“We really aren’t sure, but it won’t be good. They’ve already killed in the New York area and have begun their descent to the New England area. We believe that they have plans to overtake the governing body, the Renata. This governing body is also made up of long lost ancestors of the Cerberus clan.
“Okay, so what do we do? How can I help?”
Ebony and I both look at one another; I don’t even need Alexander here to sense her emotions and know exactly what she is thinking. Neither of us wants the ones we love to face any harm.
“You can’t do anything; you don’t have any powers that can help in the fight against them. Nate and you should stay together and protect each other. My family will handle this with the help of Ebony’s family.” Raw emotion coming through in my plea, I beg them both to be safe and far away from this fight.
“I’ll talk to my trainers and try to see if The Great Ones have any information regarding the Cerberus.”
“That will be great, thank you Matt.” I can tell Nathanial has a new found sense of relief as he rests back in his seat, pulling his right ankle over his left knee.
“Dude you don’t know how glad I am that I will not be stuck alone in this crazy secret anymore,” Nathanial says with enthusiasm. “Even if you’re not exactly mortal like me.”
We chuckle and Matt adds, “I am until I die…and who is mortal once they die anyways?”
I continue to explain a little vampire history to Matt in condensed form; he will learn more as time goes by, plus Nathanial can fill in the blanks. Nathanial will soon be a vampire pro; he has borrowed Elijah’s journals that he keeps as a sort of history book for reference. Finally finishing off with the serious stuff, we can relax a little before going home for the night. School will be interesting tomorrow with all the new faces we have met. I still can’t believe what a huge success our New Year’s party was, although I still wonder where Danika took off to that night and if anything happened.
Here and now though, I’m really beginning to feel such comfort. I finally feel like I belong; our close friends all have some special secret. I have to wonder is this just a coincidence, or is there some reason bigger than any of us could imagine? For now we will just need to handle the Cerberus problem, and then maybe we can figure out why we have all come together.
Matt looks at Ebony, holds her hand, looks deeply into her eyes and asks, “Are you feeling a little better, more comfortable now that you know we all have secrets?”
“I do…I feel a great sense of relief, and to know that you and your family are involved with witches is comforting.” She lets a small smile slip out.
“We really should head home–it’s getting late,” I suggest.
“Sophia’s right; vacation is over and back to jail…ah, I mean school…we go. We’ll catch up with you at school,” Nathanial rises, stretching out his hand to shake Matt’s.
“Yeah, of course. See you bright and early,” Matt shakes his hand and they do their silly little half man hug, patting one another on the shoulder.
I begin taking the trays of drinks back to the kitchen for Ebony and gently place the glasses in the sink, wipe the tray down and put it away. I say my goodbyes, and whisper to Ebony, “Call me in a bit.”
She nods in agreement.
Chapter 7
Protecting
School starts back in with a bang, Alexander and Matilda drop me off at Nathanial’s house and we drive to school in his new car. It seems like the entire student body stops and stares as we pull up. The car my ‘parents’ gave Nathanial was pretty nice, and it was a known fact his family could not have bought him the car.
“Dude! Win the lottery over Christmas? Nice car!” Ben, Nathanial’s friend from football, begins scoping the car. He is always ready to tease us, or at least tease Nathanial, but it is all in good fun.
“It was a Christmas gift,” Nathanial smiles at me.
“I guess someone was good this year,” Ben pokes.
Without divulging that it was a gift from my family he just replies, “Yeah, Santa was good to me this year.” Then we head to class.
It’s a pretty typical day with the exception of everyone greeting us now. The seven of us, which includes Danika, eat lunch together again, just like before winter break. We quietly discuss what is going on around us, and laugh about everyone’s chatter about us. I would have thought that after our New Year’s party the chatter would die down a little, but I think it may be worse now, albeit nicer. After lunch we finish out our classes and head home, just continuing through the motions of being regular teens. Nathanial, Ebony and Matt all come to our house to study, bags and books in tote; midterms are later this month and everyone wants to be well prepared.
We start working on our homework and then we can study for our midterm exams. As the others study, my family and I excuse ourselves to go on a scouting trip to ensure we remain well fed. We have been so caught up in training we haven’t stocked up on animal blood. We’re trying to ensure fresh human donation every other day, but don’t want to overdo it. We have worked very hard to sustain our life without causing harm to others, and too much fresh blood could result in blood lust. Danika has remained on her usual diet of blood from the blood bank combined with animal blood; she wouldn’t be able to handle fresh blood, and definitely not straight from a mortal.
“Danika, you can stay here with our guests; I have your dinner prepared in the kitchen, as well as some snacks for our guests,” Florence informs.
***
“Can you believe we caught a moose, a bear and some smaller animals?” Alexander says with excitement. This will help to replenish our stock nicely; the larger animals allow for us to extract more. We are able to get several bags of blood from one large animal.
We all enjoy the thrill of the hunt; after all, it is our nature. This is not something we normally all go out together and do; because of our diet we just remove the necessary amount of blood and store it. However because we don’t know what is to come, we make sure we have extra to store.
“I’m amazed that we saw a pair of wolves. I thought they had been extinct in the area for over 150 years when they were run out by hunters,” I admit.
