Chapter 39

Toby’s POV.

Bright smiles await me upon entering the palace, but one shy smile hides behind her daddy’s legs. After a handshake and hug from the parents, I peek around Gilbert and the little girl ducks back so I peek around his other side. “Callie. You have grown so much, little one. You’re not afraid of your cousin are you?” She pokes her little head out and I can’t help the smile at seeing her bright blue eyes and thick curls. “You’re even prettier than I imagined.” She smiles but stays glued to Gilbert’s legs.

“She wasn’t shy with me, she came right up and gave me a hug.” My mother boasts with a proud smile.

“Well, you’re not an intimidating Alpha King, Bells,” Auntie says and reaches out for Callie’s hand. “She only really spends time with us and Annie.”

“How is Annie? I’m surprised she’s not with you.” I ask as we move into the sitting room. I’m actually disappointed she’s not here this time around. I was really looking forward to seeing her.

“She’s quite grown now. She keeps busy at the orphanage, helping take care of all those pups. She did graduate early so she’s finished with high school.” Gilbert supplies.

“I’m glad to hear it. I apologize for my absence upon your arrival, Gamma Ryker found his mate so we extended our stay in Chapel Hill.” Mother has a service of tea ready. I’ve never been a fan so I just pull a few sandwiches and cookies onto my plate. Callie watches my movement so I offer her a cookie, which she takes then crawls into Gilbert’s lap.

“That just leaves you.” Mother comments with a smirk.

I squint my eyes as I study her. “What are you not telling me, mother?” She quietly sips her tea. Father is no help, he just reads his book beside her. I look to our guests. Auntie’s eyes are white so I wait for her to return to the present. She doesn’t say anything either.

Gilbert rolls his eyes. “Bratty little witch.” He mumbles into her ear then kisses her cheek. “Sorry, Toby. I’m just as much in the dark as you. What took you to Chapel Hill?”

“LupuSummu. I’m trying to put an end to it. We found out that it was originally made by a witch. There was a dark witch in the area, but I couldn’t find her.” I shake my head, frustrated with the situation.

“How do you know there was a witch?” Gilbert asks as Callie climbs off his lap to come closer to me.

I grab a cookie to give her. She timidly reaches out for it and I give her a smile. “I can sense witches because I’m the son of one.” Callie takes the cookie then runs back to Gilbert. I chuckle at how adorable she is. “Every time I got close enough to feel her, she disappeared.”

“We’re looking for a dark witch too. Maybe we can do both while we’re here?” Auntie suggests.

With a nod, I tell her, “I appreciate that.”

Grandmother’s powerful presence has me turn in my seat. “Welcome back. I suspect you will be leaving again soon.”

I take her hand. “I don’t have any plans right now, Grandmother.” She gives me the same knowing smile mother and Auntie just gave me. Living with cryptic witches is nothing new to me, but three of them all in on a secret is never fun, especially when you just know the secret revolves around you. Callie giggles and we all look her way. Her eyes return to the brilliant blue and I have to correct myself, it’s four witches. “You four are going to give me an aneurism.”

“I feel your pain,” Gilbert offers and the ladies all laugh.

“Would you care to spar? We can leave the women to their meddling.” Gilbert practically jumps to his feet and Father closes his book to join us.

Jeremiah and Shaun are already in the training room so we watch on as they finish their match. “How are things at your pack, Gilbert?”

“They’ve been rough. Julian has changed. He’s become more and more self-centered. I feel like I constantly have to babysit him to make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid. Still, things he does get by me.”

Shaun takes a hard hit to the jaw and we react with a pained ooh. “What kind of things?”

“Are you asking as king or as Toby?”

I look toward Gilbert grateful that he can distinguish the two. “As Toby. I imagine anything you want to run by the king would go through the proper channels.”

He gives me a slight nod. “You know of my warning to the rogues, that was because we had an unnecessary altercation. He got upset that the rogue mentioned Alpha Bedir. Ten rogues were killed. I feel like I’ve had to watch him more closely since then. I lost all respect I had for him after that.”

