Chapter Sixty One

*Ivan*


My eyes glowed Ari’s blue as I looked at Keo.
“I will. You have my word. I will tell her, Keo. I already promised her that I would tell her. But she needs to remember a bit more first before I drop it all on her.” I told him.
Keo grinned at me, “I know you will. You’re seeming more like yourself. I’m sorry. I know you are yourself, but I can’t help but see Justin too.”
I growled, “If I could beat myself up for that I would.”
Caleb walked up and shoved me. I tensed, unsure of how to feel. Caleb’s eyes glowed their yellow and he growled at me.
“Shut up. Both of you! We all grew up together and we know how each other is. Our memories were locked and we can’t blame each other on how we reacted with the information that we had. Ariya would be mad at all of us for it. I would know because unlike all of you, I’ve been with her the entire time. She’s not someone who is going to hold a grudge about it. Keo, I know you saw Ivan as Justin but you need to let it go. He wasn’t him. You knew that. Ari even had to do some awful things to you and you forgave her. Ivan, you need to accept that you were Justin because otherwise that part of you is going to be useless to us when we could very easily use that part to help us in this fight.” Caleb growled.
I couldn’t help but laugh, “Since when did you become the wise one?”
“Since I had to raise Ari and keep us safe for the last 14 years.”
Drake, Keo and I all flinched. We knew that Caleb had stepped into a guardian and parent role for Ari. I was interested to see how their relationship had evolved. I knew Caleb did the best he could with what he knew. I was thankful for him for being able to keep her safe.
“I’m sorry it took us 14 years.” Drake said, looking at the ground.
“I think I need to remember that Drake and I were the only 2 that were still living in our world, not having to hide who we were and that you 3 were always in hiding. I also need to remember that things aren’t going to be the same as when we were kids.” Keo said.
“It’s not as different as you think. Sure there’s a lot of differences, but I think a lot is going to be the same too.” I said.
“How would you know? Do you remember everything?” Caleb laughed nudging me playfully.
“Not yet. But I’m getting there.” I laughed back.
“If anyone is having memory issues and they have all their memories it’s you, Caleb.” Drake laughed.
Caleb cocked his head to the side, confused.
“I mean we did have a whole conversation about this.” Keo laughed.
It took me a second to realize what they were talking about but then it was like Ari’s voice whispered in my head saying “Saran wrap.” I laughed.
“Is it?” I asked Drake and Keo.
“Yes.” They answered laughing.
“I’m so confused right now.” Caleb said which only made us all laugh harder.
“Look closely at Ivan, Caleb. You’ll probably see it.” Drake said.
Caleb looked me up and down and then he went pale. We all laughed as we knew he realized.
“We need to get to the safe house. I got saran wrap and dye. How do you feel about me taking some of your hair before we just dive in and dye it?” Caleb asked, starting to panic.
I laughed, “Have you always been this wound up? Breathe, Caleb. It goes away.”
“We’re still getting used to it.” Keo laughed.
“What are you talking about? We need to handle this! We have to get you back to Ariya. We…”Caleb paused, “Did you say it goes away?”
“Yes, Caleb. It goes away.” I said.
“How?” Caleb asked.
“I think it has to do with the lock. His hair only changed that way after he shifted for the first time. When I put the lock on his memories the first time his hair changed. I assumed if I adjusted the lock it would work the same. That’s why I had you guys leave and come back so much.” Drake answered.
“So you’re saying all the worry?” Caleb asked.
“Wasn’t necessary.” I answered.
“How are you feeling now? Ari said that you needed to shift when we talked.” Keo asked me.
“I feel better but I feel like I’m going to need to shift every day for a while. I’m still a bit antsy.” I told him.
“If you can shift without howling, you should shift in front of Ari. You know she is in awe of your wolf.” Keo told me, tossing my shirt and shoes back to me.
“I’m not sure if I need to howl to be honest. That one just came out.” I laughed.
“You should shift again and shift back to be safe.” Caleb said.
“I don’t know if I can tonight. I’m really tired and I’m guessing I need to get home without you guys.” I told him.
“We’ll be following nearby, just in case. But once you're home we’ll head back ourselves.” Drake said.
I nodded and put my shirt and shoes back on. I headed out of the woods towards my house. I kept thinking of Ari and how I was going to explain everything before we bonded. I didn’t think she would be upset about it but I couldn’t help but be worried. It would be weird having someone able to communicate with me through my mind like they were able to communicate with each other. But it was oddly comforting. I would be able to talk to Ari before we both went to sleep. I would be able to be near her in a way. I wasn’t sure how it would all work though. Drake locked the conversations the second they finished their conversations. Before we bonded and figured out how to communicate we would have to figure that part out as well. Which meant I would need to talk to Drake. Or Ari would need to.
I got home with all my memories still intact. I thought of Ari and I wanted to go back there to see her. I missed her. I needed to see her. My body started to catch on fire again as it began to violently shiver. My breathing quickened and a growl came from deep down. I kicked my shoes off and pulled my shirt off over my head as quickly as I could. I felt my body expand as I let my wolf rise to the surface once again shifting.