Chapter 284

“I know it doesn’t seem that way, but it’s who he is, granted it normally doesn’t happen until you’re sixteen years old, dad thinks that based on lineage, as well as the wolf spirit you’re getting. Those things really impact each person; I didn’t shift until I was seventeen, two years ago,” she continued. “Is it because of who Norine – Anya was?” I said stumbling over her name because I wasn’t sure if everyone knew what we did, but Justine nodded, “Yeah, her being an Elder and Royal, passing that onto her children, but it’s not a science either. Some things happening in their lives will change when they shift, I think the Luna shifted when she was twelve or thirteen?” she said guessing glancing over at Jack, but even from the short distance we could see that he wasn’t paying attention to what was going on around him. “Is something wrong?” I voiced my concern, he shook his head, “No, but they found her trail but it’s pretty high up,” he said in disbelief but that didn’t surprise me. “Oakley would continue to go, if she saw something that she hasn’t or was heading in a direction for a reason whether its only obvious to her, she would,” I nodded, “She likes camping, hiking, loves animals, researching, anything relating to biology…” I tried to explain, it wasn’t that Oakley had a short attention spam, she was too focused if anything. Just then another snapping sound echoed in the room, but right after it was bright encouragement from everyone here, just complimenting, and supporting Ben. Each person that had already experienced this event sharing their story with others, and the two children – twins – that Ben had ran home with Bradley and Dayton cheering him on. All I could think was how this moment would be different if Ben were home back in Middleburg. Jack stood sharply, no worry on his face but with such authority my fear for Oakley increased when he gazed outside, Nonno and his brother Casey standing and leaving with him, distracted I left Julia, following them, “What’s wrong?” none of their faces changed, giving anything away, but their behavior that was another story. With pursed lips Jack waited for the other two to walk away from us, heading down the steps of a door he just opened, “I know something is wrong,” I said interrupting him, “Chelsea went with Gabriel, Violet, and two other men – men – that know this island like the backs of their hands, that’s what you all said. Now three more of you are going? Just tell-” I stopped when I saw Casey and Nonno coming up with supplies, portable stretcher and a large duffel bag, “oh god,” I stepped back away from them, my mind going to the worst possible situation. I whipped my head to Julia and Ben, “is – is,” I swallowed my mouth dry, “Oakley?” I squeaked. Glancing behind me, he nodded toward the front of the house, pulling me there as I lost the ability to function, Oakley had to be okay, outside in the hard rain, “From what Chelsea is telling me, and the snap shots she’s sending, Oakley climbed up the mountain side… it began drizzling and she was coming home. She tripped and fell,” I gasped. “Can’t – Chelsea can heal her,” I said eying the supplies they were bringing with them, “right?” “There is a boulder trapping her leg, that means her bones are more than likely crushed, Chelsea can do work but we need to be prepared for anything,” my eyes still eyeing the large black duffel, “that has sedatives so she isn’t in unnecessary pain, just worry about Ben, keep him calm, Grant,” Jack said with a sharp nod, full authority, turning around the three men took off running. I took a step back, watching long after the guys were gone, just hoping Oakley would be okay, running my hands over my face, trying to wipe away the worry. Knowing I had to face Ben and Julia, but I had to also believe that Chelsea would take care of Oakley, she would. . . Chelsea POV Hurt, Kieran thought, and I observed in horror as Lux and Marlon alongside Jack and Casey worked to get Oakley onto the stretcher, my leg shaking and stomach rolling when I took in her battered ankle, clear bone protruding from crushed bruised skin.  Fix Oakley, Kieran thought leaping from the opposite side of the drop right above Gabriel and I, landing lightly a soft thud barely noticeable over the rain. She’s going to need surgery Chelsea, you can’t heal the bone it’s not even a clean break. Her bone is crushed, Jack said as they lifted Oakley from the spot they were in, coming up, gathering near Gabriel and I, all of us teleporting back to the house, to the medical supply room, changing into dry clothes, washing our hands Jack, Nonno, Greta, Lux and I began working on Oakley. Gabriel how’s Ben?I asked waiting for instructions from Jack, he finished shifting, but he ran off Chelsea, I stiffened, oddly I hadn’t considered what Ben would do if we hadn’t found Oakley before he completed his shift. Sitting next to the gurney Oakley was on, I closed my eyes, sifting once again, take mine – not working – oh god what did she do? – Found Oakley safely – she’s stronger than I had anticipated – Chelsea has to help me – help me get revenge – find Oakley – vanilla and blueberries – save her – I stopped searching when I found who I believed to be Ben, Ben? Hey – oh – oh who – hello? Ben, it’s me, it’s Chelsea, we found Oakley, we’re back at the house, she was really hurt, but we’re working on her, but you have to come back before you get hurt yourself, okay?