I close my eyes and wipe a hand down my face. Father pats his shoulder. “That isn’t good, losing the respect of your Beta. He’s your cousin, too.”

“Rogues aren’t all bad, in fact, most that I’ve met were pretty decent.”

“Yeah, well he also banished a young female and I have no idea as to why. He claimed she tried to kill our Luna, but that’s BS. He would’ve killed her if that were the case.” I can tell there’s more as he gets lost in thought. “He’s up to something and I have a bad feeling. Callie was forced to perform a spell for him, but I don’t know any of the details.”

Shaun connects a few blows to Jeremiah, but Jeremiah comes out the victor. Gilbert and I step into the ring and get ready. “Does he know about you and Auntie Giselle yet? I remember you two were keeping your relationship secret.”

“We still are. He could’ve figured it out a long time ago, but he’s too wrapped up in this own little world.” Gilbert shakes out his arms and legs the gets into his fighting stance.

I enjoy sparring with him because he has a different style, but he likes to learn from us as well. Talk has ended and we focus on our match. Gilbert is incredibly strong and fast, but I have more natural power as the king. He lands a few hard hits that would normally put someone on their ass, but I remain standing and return a few blows of my own. We go back and forth trading blows until Father sighs. The sound informs me we’ve been going at it for a long time and it’s time to end the match. I land a hit to Gilbert’s abdomen then a right hook drops him to the ground.

His eyes are a little dazed, but he shakes it out as I help him to his feet. “I know I’ll never beat you, but I definitely learn a lot from you, Toby.”

“I learn from you as well, Gilbert. I’m used to everyone here. You’re more of a challenge. I’m going to go shower. I’ll see you at dinner.” I nod to my father as he’s getting ready to spar next.

“Mind if I go for a round?” Jeremiah asks Gilbert as I leave the training room.

After a quick hot shower and checking emails, I stop in the hall in front of Annie’s room. It’s been unofficially her room since she came here almost four years ago. I miss hanging out with her, she was such an easy conversation, and I could talk to her about anything and everything. I think about her often. I don’t have many friends, but I consider her one. I offered to give her a cell phone, but she felt uncomfortable accepting something that had a monthly charge, not that it was an inconvenience for me. I shake my head at how modest she is.

Smiling as I walk to the music room, I can still picture her beside me as we played together. Music flows from the melodious instrument as my fingers caress the keys. I close my eyes and imagine her smile while playing a tune I’ve been working on just for her. I haven’t finished it, as I’m stuck on a portion that just feels off. For months it’s been bothering me, but I just can’t seem to get it right.

I recall one conversation that we had; “I want to get tattoos,” she told me.

“I find that surprising. You seem too sweet for tattoos.” I told her, making her laugh.

“Having tattoos means I’m no longer sweet?”

I had to bite my tongue. “Of course not. It’s just that you don’t seem the type.” She just smiled sweetly. “Alright, what would you get?”

“Gladiolus on my right wrist and Lavenders on my left wrist to represent my parents.” She said as she held out her dainty wrists. I took her hand, my thumb skimming over her delicate skin.

“Your father’s strength and honor and your mother’s love?”

Annie smiled up at me. “She was also full of happiness and everything was peaceful when she was around. Goddess, I miss them so much. She’s the one that taught me about flowers and their meanings.”

“My mother and my grandmother taught me as well, but witches use them in potions.”

“My mother used the plants for healing before she met my father, her father was a healer, their pack was very small and they didn’t have a doctor. My grandfather was a son of light, as you are, though I didn’t know that was a thing until recently. I only learned that from Giselle.”

“Ah. That makes so much sense.” It explains why we have such an easy connection.

Bringing my thoughts back to the present, I look at my left wrist which is scabbed from my most recent challenge. It’s almost healed, though. I let out a breath and inspiration fills me as I begin to play Annie’s song anew.

