Fated Magic (The Wolf Pack) (14 page)

As soon as he’d dressed
, he made his way down to his office to begin his day.  Jameson had always loved this quiet time.  He’d learned early on that he was usually able to get through a great deal of the day’s business before the rest of the mansion came to life.  He was just getting ready to go in search of coffee when Ruby came through the door carrying a small tray with three mugs of steaming coffee and breakfast cakes.  “Good morning, Jameson, I believe you were ready for this?”  All he could do was shake his head and chuckle. 

“You already know that I was.  Who will be joining us?”
  He really was fond of the older witch and she was quickly spoiling him rotten.

“Trev will be here in a minute, but I wanted to thank you for everything you have done for Braden.  I realize that having him here is a risk
to every member of your pack.  And your willingness to provide him a safe port in the storm has not gone unnoticed by The Supreme Council.”  Jameson wasn’t sure why that should matter to him so he merely nodded his head letting the saucy little woman know he’d heard her.  “I understand that you might not fully understand the importance of their support, but I assure you it will become more apparent in the future.  Building bridges is always better than burning them, if you understand my meaning.”  She winked at him over the top edge of the mug she was sipping from.  Her eyes were sparkling with mischief and he wondered for just a moment what it took for a person to remain that upbeat after all the pain and suffering she’d been witness to.

Jameson did indeed understand that part of
her message.  It had always been his experience that building alliances—without fail, paid off down the road, and usually in ways he could have never imagined at the time he’d “paid it forward”.  He chose his words carefully, “That I do understand, Ruby.  And I assure you we’ll always help anyone when we can.  Our dads instilled in us a strong sense of right and wrong.  And one of the things they taught was the measure of a man was how many people he’d helped during his life because that was the real legacy he’d leave behind.” 

Ruby’s eyes filled with unshed tears for just a moment and then she smiled.  “I remember both of your fathers as well as your
lovely mother.  They were wonderful people and they taught you and Trevlon well.  I’m sure they watch you from the other side of the veil and are very proud of the leaders you have become.”  She took another lingering sip of the steaming coffee in her colorful mug before continuing, “And I used the word leader purposely.  Being the Alpha of a pack is merely a title, but being a leader is a description…don’t ever forget there is a difference.” 

Trev walked in
, spied the coffee on the tray, and quickly made his way over.  Kissing Ruby on the cheek, he winked, “You are a blessing in many ways, Granny Good Witch, but this has to be right up there close to the top.”  Jameson watched as her cheeks blushed and he couldn’t hold back his laughter. 

Once they’d all settled in the sitting area of Jameson and Trev’s office, Ruby looked up and sighed.  “I have just returned from a meeting with the Council and they’ve sent me to warn you of a coming confrontation.  Devin has been recruiting support among those who have dark side ambitions
, and it appears he’s gathered a significant number of followers.  The Council has detained several applicants for intern positions who have connections to Devin.”  She seemed lost in thought for several seconds as she sat mutely staring out the window as the coral colored streaks of dawn painted the sky. 

Ruby finally seemed to refocus on the conversation and continued
,  “They have four targets: Kit, Ryan, Adana, and Braden.  We can shield the entire estate, but each time a pack member travels in or out they weaken the effectiveness of the protection the shield provides.  So the first thing we’re requesting is that you limit the traffic as much as you can.”

Jameson’s mind was immediately set on fast forward as he mentally reviewed which pack members traveled outside the compound each day to work.  Julie Wolf-Edwards and her husband
, Lance, had a loft in the city and he was sure they’d choose to stay there since neither had skills that would be particularly helpful during a magical showdown.  Julie was a shifter, but her mate wasn’t.  Lance Edwards was a well-known actor, and even though his acting skills made him obscene amounts of money, they wouldn’t be much help in this instance.  And the truth was, the fewer people they had to worry about and protect, the easier things would be for his security team and the witches who would be working to keep everyone safe.     

Jameson used his mind
link to send word out to Tristan and Nick to schedule the Skype and also gather the rest of the security team for a meeting as quickly as possible.  Turning to Ruby, he asked, “Will you stay and meet with our security people?  I’d like them to hear as much of the information as possible directly from you.  There is less chance for details to be lost and they’ll ask questions that I’m sure you can answer better than either Trev or I can.”  She hadn’t hesitated in her agreement, and Jameson once again found himself being amazed at the older woman’s energy because it was obvious she was pushing against the exhaustion he knew followed magical travel. 
I hope like hell I’m just as energetic, fun, and quick-witted at her age.

Ruby’s eyes had softened and she
moved to him and wrapped her arms around his waist.  She gave him a long hug before she told them she was headed up to see the babies.  “You’ll be a wonderful father and grandfather, Jameson.  Just remember that there is more to life than work.  You have to find joy in every single day, that’s the key.”  She strolled from the room, and Jameson smiled as she closed the door behind her. 

