Chapter 27: Search & Meeting

(Taylor’s perspective)

The next morning we started our apartment search. I went out and got a paper to check for listings. I couldn’t believe how high the rents were here. There was nothing for less than two-thousand a month. I hope Phoenix has that kind of money. The first place I found was at 49 South St in Boston. We got breakfast and then headed over.

While in the car I discussed the high rents with Phoenix. He said not to worry about it, he had us covered. I saw one listing for a four bedroom at seven-thousand a month. I feel sorry for large families. But maybe that means jobs around here pay really well.

When we arrived at the building, we found they only had one two bedroom available. It came furnished which was a plus because we had no furniture. Apartment nine was pretty nice. I liked it but Phoenix said, “Never take the first one you look at.” We thanked the manager and left to look at another one.

This one was located at 255 Vale St in Chelsea. It was absolutely gorgeous. But Phoenix said he needed more light. We said thank you and left.

Next we went to 201 S. Huntington Ave in Boston. Phoenix just about had a heart attack. I was completely amazed by this apartment. We decided this was the one. It was perfect in every way and it came furnished as well. We went to the office and filled out the paperwork. When we were done, Phoenix gave the manager the money and we went to get what little stuff we had out of the car. We had a place to stay for a year; one quest down. After getting settled, we went to get a lay of the land. We familiarized ourselves with our new neighborhood and then with the route we would be taking daily back and forth to Harvard until we found this vampire and wolf we were supposed to help.

We went to Target to do some shopping. We got food, clothes and other basic necessities. On the way home we stopped for fuel and met a werewolf, Max. He was really nice for a wolf, I was told. We asked him about the wolves in the area, telling him we were looking for one who went to Harvard. He told us that there were several wolves going to Harvard this year including the Alpha’s son. He also said he will let the alpha know we are here. Phoenix did not think that was a good idea. He told the young wolf we weren’t here to cause problems but rather to solve one. That’s when the young wolf got excited. He told us about the disappearances and their alliance with a vampire family. He said we needed to meet with his alpha and the vampire family.

“My sister, Jane, is one of the ones who got kidnapped.” Said Max.

“We didn’t come for that, but we can help.” Phoenix offered.

“We can. One of those wolves could be who we are looking for.” I stated.

“Thanks guys.”

“No problem,” we said in unison.

We also found out that the pack employs a witch, Aria (a rī a), who might be able to help us. We gave max our numbers to give to his alpha. As we drove back to our new home, my phone rang. I was driving so Phoenix answered it.

“Taylor’s phone,” he said.

“This is Alpha Jacob Henderson of the Hyacintho Lunar Pack, I am told you are here to help with our problem.”

“Not exactly, but we can help you find the missing pups since we are here.”

“That would be appreciated. I will let the pack know that you two are welcome on pack lands. I will call the Barnettes and set a time for all of us to meet.”

“Just let us know when and where, our schedules are wide open.”

“Great. I’ll call you back.”

“Before you go, let them know that we have other business to discuss also. There is a war coming and we have to prepare.”

“Does it have to do with the prophecy?”

“I don’t know about any prophecy, I only know what I saw in my vision, the reason we are here.”

“Alright, we will talk later.” With that Jacob hung up.

Phoenix put my phone back in the console. “They have a prophecy about a war,” he said.

“The war you saw?”

“Might be. I’ll have to find out about this prophecy. For now let’s get home and put stuff away.”

“Sounds good.”

*****Phoenix’s perspective*****

I’ll admit, I’m a little concerned about this prophecy the alpha mentioned. I’ll need access to the pack’s tomes to research it.

“We got home and unloaded the car. After putting everything away, I called my parents’ store. I told them I needed King Omelette to call me. It was important. Then we got caught up on my trip. I told them about Taylor and that we were meeting with Alpha Jacob and the Barnettes. They told me to be careful, vampires can’t be trusted. I, however, had a feeling these Barnettes were different. We said our goodbyes and hung up.

Taylor’s phone rang.

“You’ve got Taylor,” he said.

“Taylor, we have a time and place for you. Is twelve-thirty pm good for you on Monday. We would meet sooner, but one of their children is struggling with hunger right now, they would rather be safe and meet with you when the children are out.”

“Let me ask, Phoenix.” he looked at me and I nodded. “Sure that is fine with us.”

“Great, I’ll text you the location and inform the Barnettes.” And he hung up.

I guess we’re going to start our search on Tuesday. I wonder how young their kids are? Do they go to Harvard or are they younger? Hopefully, we find who we are looking for soon. We need to prepare for this war. I have no idea of when it will take place, but at least I know where.

*****Taylor’s perspective*****

We met with the Barnettes and Alpha Jacob at the Barnettes’ home. It was a very big and beautiful house with a few smaller guest houses on the grounds. They also had a larger garage that currently housed nine vehicles but had room for fifteen. These guys were definitely loaded. I guess when you can live forever, you can amass quite a fortune. I didn’ know much about vampires other than tv, books, and movies seem to have gotten most things wrong. I saw them in the sun and nothing happened. I saw one feeding off a deer when we arrived, wasn’t expecting that. And Phoenix told me there is not a lot that can kill a vampire, aside from wolves and really strong magic.

During the meeting, Alpha Jacob told us about the prophecy he had mentioned. He also said that it had already begun. Khenzu would be here within the next decade. Phoenix told him it would be sooner than that. That he’d be here within the year. Alpha Jacob smiled but quickly tried to hide it. I guess he knew something we didn’t or was counting on Khenzu coming here. I would talk with Phoenix about it later. Once everyone learned that the war was imminent, the mood was somber. Alpha Jacob gave Phoenix an old leather bound book before we left.

When we got home, I brought up Jacob’s smile. Phoenix said he would check the tome Jacob had given him. He skimmed the pages. After a few minutes, he smiled.

“What,” I asked.

“Seems the alpha is about to be a grandfather. Khenzu’s return is naked by the birth of a vampire-wolf hybrid, first of its kind.”

“So he has a daughter who is preggers?”

“I guess so. I don’t know how long a wolf pregnancy lasts, just that it is shorter than a humans.”

“So that is why the war is in less than a year?”

“I guess so.”