Callie slowly sneaks into the room and sits behind me where I can’t see her, but I can smell her and hear her soft breaths. I switch tunes to a nursery rhyme I think she might like. Happily, I feel her getting closer as the music progresses. By the time the song comes to an end, she’s standing beside the bench. “You don’t have to be afraid of me, Callie. I’m your cousin, I would never hurt you.”

“You’re really powerful.”

I smile at her. “That is true. I have to have a lot of power because I’m the King of all the werewolves.”

“Annie said you’re nice.”

This revelation that Annie has mentioned me makes me smile even more. “Annie is very nice. I consider her a friend.” I slide over a little on the bench. “Would you like to play the piano with me?”

Callie climbs up in her daisy-covered short overalls and pale yellow shirt. Her thick wavy hair hangs past the middle of her back, but half of it is pulled back out of her face. I take her tiny hand and place one finger on each of the white keys. “It’s important to keep your fingers curled while playing the piano.” I play the simple melody of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Callie follows along. “Excellent. You’ll be a piano wiz in no time.”

Her bright blue eyes peer up at me. “You teach me?”

“Sure. Would you like that?” She smiles enthusiastically.

“I found her.” Gilbert’s voice rings out as he pokes his head into the room. Callie and I both look at him while he moves in closer. “Mommy was looking for you, sweet pea. It’s dinner time, let’s go wash up.” He takes her hand to help her hop down from the bench. She turns to wave at me and I wave back. I think it would be so nice to have a little girl, someday. I need my mate first.

My inner circle all found their mates. Granted I’m the youngest of them, but still. It kills me to see how happy they are and that they’re starting families. Jeremiah’s mate Chloe just had a pup five months ago, their second son. Taryn, Shaun’s mate just found out she’s expecting a girl. Even Gilbert and Aunt Giselle are on number two, well three for her, but… Goddess, I crave that connection, that love.

I wonder how my little cousin, Xavier, is doing back at the orphanage. It’s almost time to pick him up, I bet he’s as lonely as I am. I wonder if I should wait or just go get him now. I don’t even know if he’s still at the orphanage or if his father took him in as Aunt Giselle had planned. At least at the orphanage, he has Annie, so I know he’s in good hands.

With a deep sigh, the echoes of loneliness never leaving, I close the piano lid and leave the solitude of my inner turmoil to join my family for dinner. Aunt Giselle and her family have been here a week already. It was nice to have a large group of welcome upon my arrival. Auntie is ready to pop any time now, although her scent hasn’t changed yet. She holds her belly, barely reaching the table while Gilbert prepares her plate. I would do the same for my mate, I would consider it an honor as I’m sure most males would. Doting on a female is highly respected and desired, especially one growing his offspring. I’ve had a few dates with some lovely ladies over the years, but it’s not the same as being with your mate.

Grandmother meets my eyes and gives me a knowing smile. She always knows. Witches have different natural abilities, divination has always been one of hers. Mother can transform one thing into another, it’s incredible to see. Aunt Giselle has always been gifted with spells. She can create spells that never existed before. I wonder what little Callie’s skill is.

“What has your thoughts, Toby? You’re staring at Calliope.” Mother comments.

I nod to my cousin. “My apologies, Callie. I was just wondering if your natural skill has developed yet.”

“I think she has a green thumb, but she’s pretty astute as well. I’m sure you’ve noticed she’s a quiet little girl. She pays attention, sometimes I wonder if she just knows things or if she hears things and keeps it in her memory bank for later.” Aunt Giselle answers and Callie’s deep blue eyes watch me intently. I raise my brow at her and she smiles.

“You’re a talented little witch, then.”

She shakes her head no. “Mommy teach me.”

“But you’re picking everything up quickly, sweet pea.” Gilbert proudly praises her. “She learned how to zap me when she was two.” He adds and I laugh picturing him shaking on the ground as electricity courses through his body.

“You’ll have to show me that,” I tell her with a wink. Gilbert grunts, but doesn’t say anything.

“No, I don’t like daddy hurt. Mommy teach me for strangers.”