Trev’s voice brought him back to the moment, “She is incredible.  And Kit swears that she seems to have taken on a lot of her grandfather’s characteristics since he passed
, which is interesting.  I wonder about that at times…Kit and I were talking when we walked through the gardens the other night, do you suppose the souls of those we’ve lost can integrate themselves into those who are still here if they have unfinished business?” 

Jameson stared at him blankly for several seconds trying to wrap his mind around the concept.  “Do you mean like a possession?”

Trev shook his head as if clearing his thoughts, “Not really
possession
, more like a
merging
.  I don’t know.  We were just brainstorming and it made me wonder.  How many times have we commented that something we did or said was out of character for us, but sounded exactly like something one of our dads might have done?”  Trev sighed softly and then chuckled, “Never mind, that is a question for another day.”

Kit watched Braden pace back and forth in front of the windows of the office and she could literally
see the tension shimmering around him.  If she didn’t get him calmed down before the Skype call with his grandmother, he wasn’t going to be in the right place emotionally to enjoy it.  And she doubted he’d even remember the call he’d been looking forward to so much if he wasn’t settled by then.  “Braden, let’s play a game.  I’ll visualize an object and I want you to conjure it as quickly as you can.  We’ll start with easier objects and work our way up.  For every one you get correct, I’ll up your birthday gift by ten percent.”

He turned and smiled
, looking every bit the teenager he was.  “You are getting me a birthday gift?”

“O
f course.  You are a member of our pack now.  And besides, you are practically family.  And you know what?  Since I like you…I won’t cook.”  She giggled and then leaned closer to whisper, “Angie is planning a big party, but don’t you dare tell her I told you.  I just didn’t want to deprive you of the anticipation, because for me that is always half the fun.”  He’d nodded his head and his grin had spread over his entire face.  He really was a great kid, and she sent up a silent plea to the Fates that this call would be a blessing rather than a curse for a youngster who had already lost so much.  “Okay.  Let’s start.”  Kit quickly visualized a brightly colored beach ball and within seconds one appeared at her feet.  “Holy crap, buddy.  I didn’t even see you move.”

“Umm
, Ruby told me that if I didn’t have to use my hands, I shouldn’t.  That it would help me in the battles because I might be restrained and just using my mind would be helpful.”  The hesitance and concern in his voice caused Kit to quickly look up.  “Is that okay?”

“Are you kidding?  It’s amazing and I’m totally envious.  Good God Gertie, I’m going to have to really start practicing, you’re going to smoke my ass.”  She laughed and
saw the relief in his eyes when he joined in her laughter.  “Okay, again.”  Visualizing a floating ball of fire, she wasn’t surprised this time when one appeared to be floating right in front of her.  Using her mind, she started slowly moving it from side to side.  She could feel his mind link to hers as he tried to help and direct her focus.  In just a few minutes they were batting the ball of fire back and forth between them in a slow motion version of tennis that quickly had her breaking a sweat just from the effort to keep up with him. 

When the door opened the ball
immediately evaporated.  When Kit looked up she didn’t recognize the man standing in the doorway smiling at them.  “I must say, that was very impressive considering Braden’s youth and the fact you’ve only been training for a short time, Kathleen.  Yes, mighty impressive indeed.”  He’d continued walking until he was standing in front of them, and Kit fought the urge to step in front of Braden and shield him from the new comer.  He must have sensed her trepidation because he chuckled.  “Aww, those protective mothering instincts are very powerful, aren’t they, dear?  Well I assure you, neither of you has anything to fear from me.” 

By this time her grandmother had moved so she was standing next to the stranger who
surprisingly seemed to look an awful lot like Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies.  He shook his head and grinned as he leaned forward and whispered, “That wasn’t one of my smarter moves, you know.  Planting that seed in the mind of the director was pure ego on my part.  Who knew every kid and most of the adults in the world were going to see those movies?  But the Fates have gotten the last laugh I assure you, because now everyone thinks I look like the good Professor rather than the other way around.”

Ruby laughed out loud and then said, “Cecil, we tried to tell you.  But you were so sure it would be the best joke ever.” 
Cecil?  What kind of wizard is named Cecil?  Good grief.

“You see, Ruby
—that is exactly why I did it.  Nobody takes a wizard named Cecil seriously.”  The old man’s face was heavily lined and the lines deepened when he smiled.  His white beard reached the top of his chest and his small, round spectacles highlighted beautiful brown eyes.  He wasn’t particularly tall, but he was probably close to six foot with a slender build. Kit bet the distinguished looking gentleman standing before her had been absolutely dashing as a younger man.  And he appeared to have a great sense of humor, which had put everyone in the room at ease right away.  His suit was a dark navy and his white shirt was open at the collar, helping him seem less formal, which was an added benefit when dealing with a teenager. 

