.”

With another sly glance to Aisline, Rhian leaned in closer, “Of course you don’t. Don’t worry, Jackson. I won’t tell her if you don’t.” And she blew him a kiss before sashaying off down the hallway.

Jackson turned to Aisline and held his hands up, “Honestly, I have no idea what the hell she’s going on about.”

“Don’t worry about.” Ash rolled her eyes. “It’s just Rhian trying to stir things again. That’s how she gets her kicks, trying to wind me up.”

“Don’t rise to it.”

“I won’t.” Nothing could take away the happiness she was feeling in that moment. She had a major Christmas celebration to prepare for, one that the entire academy could enjoy. And, she had Jackson. It didn’t matter what Rhian said or tried to do, nothing could take away what she was feeling.

Moving into the dining hall, she and Jackson got down to work, getting everything ready for a Christmas they’d never forget.

When they got to the store, Marion was disappointed to see the display of Christmas decorations. She was glad they’d had the foresight to order over the internet, as things in the store were slim pickings. All they had to do was go and collect their goods and get back to the academy as quickly as possible.

It wasn’t like she was bothered being out in the city, after all, she’d never even encountered the Mortuorum, but being out with the warriors, she felt a little conspicuous. The boys were all well over six feet tall and built like brick shit houses, all muscles on muscles. Even at this hour in the early hours of the morning, the shops were reasonably busy with humans wanting to get their Christmas Eve shopping trips over and done with before the madness begins.

It was a freezing cold night and she was glad to be inside in the warm. Even Verynai and Riley were pulling their coats tightly around their bodies.

It was quite amusing for Marion to see the trainees in action. They were told to take this shopping trip seriously, to use it as part of their training exercise. And the boys were taking it very seriously. To anyone else, they would have probably looked like bored teenagers, but she could see the alertness in their gaze, their stance ready for confrontation. The Master Warriors were watching on with pride in their eyes.

To give them their dues, the boys didn’t complain too much. In all fairness, the young ones seemed to be enjoying this change to their routine, and even Riley and Verynai didn’t seem to hate the trip. Marion wanted to get everything together as quickly as she could so they could get back and get a good night’s sleep. She had the feeling that Aisline was going to work them to the bone the next day, making sure that everything was perfect.

Looking at all the shelves, Marion wanted to make sure that they hadn’t missed anything off the list. She couldn’t help but laugh to herself when she saw the rows of dancing and singing Santa’s and reindeers. They were beyond cute, but some of them were downright creepy. There was no way that she would have been allowed anything like that when she’d been growing up in her parent’s house. They had been very strict and traditional and that kind of thing would have been frowned upon. Marion couldn’t help herself. She picked up one of the adorable singing snowmen and put in under her arm. Ash would love that. Sure, she said she wanted traditional, but how could she resist this? It was a bit of fun.

The boys were busy scouting the area as Marion rounded the corner, and her laughter died abruptly in her throat.

It couldn’t be.

Marion raced to the next aisle. There was no one there. Impossible.

She could have sworn that she’d seen Kayleigh, but there was no one there. The place was void of life, except for a couple of human die-hard shoppers.

She knew that she hadn’t imagined it. It was Kayleigh. It was her friend. But, now she was gone. What was she supposed to do? Tell someone? Would they think that she was crazy?

Moving back closer to the others, she knew that she couldn’t keep something so important to herself. Even if it was just her imagination running wild and playing tricks on her, she couldn’t keep the information to herself.

“Verynai?”

“Yes, Marion?” As he turned to her, his soft expression hardened when he saw the colour had drained from her face. “What is it? Are you okay?”

“I think I just saw Kayleigh.”

Verynai paced closed to her. “Where?”

As she explained what she’d seen and where, Verynai quickly sprang into action, contacting the academy and speaking briefly to Kelton and arranging for a team to head straight over to their location. At least with this sighting, they knew that she was still in the area and they’d be able to intensify their search.

Marion went through the motions of purchasing their goods and helping the boys get everything back to the car. It was the tree that caused them the most problems. A twelve foot tree wasn’t easy to secure to the roof of the car, but they did the best they could, hoping that they wouldn’t get pulled over by the police on their way back home.