“She stops me from zapping him sometimes. Which, by the way, I did not teach her how to do that.” Aunt Giselle rolls her eyes, but I can see the pride she has for her daughter and the care she has for her mate. It’s endearing and I can’t wait to find my mate. I might have to go on another tour soon. I could make it a yearly thing until I find her, however tours are hard on Jeremiah and Shaun. I suppose Ryker will find them a pain now too. I’m at an impasse, neither option works, I can’t go on tour, and I desperately want, need, my mate.

“You’re a sweet girl to not want your daddy hurt.”

“Did you get any injuries, Tobias?” Father asks.

“I had a few, but they have mostly healed.”

“You were hurt?” Callie asks me.

With a slight nod, I answer “Yes, but I’m better now.” I show her the faint lines from the scratches on my wrist.

“Why were you hurt?” Aunt Giselle asks.

“I was challenged by an arrogant Alpha. He just took over the pack, but he was cocky and thought too highly of himself. Needless to say, his pack picked a new Alpha after I was finished with him.”

“Where was this?” Gilbert asks as he cuts the meat on Callie’s plate.

“Roanoke. I originally went out there to ensure the transfer of power was legitimate. Which it was. The previous Alpha lost in a challenge, but the new Alpha wanted more power.”

“I hope there were no pups left orphaned. That’s the worst part of Alpha challenges in my opinion.” Mother comments and my thoughts immediately go back to Annie. She was deprived of a loving family and left orphaned with nothing because of another arrogant Alpha. I think I should make a new edict that pups displaced due to Alpha challenge should be brought here unless they have a family to care for them. The new Alphas are more likely to kill male pups and make female pups into servants of some kind. The practice disgusts me.

“There were no pups in this case. The Alpha was quite old and had no male heirs. His daughters were already mated and living in other packs. The new Alpha that challenged me, however, was mated and we lost her as well. She was sedated during the challenge, but she couldn’t handle their bond being broken.”

“That’s understandable.” Mother comments, but I wouldn’t know. I know how mates work, but having not experienced it firsthand, I find myself lacking in that department.

With dinner finished, I excuse myself, forgoing dessert. I need to focus on catching up on all the business I missed while away. There are always complaints and requests for help or mediation. Jeremiah used to be in charge of that, but he has his family and I have nothing better to do. There is a report of an Alpha that found his mate. Father didn’t do anything to welcome the new Lunas, but I do. I see how much Lunas do for their packs. I give out a necklace with a wolf charm to show my respect.

After ordering the necklace, I make arrangements for my trip. I’m sad to leave my family while they visit, but duty calls. A presence behind me has me spin in alert. I quickly calm down and greet her. “Auntie.”

“I’m sorry to startle you, but I wanted to speak with you alone. Xavier is still at the orphanage or was when we left. Do you still plan to retrieve him?”

I nod. “I do.”

She solemnly nods then looks back up at me. “I know Julian will not be the father he was supposed to be. When you pick him up, make no mention that the orphan you seek is male or Julian will stop you.”

I nod in understanding. “You’re sure this is what you want?”

A tear falls from her eye that she quickly wipes away. “I want him to know love greater than I’ve ever given him. I would like to take him home, where he belongs, but Julian has already threatened my family.”

“What was the spell he asked you to make.”

More tears leak down her face. “I haven’t even told Gilbert what I’ve done, I’m so ashamed. Toby please believe me, I had no choice.” I wait patiently for her to tell me. “I made a spell that will convince some poor girl that she’s his second mate. Her true mate will still recognize her, but unless they kiss, she’ll have no idea.”

“True love’s kiss, really?” We both half chuckle at the irony.

“I had to do something and I was reading fairytales to Calliope just before making the spell.”

“I’ll be leaving tomorrow for a few days, but I’ll be back to meet this little one. Once we get the info on the dark witches, then I’ll go check in on Julian while you two are traveling.”

Auntie slightly relaxes with a slight smile. “Thank you, Toby.”