Chapter 187: Chapter 189

Chapter 4 – Peace, Disturbed

“The sea always filled her with longing, though for what she was never sure.“–Cornelia Funke

Kiya

Ivory and Ebony followed the water droplets dripping from my hair underneath the cotton shirt as we walked down the stairs toward the kitchen. The felines campered to their feeding bowls, eating to their heart’s content once I set them down on the floor. Poor Ebony was still partly wet from the bath incident. My wild child wanted attention so much that her little brain concocted the idea to leap into the soapy bathwater.

Her nails… ended up in a place where they shouldn’t be.

Needless to say, bath time came to a swift end.

I rummaged through the kitchen cupboards for a mug, wanting a drink of water, when I heard the refrigerator door open from behind me. Turning, 1 spotted a very pregnant Sapphire digging through the stuffed fridge, pushing aside the bundles of vegetables and juice bottles for the renowned container of Nutella and celery sticks. She tore open the container with and dipped her sticks, moaning loudly when she began eating.

I stared in silence. Pregnancy looked like a nightmare.

“Hey, Kiki!” Sapphire greeted, waving a stick. “What’s up?”

“I thought food cravings were supposed to disappear after the first bimester.”

“Jokes on you; I’m always hungry.”

Well, I understand that, Isaiah strolled into the kitchen, the sunlight bouncing off his eyes as he found his wife. His hands went to her swollen belly, rubbing loving circles over her shirt. “Sapphy, we’re going to be late for your appointment if we don’t get going. You can have your jar of chocolate afterward.”

“Hazelnut.” She corrected. “We’ll go after I finish my snack.”

“The last time you said that we were an hour late to your last appointment! You’re lucky Dr. Nava loves you so

much.”

“I can’t help it. I’m eating for two.”

“These last five months flew by, huh?” I commented, filling my mug with water. Unlike human pregnancies that last nine months, werewolf pregnancies lasted six. The first month of a werewolf pregnancy equated to the third month of a human pregnancy, according to the size of the fetus. Sapphire was at the last stretch of her pregnancy. In the next few weeks to a month, we’ll have a brand–new pack member!

“Indeed, it has. I still can’t believe I’ll be meeting my son soon.” Isaiah murmured, pressing loving kisses on Sapphire’s cheek, who giggled in response. “I still think you overdid it on the blue baby clothes.”

“Blue is royalty, and Micah will come into the world as a handsome prince!” My blond friend vowed, finishing up the last of her celery sticks before setting the jar down on the counter. “Alright, I’m ready. How do I look? Please, tell me my shoes match this time.”

“Uh, no.” Sapphire scowled at her sheepish–looking husband, laughing nervously. “I tried to tell you, but you wanted your chocolate jar so bad!”

“Hazelnut!”

I looked down to see Sapphire wearing a black slip–on shoe on one foot and a neon–pink croc on the other. I blame her enormous belly for her inability to bend down like she used to. That position got her pregnant in the first place.

Both left for the hospital with the winds of excitement following them. My fingers rapped against my mug as I soaked in the kitchen’s silence. However, it was broken through when the excited chatter of children echoed through the kitchen window.

Children of all shapes, sizes and colors zipped past the window chasing each other or a worn–out soccer ball they loved to kick around. Ximena sat on a rock, showing Alessandro how to play on the Nintendo Switch. Aisha mended to a garden of flowers with Mara at her side, grinning as she showed them a blossoming daisy. Dwayne swung around his son Kane, while Olivia watched with a smile. Darien and Galen were training with Jackie, as usual, while Mikhail and Abigail sat off to the side, cleaning training weapons

My home was blessed.

Everyone was happy, and so was I.

But I couldn’t ignore the sting of loneliness that hit my heart from time to time. I settled my mug to the side, inhaling a stream of air as I watched the happiness of my family bloom wildly as the flowers of the garden. There wasn’t a reason to pay attention to the ache, because there was none. Ebony and Ivory are children. I have my peace.

Nothing was going to ruin it for me.

“Kiya?” I felt a tap on my shoulder. Startled, I spun around to meet a pair of purple eyes, waiting expectantly for me. My heart throbbed underneath my palm as I breathed in relief.

“You’re way too quiet for your own good, Phoebe.”

