Fall of kNight (20 page)

“Like?” I inquired.

“Like, deviled eggs, potato salad, pies…Julie when was the last time you went to a picnic?”

I had to think. “Well, actually never. You know as well as I, my family was limited to these kinds of functions.”

Jason laughed. “Danny you need to bring her to Scotland. Get her out a bit.”

Daniel nodded in agreement. “Yes, I think this outing is exactly what she needs.”

“I‟ll help you with the potato salad.” Heather spoke up.

“I can make some mean deviled eggs.” Jason tossed in.

It was so refreshing. I loved it. They were all as excited to participate in my family‟s gathering as I was. It would be wonderful.

“Well, I guess I could make some pies.” I looked up, hopefully, to Daniel.

He laughed softly. “Okay, I will help you. I did not need to hear your thoughts, that time. Your plea was written all over your face. We will make a grand impression on your family.”

“OH, and I still remember my granddad‟s recipe for Irish whiskey braised ham.

Heather and I can do the shopping for you.” Jason added.

“That would be awesome. Daniel and I can do the prep work and have most of the things ready for you when you return from the store.” I was so excited.

We all had a plan. No more worrying about werewolves and Dark Wolves, at least not tonight. This time my thoughts were going to be of my family. I would only allow myself to think good thoughts before I went to sleep tonight. Tomorrow would take care of itself.

The air was filled with the smell of breakfast cooking. Lazily, I rolled over in the bed to find Daniel missing.
He must be downstairs in the kitchen
. I rolled back over in the bed and glanced at the clock. It was already 7:30 and Friday. This pregnancy was really going to take a bit of getting used to.

Moving slowly because I was still sleepy, I trailed my way into the bathroom for a shower. Dressing promptly, I finally managed to pad my way down the stairs into the kitchen. Daniel hovered over the gas range cooking. Heather and Jason sat at the table with a plate of breakfast before them, watching television.

Daniel looked up as I moved past him to the coffee.

“Good morning.” He was so chipper.

“Morning,” I mumbled, not exactly chipper.

Daniel moved to give me a kiss on the cheek. “I have something I think will wake you up this morning,” he replied, smiling broadly.

My sleepy eyes lifted to his. Raising my eyebrow, I glanced at the stove. What?

What other than a strong cup of coffee could wake me up this morning? I wondered what he was up to.

“Go! Sit! I will bring it to you,” he said as he slapped me on the rump.

With a slight jump, I gave him a disapproving look, telling him to “behave”. Daniel laughed and waited until I joined Heather and Jason before bringing out my surprise.

Once seated, coffee secured and fork in hand, I waited. Daniel placed in front of me what appeared to be a quiche. I twisted my lips to the right, then left. It wasn‟t a dish I was prepared for. Oh well, it did smell good. Daniel waited with anticipation as I forked the first piece in my mouth. Allowing the flavors to linger a moment, I contemplated my response. Onions, ham, chives, cheese, and that‟s when the tanginess hit me. It actually tingled on my taste buds. I was experiencing a very favorable sensation.

“What is that?” My eyes widened, suddenly I was fully awake.

Heather laughed lightly. Daniel and Jason both let out soft chuckles.

“That my dear is a special feta cheese. A special roasted tomato feta cheese. Heather brought it back from Scotland,” Daniel said proudly.

“It is absolutely wonderful in this quiche!” I turned to Heather.

“Actually, Daniel was the one with the idea to put it in the quiche. It‟s his recipe,”

Heather announced sporting a wide grin.

“We must have more of this,” I said ravishing the rest of the piece.

Daniel checked his watch. “Julie,” he began, “we are meeting with the current leader of the Council at noon.”

The way he made the statement caused my appetite to fade. I was already a bundle of nerves. The day had finally come. What was this person going to do to Daniel and me?

What terrible things would we have to endure? How would all of this work to rid us of this animalistic desire? Or what if this wasn‟t all they were trying to strip from us? These thoughts ran through my mind with the speed of light.