All Marion could think about was Kayleigh. That brief glimpse of her wasn’t enough to reassure her that her friend was doing okay. All she wanted to do was speak to her, find out where she was and make sure she was okay. She was going through a hard time and was alone and pregnant. Marion hated that she wasn’t there for her.

The academy was in relative darkness when they returned. The warriors helped them in with the shopping, leaving their purchases in a pile in the dining hall. Marion had to smile to herself. Aisline was going to pitch a fit when she saw everything they’d got. This really was going to make a perfect Christmas day for them all.

The trainees were all in their bedrooms and as soon as they’d finished unloading the car, Marion sent Trey and Dylan off to bed. It really was very late and they still had a day of training the next day, plus all that Aisline had planned for them. Marion knew that they’d need their sleep.

However, the Master Warriors were all wide awake and ready to spring into action. A group had already been despatched to search the area around where Marion had seen Kayleigh and the rest of them that were still at the academy were strategizing as to what to do next. She didn’t want to stick around for that. It wasn’t her place to be there.

Marion headed upstairs to her own suite of rooms and sat down wearily on the bed. What a day. Most of it had been fun, but the worry she was feeling over Kayleigh overshadowed everything else. It was so upsetting to know that her friend was out there somewhere, somewhere out of reach that she couldn’t help her.

All she wanted for Christmas was for her friend to return to them safely.

Was that too much to ask?

Chapter Seven

Aisline couldn’t keep the grin off her face. Things were turning out better than she would have ever imagined. This was the perfect way to spend Christmas Eve, a perfect way to keep the magic of the season.

The kitchen staff was busy preparing all the food for the next day and Aisline had been running in and out all day, trying her best to help wherever she could. She’d roped in several of her friends to help with the decorations and it was unbelievable how they’d been able to transform the old place into this magical Christmas wonderland.

The tree was magnificent. Admittedly, the twelve foot tree looked dwarfed by the sheer size of the room, but it looked perfect. The traditional ornaments hung from the branches, the scent of pine in the air. It was just what she had imagined. This was right out of a fairy tale book.

“Are you still here?”

She turned around to see Jackson walking towards her. He’d spent most of his time after training helping her with all the decorations and had gone up to his room to clean up. Ash was still sat there in her stinky work-out clothes, admiring their work.

“It looks perfect, though, doesn’t it?” she grinned like a kid.

Jackson nodded. “You’ve done a great job. I really didn’t see the point in any of this before, but now? I love it. I think it’s a great idea. I can’t believe you’ve managed to pull this off by yourself.”

It reminded him of the Christmas atmosphere at home, when he was a kid. There was that feeling of anticipation in the air. If anyone could pull this off, it was Ash and she was determined to make this perfect.

All Jackson wanted for Christmas was to be with her and to keep her safe. Anything else was a bonus.

He pulled her to her feet and put his arms around her. Aisline ran a hand over his bristly scalp. “I had a little help with it.”

These moments together, uninterrupted, were rare. There were usually the other trainees running around, calling on them at the most inopportune moments. If he’d had some mistletoe, he’d have pulled it out at that moment, but he wasn’t that corny. A stolen moment was the most they could ask for in the middle of their training and they were going to make the most of it.

Jackson laughed. “You sure did. I can’t believe you managed to talk so many people into helping with this. But, I can tell you, everyone is really looking forward to it.”

“They’re looking forward to having Christmas, or looking forward to having a day off?” Ash laughed, knowing that she couldn’t wait for both.

That was why they didn’t celebrate the season here. With the training schedule, especially since the council had decided to cut their training years, they didn’t have a moment to waste. Jackson now understood that it was a good thing that Aisline was doing. They were working themselves to the bone and a day off would go a long way to recharging their batteries.

“True, true. Either way. It doesn’t matter. They’re all looking forward to it. I still can’t believe that we’ve got the day off. This is pretty unheard of. They don’t do Christmas here.”

They stood for a moment, locked in one another’s arm and looking at the tree that they’d decorated together less than an hour before. This was just how she’d imagined spending Christmas Eve. Sure, it was soppy and romantic and Ash didn’t usually go for that kind of stuff, but this was Christmas after all. Who didn’t get a little mushy at this time of year?

Footsteps approached from behind them. “That’s a little too much, don’t you think?”