“I apologize. I didn’t mean to scare you.” A soft meow echoed below us. Phoebe’s smile grew when Ivory rubbed her head against her ankles, her tail pointed up. “Hello, little one. You look good today.” Phoebe leaned down and Ivory purred and butted her head against her palm.

“What brings you by?” I asked, leaning against the counter. “Are you worried about something?”

“You’ve gotten better at feeling emotions, I see.” Phoebe stood erect, stuffing her hands in the pockets of her maroon summer dress. “I am worried. Kiya, do you feel as though something is off?”

“Out of balance.” She spoke. “I believe there is something terrible on the horizon. I contacted Violetta about it yesterday, and she said she felt something was wrong as well. What about you?”

“Well…” I expelled a short, audible sigh as the memories of the last few days replayed in my head. From my selenite acting strange to that horrific encounter in the museum, I’d be a fool if I didn’t expect Phoebe out of

Chapter 4–Pace Disturbed

all people to sense that something is fucked up in the air. “How long have you felt this?”

“A few days now.”

“That pretty much lines up with what happened to me at the museum.”

“Wait, what happened? What museum?”

I reiterated everything to Phoebe, from the pull to the Egyptian exhibit to the literal attack. Her fear and pallid skin told me she, too, knew something was up. I bit my lip, the anxiety in my belly stirring. Attacks like the one I experienced don’t happen at random, and considering it was a goddamn snake spirit thing, the inklings of the past crawled up my skin.

I wanted to scream.

“This is… concerning.” Phoebe muttered, crossing her arms under her chest. “And since Violetta could feel the shift too, I believe it would be best for us to meet up and talk to get to the bottom of it.”

“But she and her band are traveling. We don’t even know if she is in California. I thought about contacting Selene about it, so maybe she’ll tell me something?”

“I wouldn’t get your hopes up. The gods are notorious for being cryptic and leaving us to figure some things. out. Hekate had nudged me in the right direction but has revealed nothing specific.”

That was true. Since Selene prided in her wolves making their own discoveries, I doubted she would expose what was truly going on. It was both a blessing and a curse. A nudge is what we need–maybe two nudges. I pulled my cell phone from my pocket. “I’ll text Violetta to see if she is in town. How soon would you want us

to meet?”

“Tonight, if possible.”

My eyes jumped from my phone to my friend, arching both eyebrows. “That’s very soon, don’t you think?”

“I don’t want to let this drag on, and I know you don’t either.”

“Good point.”

Before I could send Violetta a text, the notification sound pinged. A preview text from Nuria appeared on the screen. When I read her message, both my throat and my mouth dried up. “Um… Nuria sent me a text.”

“N–Nuria?” Phoebe’s eyes widened, her cheeks blossoming a mellow pink. “H–how is she doing? Is she coming. to visit soon?”

“I’m not sure. She’s inviting me to Aunt Essie’s birthday party next week…”

“Oh…” The downtrodden tone of her voice sparked my curiosity but disappeared when Phoebe’s lips rose into a smile. “You should go. Parties are always a fun time when you’re not an Empath.”

“I…” I couldn’t sto

stop staring at the text. Nuria was waiting for my reply, and I wasn’t sure if I had an answer. Should I accept or decline? On one hand, going to the party meant I get to see some familiar faces and see Onyx Moon for the first time. On the other, I was nervous about seeing Neron again. We haven’t seen each other in three years. Texting and occasional video calls were the only times we ever communicated.

Chapter 4–Peace, Disturbed

Did I miss him? Yes.

But separating was the best thing for us. I could focus on myself and my healing without distractions. Hell, I spoke to Neron more than I spoke to Raina. Aunt Essie and Nuria would drop by the pack from time to time, but Neron was always absent.

I wonder how he’s truly doing. He seemed worried last night, but maybe I’m looking too deep into it. I’m. concerned about nothing.

“Kiya. I know you want to see Neron.” Damn Phoebe and her psychic abilities. “This would be a wonderful opportunity to reunite with your family and catch up with him. Kill two birds with one stone, as people say.”

Ivory’s soft fur brushing against my ankles helped ease the anxiety threatening to grip at my heart. “I guess. you’re right. Seeing the new pack has been long overdue, I guess.”

“That’s the spirit! And… maybe you can figure out when Nuria will be coming over again?”