“Julie,” Daniel began softly. “It‟s going to be okay. Whatever it is, we‟ll make it through this together.”

I stared into his eyes. He was right, Daniel was always right. We would make it through this together. It was only a matter of time until we would have to face the inevitable.

Heather and Jason decided to be helpful by taking off to the grocery store, via limousine service. Daniel and I spent the rest of the time preparing. He drove us silently to his father‟s home where we were to meet the Head of the Council.

When we arrived, I had no idea what to expect. I half expected the house to be dark, candles lit all around, eerie music playing, and men in black robes holding candles, or swords. Daniel gave me a stern look, apparently disappointed by my exaggerated expectations. I just shrugged my shoulders and walked through the front door.

Once inside, I slid my hand around Daniel‟s as we walked into the formal living room. Thomas and Charlotte were sitting in their favorite chairs. On the sofa, sitting alone was one man. He appeared to be older than Thomas. Much older, around late sixties, I guessed. His hair was silver gray and his face was slightly more wrinkled, but he was tall and largely built. When he stood, he was as tall as Daniel. His eyes were a mixture of blues and browns. It was a little odd and I noticed it immediately.

“Clayton Powers, I would like to introduce you to my fiancée, Julie Knight.” Daniel gave me a push forward.

“Julie,” he began with a warm smile as he extended his hand out for mine. “It‟s a true pleasure to finally meet you. I‟ve heard so many wonderful things. Your father was an important person to us.”

“It is my pleasure.” I reached for his hand. “I hope Daniel hasn‟t been telling all my secrets.” Humor always seemed to break the ice and my nervousness.

He chuckled softly. “No, actually that was Thomas who spilled your secrets.

However, I promise to keep them.” His mouth broadened into a smile. “Daniel, she‟s as lovely as you described and a very fine choice for you. She‟s a strong woman. A true warrior.” His eyes twinkled with delight.

“Yes, she is.” Daniel returned proudly.

“Julie, I want to personally apologize to you for the rest of the Council members not being here. It seems that we are being targeted by werewolves. At this very moment, there are two of my best men outside this house. This is why we chose to do this in the daylight hours. I hope you understand the severity of this matter.”

I nodded and remained silent.

“Well, I‟m a man who believes in getting to the point. So, shall we begin?” He stood back, positioning himself in front of Daniel and me. Thomas and Charlotte moved behind him.

“Julie, since your father or mother is no longer present to represent you, Thomas has taken charge for you. Is this acceptable?” Clayton Powers began.

I nodded. My heart raced. What was he going to do?

“All right. Thomas, do you agree and decree that Julie Ann Knight is of the Lycan blood line?” Clayton Powers asked out loud.

“Yes.” Thomas stated.

“Do you also declare and decree your acceptance of her marriage to Daniel James Maxwell?”

“Yes.”

“Charlotte, do you declare and decree Daniel James Maxwell is of the Lycan bloodline?”

“Yes, I do,” Charlotte replied softly.

“Do you also declare and decree your acceptance of his marriage to Julie Ann Knight?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Very well then.” Clayton Powers motioned for Daniel and me to move closer to him. He took a slow breath and exhaled as he closed his eyes for a long moment. I watched in curiosity as he slowly opened his eyes.

Clayton didn‟t speak at first. It was as if he was looking past Daniel and me, his eyes focused on something we couldn‟t see. His attention fell upon us, coming back into the present.

“You both have endured much, strained your abilities. Stressed and pushed Fate, wielding her in your favor. However, this is not going to be a test of your wit, my children. The Rite by itself is a mystery, an unknown force that dwells around us. It forces us into what we are to become by fulfilling the paths Fate has chosen for us. We cannot wield a sword against Fate, for she is the only one who chooses our paths.

“By Rite, you shall have the power to control the rage that wells within you. You will have seven days to endure the Rite. If you both survive, you will have completed it.

“The Rite cannot be told or explained to you. It is something designed by your own purpose to test you in ways you could never imagine. This is the sole reason no one can talk about or explain it. For everyone, the Rite is different. For some it is painful and life threatening. It is dangerous and treacherous. But if you choose to continue, then you will reap the rewards.