“There have been a few reports of sightings over the last few years, but never confirmed,” Elijah announces. “I think it is best to avoid them. We do not want to cause the extinction of an animal in the area and interrupt the natural order of things. If there are only a few left in the area, we are best to leave them be.”
Isaac agrees, “Did you notice the unusual way there are several other animals hovering around the two wolves? Wolves don’t usually keep company with other breeds of animals; this is very suspicious.”
We brush it off for the time being and hurry back home. While the others are still studying, I run up stairs to shower; I don’t want Nathanial to smell the carnage on me. Although he knows what just happened and accepts it, I’m still concerned how he’ll react. It doesn’t take me long to get all cleaned up, and I head back down to the library, where they are all discussing our wolf sighting. “I couldn’t hear the thoughts of the wolves clearly, but I did get feelings from them as well, as the other animals that were nearby. I have never experienced such feelings before, at least not from an animal. They are usually a blank slate for me. I just don’t understand this,” Alexander admits.
Constance adds, “When I tried to see something around them, I kept seeing a group of men. I have never had a vision like that before.”
We all got a different feeling around these wolves, and agree they aren’t right for hunting. Something is amiss here and we need to figure it out, before it’s too late.
Nathanial starts to explain a story to us. “Here is a little history lesson for you. The Agawam tribe owned the land that is now Wenham many years ago, and they swore to always protect it from evil. It’s said that some of the tribesmen would shape shift into wolves, cougars, hawks and such to scout the land and ensure its safety. It is believed that these men b
ecome shape shifters after they have gone on a spirit walk and had an animal walk with them. It is like a calling from their ancestors. There are light rumors that they still patrol the area today.”
“That makes a lot of sense as to why I had feelings from them, because they’re people,” Alexander speculates.
“I don’t really know if this is true, or just a myth…I just don’t know what to believe or not to believe anymore. In the past few months I’ve come to learn that there is truth behind myths,” Nathanial admits.
“I think it is worth looking into,” Matt encourages.
We agree that Matt and Nathanial will go out to the local reserve and check into things. We don’t want them to think we are a threat, and we don’t want to accidentally kill one of them. They could be nice to have around when the Cerberus arrive; wolves and cougars have very sharp teeth good to rip apart the limbs of our enemies. Any other animal will also be of use as they all have something that could assist us in our fight.
I’ll tell Elijah everything we learn later this evening when I speak to him. Alexander and I begin to help Nathanial, Matt, and Ebony study for the exams. I’m pretty sure that we all will do just fine. Florence brings in some refreshment for our friends and we soon call it a night. Tomorrow will be a busy day. I’m very nervous about the boys going to find the Agawam ancestors; I hope they’ll be safe from harm. I think maybe one of us should follow them without their knowledge, just to be safe. Alexander is tapped into my thoughts again, and agrees. We’ll discuss it with our family shortly. Then I can do some research on the tribe.
***
The following day at school we discuss what Matt and Nathanial will say to the Agawam tribe if they find them. We all agree that it will be alright for the boys to admit to our secret. If anything we want to confirm the presence of shape shifters. Of course we don’t want to harm them, or the wolves–it’s important to keep the life cycle going–but it’s too bad the actual wolves are near extinction in the area…they can make for a decent meal. Later in the day Matt and Nathanial will head out to the reserve. It’s only a 35 minute drive to Andover where the tribe settled after the sale of Wenham. We’re not completely sure if any tribe members are Agawam descendants, since European disease wiped out most of the tribe in 1617. From what I’m learning in my research the numbers were decreased to 3000 from over 3,000, and the remaining members disbanded and joined various surrounding tribes. I continue to research them throughout the day, passing information to the boys.
The two young men are fully prepared to meet the tribe. They decide to call ahead and ask for a tour of the reservation, stating it is research for a school paper; this will be their way in. They have the research on the Agawam Indians that I’ve done, and are prepared with many questions. If any ancestors still survive and are at this reservation, our boys will find out. Elijah and Alexander remain nearby, and mentally connected, while the boys are on their quest. It seems like they’ve been gone for hours, but in reality it has only been 90 minutes and it is over an hour’s drive round trip. It’s time for me to try and relax a little again.
When the boys finally return, Matt starts explaining how they met a young man about eighteen years of age, named Dakota Williams. “He knew of the myth or legend as the tribe called it, but seemed to be hiding something more. He introduced us to his father Tamo. Tamo explained to Nathanial and I that the Agawam Indians return to the home land to monitor things, and more so when danger is nearing. Since the native or original Agawams are all deceased, it is now the responsibility of the few descendants left to protect what once was theirs. They told us they would shape shift and protect the land. The father and son seem very open to sharing the history of the Agawam tribe, as if they already knew we were there to help.”
Matt and Nathanial both appear elated to be doing their part in the war. Nathanial continues with the story, “They showed us ancient artifacts from the time their ancestors spent in the Wenham area. Tamo and Dakota appear to be very proud men, and are very happy that their history is not being forgotten.”