The sudden silence between us was deafening, but the growing smile on my face made all the noise. Phoebe’s pinkening cheeks graduated to red as she shot me a haunting glare. Her attempt at intimidation made me laugh because she knew what I was thinking. “Phoebe… I’ve been meaning to ask you…”

“No. The answer is no.”

“There is no shame in liking Nuria.” I grinned. “She is a very beautiful woman and-”

“Just let me know when Violetta messages you back,” Phoebe said quickly, stomping out of the kitchen with her strawberry–blond hair flying behind her. I’m no Cupid, but if fate played their cards right, there could be something in for those two… but I don’t want to get my hopes up. Pulling the cotton shirt from my head, I texted Nuria about my attendance and sent Violetta a message right after. Her response came through when I was walking toward my parents‘ home, confirming that she was in California.

Looks like tonight’s meetup was happening.

An hour later, I walked to Mom and Dad’s home. When I reached the petite abode, I swung the door open because it was unlocked. However, I sincerely wished they remembered to lock the door because what I saw had my eyes screaming for holy water.

Oh, why the fuck didn’t I knock?

My memory needed to be erased. Cursed imagery was right in front of me. Mom and Dad were seconds away from peeling their clothes off and fucking on their couch.

Of course, they had every right to do the devil’s tango in the privacy of their home, but lock the goddamn door before that! They shrieked, hopping off each other and smoothening out their clothes and hair, but never mind the bright cherry red lipstick on Dad’s lips.

It’s a nice color on him.

“Mija!” Mom shouted, finger–combing her hair. “W–what are you doing here? Haven’t I taught you to knock?”

“Hey, don’t blame me for walking into a whorehouse because you two forgot to lock the door!” I huffed, crossing my arms. “I have my fair share of interrupting loving couples in the middle of their loving, but this is too much.”

“We apologize for disgracing your eyes, mi rayo de luna. Next time, we’ll let you know beforehand.” Dad grumbled sarcastically, obviously upset from the interruption. I bit my lip to stifle my laughter when he turned his head away like a grumpy old man. Mom poked at his side, slowly but surely bringing a smile back on her mate’s face. My heart was warm. I hope to have the love they have one day.

“What brings you by?” Mom asked.

“Nuria invited me to Aunt Essie’s birthday party, and I want to go this year. I know you two are attending, but I was wondering if you have any suggestions on gifts I could get her?” My parents tapped their cheeks in thought. Dad patted a seat next to him for me to take, but I opted for the armchair.

I’m not sitting in their sin.

“Jewelry is always the way to go. Celeste loves anything and everything shiny.” Mom answered, placing her arm on the armrest. “Anything custom made she’ll love, even clothes. Does that help?”

“I sent her jewelry last year.”

“You can never have enough jewelry!”

“Oh, I know. I spent thousands in jewelry since we got married.” Dad chuckled when Mom punched him in the arm. “Think about what she means to you, bebita, and you’ll find something, I promise.”

“What did you two get her?”

“Bath bombs, skincare stuff–the usual,” Mom responded.

“Celeste brought us a soft set of robes and towels on our wedding anniversary, so I got her the same,” Dad

answered.

“Hmm. Okay.” I hopped on my feet with my mind running through many gift options. “I have a week until the party, so I should have the present wrapped and ready to go until then. Be sure to lock the door this time when I leave, okay?”

“You don’t have to keep reminding us!” My laughter echoed through their home as Dad pushed me out, muttering under his breath in Spanish. Hearing that telltale lock of the door, I skedaddled out of there to protect my ears from the hellish noises of lovemaking bound to make their appearance.

Wolves were too fucking loud.

Selenite. Moonstone. Diamond, Clear Quartz.

Jewels of the earth couldn’t rival the moon shining over the wavering sea. The moon was entering its last quarter, soon fading into the new moon of June. Silver light entranced me as Phoebe and I sat side–by–side on a large rock on Millennium Beach, a beach closest to pack territory.

The wind howled around us, taking our strands in its methodical dance like lovers on the dance floor; gentle. We waited for Violetta to arrive. Sneaking out of pack territory was no easy feat, and Phoebe and I surely would get into trouble, but we needed this.

All three of us needed this.

Quiet minutes had passed, the sound of the waves hitting the shore serving as our only music. Soon, dissonant splashing was heard, capturing our attention. I squinted my eyes to spot an anomaly in the water swimming toward us. An indescent fluke hit the surface, glittering under the moonlight as the body propelled toward us. When the culprit rose to the surface with a grin, Phoebe and I breathed in a sigh of relief.