“If in one moment‟s time your faith is broken by these tests, you will both be divided. Then you both shall fail, and the bond you share will be broken and lost forever. Please understand when I say this. It is unfortunate that you are with child.”

As soon as he stated that, my heart froze in my throat. Fear ran through me like a bolt of lightning. Daniel squeezed my hand tightly, a gentle reminder he was with me.

“Because of the greatness,” Clayton began again, “which Fate has in store for you both, a high call awaits you and at a very high price. You have to determine now if this is worth all that awaits you. Do you accept the challenges?”

Daniel and I looked at one another. Fate help us. “Yes.” We both said at the same time.

“The first test will break your wills. The second test will test the heart of the wolf inside of you. The third test will be one of greatest importance, choice. I so decree and declare it by Fate herself. The beginning of the next full moon the Rite shall begin!”

Clayton placed both hands on Daniel and me. It felt like an electrical bolt shot through his hands into us. Whatever this man was, he was powerful. Daniel was to take this man‟s place? Wait, the next full moon would be Sunday! Our test would begin on the same day we were meant to visit my family.

Thomas and Charlotte moved to Daniel and me as Clayton stepped back. Charlotte of course, had tears in her eyes. Thomas appeared to be a little weary. I, on the other hand, was a little disappointed. I thought it was going to be more than this. Some elaborate beating of some sort. I could tell Daniel was thinking along the same lines. He was actually thinking he was going to have to watch me while they beat me. I bit my bottom lip, and placed my hand over my mouth, fighting the urge to laugh at his thoughts.

“Well, I suppose we will meet back up Monday morning?” Thomas stated to Daniel.

“Monday it is. Clayton?” Daniel looked up to the older man. “Thank you.”

“Don‟t thank me just yet.” He carried a look of remorse.

Daniel nodded then slid his arm around my waist. It was time for us to leave. I nodded to Clayton Powers. His eyes were sad and my heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. What had I gotten myself into? Am I supposed to expect some strange occurrence of events in the next two days? I feared the worse this time.

The tests that were to come would be of a natural occurrence. Our very will would be tested. Even our hearts and our love would not be exempt. Above all these things, we would have to make a choice. What kind of event would be as intense as this? Yes, I feared the worst.

At least I understood why no one could talk about the Rite and explain it in detail to us. You never knew what it was. There was no way to describe it. It was a series of events to test you beyond your comprehension. How could you describe it? There were no words. I could only hope we had the strength that everyone believed we had to endure this. Only time would tell.

Daniel and I returned to the house to find Heather and Jason still out shopping.

Both of us had decided to let Fate run its course, and we agreed not to worry unless we had reason.

We walked through the house into the living room. Daniel headed to the bathroom while I lingered. My mind was still in pretty much a whirl. There was so much going on around us. Sitting down on the sofa, I decided I needed something to take my mind off things. A movie would be nice.

Daniel came through the living room and paused behind me.

“I am going to run out for a bit.”

“For?” I said as I turned around to face him.

“Well, I really think it is time for another car. So…” He raised his eyebrows.

“No.” I said with a smirk on my face. “I don‟t want to go with you.”

Daniel chuckled softly. “I did not think you would. I will be back soon. Promise.”

“Daniel, please don‟t buy anything extreme.” I pleaded. My words almost came out in a whine.

Leaning over the sofa, he placed a kiss on my lips. “I will only pick out something safe for you and junior.”

“Junior?” I jumped back in surprise. “What makes you think it‟s a boy?”

“Well,” he grinned. “It could be a girl.”

I grinned and shook my head. “Let‟s just concentrate on one thing at a time shall we?”

“Car.” Daniel gave me another kiss. “Be back in a few.”

I suppose it was about time for a new car. I just hoped he wouldn‟t buy something big, like some big boat of a car. Absolutely no way was I going to drive that. I loved my little car. But this was something Daniel wanted to do, and it was a task I needed to trust him with. I was sure he would do just fine.