After some time the boys explain that they felt like it was time to open up a little. Tamo told Matt that he and his son have been experiencing weird happenings recently. Nathanial also explained about his attack at the winter formal, but he proceeded cautiously.
“They all agree that something has been changing in the New England area. Because the native community is so spiritual, they sense it too,” Matt mentions. “I told them that I have been feeling a strong presence in Wenham, and don’t feel good about it.”
“Tamo began to question me and Matt on our beliefs of the supernatural, and as we spoke we tried to gauge Mr. William’s reaction. We both admitted that we believe in a lot more than most of the townsfolk. We explained that most of the people believe that some women hundreds of years ago believed they were witches and were persecuted, but today’s people don’t actually believe that’s true, or that witches are real. Matt said that the two of us believe anything is possible. The Williams agreed,” Nathanial explains. He continues by telling us, “After Matt and I explained a little of what is happening in Wenham and about the approaching threat, Tamo voiced his concern about vampires and what could happen in the area. We opened up even more and assured Tamo that we have friends of supernatural decent that want to solve this matter quickly and quietly.”
“Along with Nathanial’s ability to get people to open up to him and our honesty, Tamo finally felt at peace” Matt adds, “The level of comfort others feel around me and Nate may have helped them to open up.”
“Tamo confided in us that his family are the descendants of Agawam Indians and that the legend is true. The past few months more and more of the descendants began to change; he also mentioned that it happens around the age of 16. He explained to us that they sense a great danger approaching and they have seen vampires feeding in the region. Nathanial explained about your family and that you lived peacefully. He told Tamo your family doesn’t want to harm them during your scouting trips,” Matt was explaining to us.
“I also explained about The Magnificent Ones, and how the witches and vampires are working together to protect the region from harm and evil; telling them how your families make a very good team and have worked well together for many years. This time will be no different, and we hope the descendants will join us in the fight,” Nathanial adds with enthusiasm. The smile on his face proves he is proud of their accomplishment
Matt adds, “Tamo asked if we also sensed danger. We explained in detail about the Cerberus fight that is coming. Tamo and Dakota asked what they can do to help. We invited them to join us at fight practice tonight in the clearing. The Williams agreed and said they would bring more as well. I hope that is alright with you?”
Alexander smiles, “Of course, that’s why we sent you.”
This is great news; we now will have more help to win the battle against the Cerberus, assuming it’s is not a trap and that the descendants of the Agawam Indians can be trusted. We will need to be cautious tonight; it isn’t customary for vampires and other supernatural beings to associate, with the exception of witches, but tonight we will receive them in a warm manner.
It’s almost six o’clock; Florence makes sure that all the mortals are well fed. She made them veal and pasta for dinner. Nathanial, Matt, and Ebony are all enjoying their dinner. Ebony’s sister will meet us at the clearing at quarter past six tonight and the Williams were told half past. We don’t want to stay out too late. Before we know it, it’s time to leave. Nathanial drives up with Matt and Ebony. The rest of us will head up on foot since it will be faster; we arrive there before all the others, so we start some dodging exercises and warm up. Once the others arrive we prepare Eliza for our new allies that will be joining us soon. Alexander senses the new comers nearing; they seem to be running a perimeter, to ensure this isn’t a trap. Once comfortable they begin to join us in the clearing. We greet them one at a time; two wolves, two cougars, a hawk, and a mountain lion. We i
ntroduce ourselves, and suddenly they all disappear into the forest. In shock we begin looking around; we can hear the rustling of the bushes that resembles the sound of crumpling paper as the frozen ground cracks beneath their feet. In an instant, six men walk out of the forest and cautiously approach to greet us.
“Sorry for leaving so abruptly; we wanted to be in human form to discuss matters with you. My name is Tamo–I’m the leader of the pack per se–and this is my son Dakota.”
“We’re pleased to make your acquaintance. Nate and Matt told us all about you; we are glad you decided to join us,” Elijah offers his hand out to Tamo.
“You as well. The others here are Makya, Shilah, Mika, and Skah,” he introduces as each young man steps forward. “We are descendants of the Agawam tribe and sworn to protect the land from enemies. We were told you are expecting some rogue vampires to arrive soon?” Tamo inquires.
Elijah explains to the group what we know, and how we are preparing. The pack agrees to assist us in every way they can. We continue by showing them some of our sparring moves and they take turns jumping in. They are very good, very strong; the weakened Cerberus will have their work cut out for them. Ebony and Eliza demonstrate some of their spells and potions to the animal pack. They appear to be very impressed.
It is now nine o’clock. We agree to meet again tomorrow and every night until the Cerberus arrives. Constance and Alexander confirm it won’t be long now. They are both sensing the danger. We extend an invitation for the Williams and their pack to join us at our house. We feel it will be good to get to know one another, before entrusting our safety to them and vice versa.
Chapter 8
Changes
Nathanial drives me home since it is on his way, and when we arrive at the house, he leans in and gives me a goodnight kiss. He walks around the car to let me out and walks me up to the door. “Sweetie, I am wondering if you mind coming by my house tonight after everyone is settled for the night? I want to hold you close tonight, ‘cause I’m concerned about you and the fight. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get you alone in my room,” he chuckles.