Chapter 38: First Battle

*****Phoenix’s perspective*****

I got back just in time to find Strix was having surgery. Shawn was a mess. He eventually got tired of people telling him everything was going to be alright. He threatened to rip the head off the next person who said it. So we all kept quiet and waited.

King Omelette went back to Obscjra. I wouldn’t officially take the throne until his death. Under normal circumstances, the ceremony would have happened when I turned twenty-five and I would have taken the throne the same day. King Omelette ordered my old guards to stay behind and keep me safe. He also ordered some servants and tutors to help prepare me and train me for my kingly duties. Again, under normal circumstances, my training would have started when I turned twenty-three. I was a king in training and I didn’t have time for everything. We had the Dark Moon Pack to deal with, still. Khenzu’s return weighed heavily on our minds. And a new breed was about to be born.

*****Strix’s perspective*****

I was finally home from the hospital. I was ordered to stay in bed through the holidays. Fat chance that was going to happen. I was completely healed, everything was good, why rest? I think Shawn told the doctor to tell me to be on bed rest. He was still a wreck, I think he needs bed rest. My professors let me take my finals remotely, I told them I was in the hospital and Doctor Cheesbro sent over the letter stating I needed emergency surgery. But everything is good now. My uterus had somehow flipped upside down. The good doctor and my dad fixed it good as new, though. Christmas is in a few days and I want to get everything done and ready for Christmas morning. I still have gifts to wrap.

*****Taylor’s perspective*****

I was glad Phoenix was back. I had no clue what to do without him. I knew absolutely nothing about supernatural pregnancies. I was freaking out just as much as Shawn was. I couldn’t say anything to him because I didn’t know what to say. Ben and Phoenix kept trying to calm us down. Ben looked into the future and even shared it with us. Even though he saw Strix giving birth, it didn’t really help. Was she giving birth soon or further in the future? I wasn’t ready. The child’s birth would signify the return of Kenzu and I don’t think any of us are ready for him, yet. Especially with everything else that was going on. We still had the Dark Moon Pack to deal with. Ben said they would be attacking again soon. I was learning that the supernatural world is very unpredictable, even with seers and mind readers.

Strix was discharged a couple of days ago. She seemed to be doing really well. Shawn was, in my opinion and Strix’s as well, being way too overprotective. Strix was getting annoyed with him trying to keep her in bed and not letting her do things on her own. Shawn was frustrated that Strix wasn’t taking the doctor’s orders seriously. Strix did agree that she shouldn’t go too far from the house and let Shawn hunt for her.

The morning of Christmas Eve, I awoke to what sounded like a fight. I ran to the window and sure enough we were under attack. Alpha Joshua apparently had no plans for the holidays and decided to ruin ours. This time we were a little more prepared. The Barnettes had more family visiting for Christmas and half of the Hyacintho Lunar Pack was camped around the Barnette estate. And Phoenix’s guards were here as well.

I ran to Strix’s room. She was still there. I stayed with her as it was my job to make sure she was safe during any fights we may have up until she gives birth. I created a light barrier around her door to seal us in and keep anyone who might get in the house from getting to her. Then we watched from the window as the fight unfolded below us.

Shawn and Ben were working as a team. Phoenix, Scott, and Rose were working together as well. I couldn’t see the other’s clearly enough through the fog. Shawn looked magnificent in his wolf form. He was all black and sleek. Just like the wolf on Strix’s neck. Together with Ben they were taking down wolves left and right. Phoenix was blasting the enemy wolves with fire magic and had cast a protective spell on ally wolves and vampires. I saw his guard for a brief moment as they ran to the side of the house and disappeared around the corner. One of the Dark Moon wolves jumped up onto the roof overhang in front of Strix’s window. I opened it and blasted him with fire. He fell screaming and engulfed in flames. The fight was still going at noon with no signs of either side giving in. I knew ours would fight to the death, but I thought the Dark Moon pack would have given up. They had taken several losses and we had none. Every now and then I would blast a wolf with fire or throw a light shield up for one of ours. It was kind of funny to watch the enemy bounce off of it. Strix laughed every time.

It was getting dark now. The fight looked like it might be dying down. Some of the Dark Moon had retreated. Those who remained were unable to retreat, locked in heated combat with one or more of our people. I hoped it would end soon. I could tell Strix was getting hungry. For now, all I could do for her was create a cup out of light and pull water from the air to fill it.

There was a howl in the distance. I could not tell if it was one of ours or theirs. But the fight was suddenly quiet. I realized the howl was from Kyle. It signaled the end of the fight. Everyone was exhausted and some collapsed where they stood. Shawn shifted and came running into the house. I removed the light barrier so he could get to Strix. As tired as he was, it looked like he got more energy just seeing her. He picked her up and showered her with hugs and kisses. My queue to leave.

I went to check on everyone else. Before she died, Aria had taught me the healing spells. Turns out, this time I didn’t need them. The most serious injuries were skinned knees and those would heal quickly on their own. I found Phoenix laying in the grass still breathing heavily.

“You okay?” I asked

“Just exhausted.” Phoenix replied.

“Strix is hungry and Shawn is busy with her. I think we should grab her something to eat.”

“Sounds good. We can get something for everyone.”

“Not everyone eats food, let the vampires hunt. They can get a deer or something for Strix in case she needs more than food.”

“Sounds like a plan.” With that we got in the car and went to get take out.

We made a pit stop at our house to get cleaned up. We also grabbed the Christmas presents we had bought for everyone, even Aria. We would leave hers on her grave tomorrow. When we got back to the Barnettes, bodies still lay all around. We took the food inside and began passing it out. We had gotten some burgers, fries, and desserts from Wahlburgers. Everyone seemed to enjoy them. We forgot about the fight for a while and enjoyed each others’ company. We laughed and joked and just overall had fun. The day had been long and trying. But we were all safe and still here.