Ash looked up at Jackson before rolling her eyes. Trust Rhian to come in and spoil their moment. She was getting better and better at doing that. At least their moment lasted a little longer than usual.

“Don’t diss the decoration. I think it’s perfect, Rhian.” Jackson said before Ash could open her mouth. She smiled up at him. It was typical Jackson, riding to her rescue. Her personal knight in shining armour. Not that she needed any help where Rhian was concerned, but she appreciated the effort.

“I would have opted for something a little more sophisticated if I were you, but if you want to stick with trashy and brash, who am I to stop you?”

Ash bristled. It was clear that her words were aimed at more than just the tree. What a bitch! Rhian was always popping up at times when she and Jackson were trying to get close and have a little alone time, and now here she was again.

“Why don’t you go and bother someone else, Rhian?” Ash snapped, hating that this cow was ruining her good mood. Why the hell did Rhian keep showing up when she and Jackson were getting close? It was starting to get really annoying. They couldn’t seem to find a moment alone together without Rhian popping up and trying to spoil it.

“What is that stench?” Rhian turned up her nose dramatically. “Oh, I am sorry. I wouldn’t have pointed it out if I had realised before.” She looked Ash up and down. “You didn’t shower after training?”

“At least I did the training.” Ash refused to be embarrassed, which was obviously Rhian’s intention. She was always saying things to make her look bad in front of Jackson, but luckily, he took no notice of her. She was going to have to try a lot harder if she wanted to drive a wedge between them.

Rhian laughed but didn’t move. She didn’t even look back at Aisline. Her eyes stayed glued on Jackson, who refused to meet her gaze. The way she was looking at him it was as if she wanted to devour him. Ash didn’t like it one little bit. Rhian had been flirting more and more with Jackson and it was really starting to get on Aisline’s nerves. There were hundreds of other guys here, why couldn’t she focus her unwanted attention on one of them?

Rhian didn’t say another word, but gave Jackson a very intimate look before turning on her heels and strolling slowly out of the dining hall.

“What the hell was all that about?” Ash stepped back from Jackson.

He held his hands up. “I’ve no idea. Don’t ask me how her mind works.”

“What’s going on between you two? Wherever you are, she seems to be. Like your creepy shadow.”

Jackson shrugged. “I’ve no idea, honestly. I think she’s just lonely and looking for a friend.”

“And it has to be you, right?”

He stepped closer to her again and wrapped his hands around her waist. “There is nothing going on between me and Rhian. I have no interest in her. Why would I? I’ve got you.” He leant forward to gently kiss the tip of her nose.

Laughing as she pushed him away, “Smooth. And cheesy.” Ash looked down at herself and silently cursed. She’d been so wrapped up in the idea of getting everything ready for Christmas that she had skipped the shower after training and headed straight down to the dining room. As much as she hated to admit that Rhian was right, but she was a mess. And she must stink to high heaven. “I’m going up to get a shower and a change of clothes.”

“Do you need help with anything else?” Jackson offered.

Ash shook her head. “Not really. I just want to check that everything’s okay and see if the kitchen needs any help, but then I’ll be getting an early night. I know everyone else will be enjoying tomorrow, but I’ve still got loads to do in the morning.”

Jackson stepped forward, ignoring her protests, and pulled her into his arms for a deep kiss. “Merry Christmas, Aisline.”

He took her breath away, literally. “Merry Christmas, Jackson.”

It was a perfect day. It was great seeing all the staff, trainees and warriors letting their hair down and having a great time. They’d all eaten enough food to make them feel sick, which was the whole point of Christmas in Aisline’s mind.

Looking around at everyone, the only one missing from the celebrations had been Kelton. She’d tried to ask him to join in, but he’d cut her dead. Ash didn’t push the point with him. She knew that with everyone celebrating that it was hitting home to him how alone he was feeling. She wished she could have done something for him, but there was nothing she could do.

At the end of the day, she’d stood alone in front of the tree, smiling to herself. This was just what she’d wanted. Everyone had so much fun and no one had put on any airs and graces. That was what Christmas was supposed to be about. Not like in her childhood, when her parents had used it as a time to show of how much they had, rubbing it in their friend’s noses. This was supposed to be a time for fun and family, which is exactly what they had done.