“Am 1 late?” Violetta asked, stretching her arms toward us. We worked to pull the mermaid from the waters. settling her in between us, her tail flopping against the rock. Her fishtail reminded me of the angel aura quartz; every shift revealed a part of the rainbow glistening in her scales.

“Nope, you’re right on time.” Phoebe answered. “How’ve you been?”

“Blessed, if I’m being frank. The band has been doing well. My partners are amazing, and I’m living my life to the fullest as a full woman. I’ve never been happier. Vio’s smile warmed my heart, her happiness shining through her ocean blues. I remembered the news she shared about fully transitioning into her true self, and to see the change in her eyes and smile from it made me realize just how precious life and happiness were.

If there is an opportunity to make yourself happy beyond belief, take it, no matter the cost.

“Our peace has been great, as well.” I answered back, but my smile lessened to a forlorn frown. “But I’m scared that it’ll be cut short.”

“Yeah.” The mermaid pushed wet strands of her hair behind her ear. “I’m praying to Amphitrite that what we’re feeling is wrong. It has to be. I don’t want this peace to end.”

“Unfortunately, we don’t have that luxury as avatars.” Phoebe exhaled, staring back out into the sea. “If something wants to happen, it will. Being part god isn’t all that is cracked up to be.”

“No kidding.” I drew my knees to my chest. “So, how are we going to do this?

The three of us fell into silence, trying to figure out the best way to go about this. Phoebe perked up, her eyes shimmering through the darkness, giving her more of a haunting yet alluring appearance. “Well, this is where the associations of our goddesses have met. Why don’t we use it to our advantage?”

“Explain.” Violetta said.

“The sea is Amphitrite, the moon is Selene, and the night is Hekate. I’m not saying this could happen every night, but we can use this one to ask for a sign. They can hear us, and I know if we ask, they’ll respond.”

Despite the moon entering the latter stages of its cycle, the bond between Selene and I was strong. The moon’s strength goes through its phases, with the full moon being the strongest time between my goddess and I. Selene was here and is listening. Two other powerful presences linger around us; Hekate and Amphitrite. Phoebe has never been wrong with mystical dealings, so the fact that I could feel all three goddesses was proof enough for me.

Violetta, Phoebe, and I prayed to our goddesses, begging for guidance on this next phase of our journey. To

Chapter 4 – Prace, Disturbed

give us a sign or a clue for what was coming. To tell us what we need to watch out for, and what risk it can

post to us, our friends, and our families. The surrounding silence howled with the wind as it picked up around us, centering us in the middle of its non–threatening whirlwind.

Trickling water drew us to its tune, allowing the three of us to witness a magical spectacle that children would dream of. The moonlight bent and danced around the funnel of water in the middle of the sea, growing in size and potency with wisps of violet encircling it like a dancing thread. We watched in awe, charmed by the show.

The display of white and violet, however, suddenly flashed red, and the sea moved to the tune of force and violence. In the pillar of red light, we saw the vision of a monstrous serpent with its head imbued with flint, releasing a menacing roar that rocked the earth beneath us. I didn’t have the power to look away because every second of the vision forced me to look while horror floated in and around my chest like a balloon.

A smaller version of that exact snake attacked me in the museum.

The serpent slithered in and around what appeared to look like a mountain deep in a dark realm, unreachable by mortals and creatures alike. I felt fury beyond anything I’ve ever felt within myself or anyone else. The red eye of the serpent found me, and my body seized in fear. It couldn’t see me, but I felt as though it could.

“What… the fuck…” Violetta whispered, trembling beside me. I grabbed her hand, squeezing it for reassurance more for myself than her. I heard Phoebe whimper and felt her hand clasping mine. She must’ve reached over

to do so.

“Guard your hearts and your bonds.” A voice in the wind whispered around us. It wasn’t Selene, but one of the other goddesses. “The mad god seeks revenge, and he will not stop until he does. He cannot escape for now, but tread carefully, young goddesses.”

In the blink of an eye, everything reverted to normal. No more of the flashing light show. No more whispers of the wind. It was as if nothing ever happened. The three of us shot each other looks of worry and fear at what

was told to us.

Mad god?

A GOD?!

I… I don’t know if I could do this again.