He leaned forward and extended his hand to Braden first, “Hello
, Braden.  It’s nice to finally meet you face-to-face.  My name is Cecil and I’m a member of the Supreme Council.  I’m here to help in any way I can.”  After he’d shaken Braden’s hand, he turned his attention to Kit and repeated the gesture.  “I know you have a call to make, so I’m going to leave you to it.”  Flashing them a grin that hinted at the ornery nature that was lurking just beneath the surface, he added, “I stuck my head in the kitchen before coming in and the cooks were just getting ready to take an apple strudel out of the oven, so I’m off to sample what smelled like heaven on earth.  We’ll talk after your call.”  He’d almost made it to the door before turning back to them.  “And, Braden, remember your grandmother is an amazing woman.  She made an unbelievable sacrifice to keep you safe…remember an attitude of gratitude is often a man’s greatest strength.”  

Kit watched as Braden was reunited with his maternal grandmother and even though she knew he still had hundreds of questions about
his mother, they had to end his portion of the call so Julie could speak with the elderly woman about granting guardianship to the Michaels family.  After speaking with Tristan, Nick, and Angie, Serena O’Donnell had agreed to give them guardianship as long as she had unlimited visitation rights.  Everyone had agreed it was in Braden’s best interest to spend time with her anytime it could be safely arranged. 

Dr. O’Donnell had
explained to Braden how his mom had died during childbirth and even some of the details of the battle that had sent him and his dad on the run.  But Kit had noticed that she had very tactfully avoided questions about his grandfather.  She made a mental note to ask Granny Good Witch about that little detail later.  Just as the meeting was breaking up and the call had been disconnected, Kit had been distracted by Angie’s excitement about becoming Braden’s legal guardians.  Her friend had barely let Braden out of her reach, and he’d been more than happy to soak up all of the maternal attention. 

Making her way over to Braden
, she held her hand up for high five and he slapped her hand with enthusiasm and then hugged her close.  “Thanks, Kit.  I know you were the one who put the clues together and gave me the chance to meet my grandmother.”  She could tell his voice had been close to breaking and she just squeezed him tightly and gave him a minute to recover.  “I just want you to know that I’ll practice every day so I’m ready when the time comes.  And I’ll protect you and your babies with everything in me…I promise.” 

Kit couldn’t hold back her tears.  His words had touched her in a way no one ever had, his gratitude was so genuine
, and his promise so sincere, that she felt their souls bond.  There was a small part of her that realized this bonding would go a long way to help them coordinate their efforts in a battle, but at this moment, it just felt touching and special.  When he pulled back his eyes were still glassy, but his infectious grin had returned.  “We did great with the little ball of fire, didn’t we?  I can’t wait to practice outside with some targets.  Maybe tomorrow after I finish my lessons and physical therapy?”  She nodded and he too headed off toward the kitchen. 

Angie stepped into her view and grinned.  “You know he is one of the nicest kids I’ve ever met.  And when you consider everything he’s been through, his attitude and outlook are amazing.  I don’t know how to thank your mom for bringing him into our lives.”

Kit waved her hands frantically, “Angie…don’t say that…it’s like tempting Fate or something.  You mention her…and she—” that was all Kit got out before her mother swept into the room. 

“Did we miss the call?  I tried to tell Richard we were going to be late, but do you think he would hurry? 
Hex me, he is annoying and slower than molasses during a Vermont winter.  It was almost as if he was trying to make me late.”  Kit glanced up at her father who was leaning casually against the doorframe.  When their eyes met, her dad winked at her and Kit barely managed to hold back her laughter.  He waved his phone at her and glanced at Jameson who winked at her also.  Knowing they had worked together to keep her meddling mother from interfering in Braden’s big moment warmed her heart and she blew them both kisses. 

“Carla, you did not need to be here for the call.  I tried to tell you that on the phone.  Braden needed this time without anyone’s interference.
”  Ruby Stone’s voice had an edge to it that Kit didn’t hear often, and she had to suppress the shiver that went through her. 

“Interference?  Really
, Mother?  You’re going to play that card?  Honestly, sometimes I think you are becoming senile.” 

Holy shit
, Sherlock, this is going to be a thrown down of biblical proportions if it isn’t shut down in a hurry. 

‘
Watch your language, kitten.  And we’re monitoring the situation.’ 
Kit mentally rolled her eyes.  Sure they were the pack Alphas, but these were two very powerful witches, and trying to step into a pissing contest between them would be dim at the minimum and probably extremely dangerous.  Deciding there were times people just needed to learn lessons on their own, Kit just subtly backed up by her dad and settled in to watch the show.