She couldn’t believe that they’d managed to pull it off in time. Everyone involved had worked so hard and as the day had worn on, more and more trainees had shown up in the kitchen, ready to lend a hand. Everyone wanted to get involved once they found out what she’d had planned, and Ash had loved that. The amount of laughter they’d heard in the kitchen was unlike any other time at the academy. Everything and everyone was always so serious and so focused that it was hard to believe that they could forget all that just for one day and have some simple fun.

Ash threw a bit of a fit when she realised that the kitchen staff weren’t going to join them for the feast they’d prepared. It took a lot of arguing on her part, but finally they agreed to join everyone else. It wasn’t fair for them to miss out when they’d worked to the bone to get everything ready. Even the human donors came and sat with the rest of them in the great dining hall. It was perfect. Just what she had wanted. Everyone coming together, forgetting their troubles and having the best Christmas ever.

The tables had looked out of this world. Instead of the plain old wooden tables with basic cutlery and crockery that they used every other day of the year, the kitchen staff had found some amazing antiques that made the day perfect. Obviously, seeing as most of them were under age, they didn’t have wine, but drinking water out of the fine crystal goblets made it special. The tablecloths were vibrant reds and greens and topped with lighted candles. Ash couldn’t have asked for anything more.

“What are you still doing down here?”

She smiled as soon as she heard Jackson’s voice. “I’m not tired yet. Just enjoying the rest of the day.”

He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her back against him. “It was perfect. You should be really proud of yourself.”

“It wasn’t just me.”

“Don’t be so modest. None of this would have happened without you.”

Ash smiled and rested her head back on his shoulder. They stood in silence for a moment before she untangled herself from his arms and bent down to retrieve a wrapped gift from under the tree. “Merry Christmas, Jackson.”

“For me?” He looked surprised by the gift and Aisline laughed.

“Why are you so shocked? You know I love Christmas, and that includes getting presents.” She almost added ‘for the people I love’, but she held her tongue, fearing it was too soon to utter those words.

“Thank you.” Jackson blushed as he took the present from her hands and carefully removed the wrapping paper. As soon as he saw the gift inside, he sucked in a breath. “I can’t believe it.”

Aisline grinned. “I knew you wanted one.” She’d hunted high and low for his present, wanting to find the perfect thing. It wasn’t exactly romantic to buy your boyfriend a dagger for Christmas, but this one was special. It had been handed down in his family to his father and it had been lost in battle against the Mortuorum way before Jackson had even been born. Ash had searched high and low for it for several months, hitting dead end after dead end, but finally having a break through. She knew how much this would mean to him. Not only had it been his father’s, it had his family crest engraved on the hilt.

“I can’t believe this.” Jackson was stunned.

“Happy Christmas.” Ash kissed him gently on the cheek, pleased that he was so touched by her gift.

Smiling at her with eyes brimming with unshed tears, Jackson reached into his pocket. “Here. It might not be as awesome as your present, but I hope you like it.”

It was a small box and Aisline made quick work of the wrapping paper, laughing at Jackson as she did it. “I can’t believe you got me something.”

“Why are you so shocked? I know you love Christmas, and that includes getting presents.” Jackson smirked as he threw her words back at her.

She shook her head and paused when she dropped the wrapping paper, leaving a small square velvet jewellery box in her palm. In a way, it scared her to open it. What could it be? Wasn’t it too soon for jewellery? Taking a deep breath, she clicked open the lid of the box and gasped when she saw the beautiful necklace inside. On the slim platinum chain, there was a small dagger pendant. Aisline laughed and glanced up at him.

“Great minds think alike, eh?”

“Looks like it.” She smiled as she looked back at the gift, running her finger over the pendent. It was perfect.

“I thought of what I could get you and this seemed perfect the moment I saw it. It’s kinda girly, but kinda badass, just like you.” He laughed.

Aisline swiped at his arm, but she knew exactly what he meant. It was perfect. The whole day had been perfect.

“And, this is one tradition that you forget.”

She looked over at him, worried that she’d forgotten something important, but dissolving in a fit of laughter when he brought out a sprig of mistletoe.

“I can’t believe you forgot this.” He teased and leaned in slowly to kiss her long and deep, making it a night that she’d never forget. After all the work she’d done, all the planning and preparing, it was Jackson that had made this day for her, and it just made her appreciate him more.