Chapter 43: Curiosity killed the cat

Back at the Wolf Creed Pack, Xavier filled his mother in on what Penny had told him about creating a veil in Sage’s room.

Mitchell had asked for a separate room to be prepared for the guest, and she herself created the veil. She didn’t want to ask Valerie or her mother, as they would have questions about her request.

“Sage is asleep in your room for now,” Mitchell said to Xavier. “When she wakes up, get her something to eat before taking her to her room. You’ll be the one to inform her about the supernatural world and what she is.”

Xavier had never explained the supernatural to anyone before, especially not to someone who believed they were just an ordinary human. His mind was filled with ways to pass the message across to Sage when she woke up.

“I understand,” Xavier replied calmly.

Xavier hesitated before speaking, his mind racing with thoughts of Sage and the overwhelming task ahead of him. "Mom, what if she can't handle it?

Mitchell's face softened, her eyes reflecting the weight of her responsibilities. "Xavier, I've seen the strength in that girl. She's been through so much already. We have to believe in her resilience.

Mitchell reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Her son was taking on the responsibility of a leader at an early age, with time he'll get to understand how a leader thinks and makes decisions.

“You can start training her when you’re ready, but do not delay,” Mitchell said, smiling as she got up from her seat to head to her room.

“I was wondering,” Xavier began, stopping Mitchell. “Whatever happened to the werewolf you caught in the woods the other night?”

“Oh, that. I had completely forgotten about him. He is being guarded in the underground cells,” Mitchell facepalmed herself for forgetting something as serious as a formerly possessed werewolf. The issue of the hybrid had popped up, and she had forgotten completely. “You can go down there tomorrow and check on him.”

“That’s okay,” Xavier replied. He wasn’t in a rush to deal with the demons now.

****

Sage woke up in Xavier’s room. She still wasn’t used to waking up in another house. She sat up at the edge of the bed, trying to recall what had happened at Penny’s house and why Penny inquired about her family ties with Ericka.

She was still lost in thought when Xavier opened the door and came in. He was surprised to see Sage awake and the look on her face told him she had questions. He wasn’t ready to explain things to her, but he felt the earlier, the better.

“Feeling better?” Xavier asked as he sat beside her. Sage nodded. She had a serious headache when Penny was through with her, but she felt okay now. “Do you know why we went there today?” he asked.

“I’m trying to understand everything going on here, but I can’t question you guys because I shouldn’t be here in the first place. You all helped me and my sisters.”

“It’s going to be hard to digest, but I want you to know that everyone here has got you covered. Don’t ever forget that. I especially will stand with you no matter what,” Xavier said, taking both of Sage’s hands in his.

Sage stared at Xavier, wondering what went on behind his eyes. Right now, they were soft, but the next time she might see him, his gaze could be tense. She had noticed that about him.

“I understand, Xavier,” Sage said, swallowing hard.

****

Xavier had just finished explaining to Sage how everything was—what they were, who she was, and the creatures that existed that humans were not aware of.

At some point, when Xavier explained what Penny had discovered about her parents, Sage’s eyes filled with tears. She felt devastated, not knowing who she was anymore.

Sage felt a lump form in her throat. “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe you, Xavier,” Sage sniffed. She got up from the bed and stood in front of him.

Xavier couldn’t blame Sage. If he were in her shoes, he wouldn’t believe such a story either. He needed to convince her.

“Sage, listen—”

“No! I don’t want to hear any more of it. You’re saying you’re a werewolf, vampires exist, my parents are outlaws, and I’m supposed to be some kind of hybrid?”

Sage stood trembling, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You expect me to believe that I'm some sort of supernatural creature? That my whole life has been a lie?" Her voice cracked, and she wrapped her arms around herself as if to ward off the cold truth.

Xavier stared at her quietly as she broke down. He hadn’t even told her what the hybrid was and the role she had to play in keeping the balance in the supernatural world. ‘One piece of information at a time,’ Xavier sighed.

“Calm down,” Xavier stepped forward, pulling her into a gentle embrace. She resisted at first, her body tense, but then she collapsed against him, sobbing. “Look at me.” Sage opened her eyes and looked at Xavier, her lips quivering slightly. “You can trust me, okay? And you don’t have to think about what I told you now. We can talk about it tomorrow. Just wait here; I’ll get you something to eat.”

Xavier’s mother had prepared a room for Sage, but he couldn’t let her sleep alone after what he just told her and how she reacted. He left her in the room while she used the bathroom to freshen up.

When Xavier returned with the food, Sage had already changed into some of his clothes from the closet. She wore his sweatshirt and ash shorts. When Xavier saw her in his clothes, he took in a sharp breath. The way she looked petite and fragile in his clothes sent a shiver of excitement down his spine, but he couldn’t be distracted now.

Sage noticing Xavier's stare spoke up “I hope you don't mind. I just needed something comfortable.”

Xavier swallowed hard, trying to push aside the surge of emotion her appearance elicited. “No, it's fine. You look... good.”

Sage stared at the plate of food Xavier had passed to her. She didn’t have an appetite, but Xavier had gone down to bring the food for her, and she didn’t want to reject it.

“Thank you for the food,” Sage said after taking the last bite of toast with peanut butter and jelly.

“Hope you don’t mind sleeping here tonight again,” Xavier asked, scratching the back of his head. “My mother has a room set up for you, but I wouldn’t want you sleeping alone yet.”

“That’s fine by me,” Sage answered, not minding the arrangement at all. She noticed the genuine concern in Xavier’s eyes and felt a small comfort in knowing he cared deeply about her.