Strategizing

Lady Asma POV
“Are you absolutely sure???” Jasmine was asking. “With utmost certainty. I know my father’s magic anywhere. It is not something I could forget, even if I wanted to”, I said, horrified of my findings. After spending the afternoon with Alice, I have determined that she was indeed the source of the darkness and the dark magic in the pack. The pair of bracelets on her hands was pulsating with it. There was something else, something I could not identify, something more ancient and stronger, and while not directly my brother’s magic, it had somehow radiated off her. I made every effort not to reveal anything and play innocent wedding planner, not to even ask her anything about magic. The meeting we had, I directed to writing up the guest list for the wedding and planning the ceremony itself, discussing flowers, catering, colors, her dress, anything but magic.
“You know, I did notice something else”, I now remembered. “When I asked her if her father, Alpha Alan would be coming to the ceremony, she became extremely uncomfortable. There is something there, something I cannot put my finger on, but her expression and reaction gave me chills.” Jasmine nodded furrowing her brows, in deep thought. The moment I discovered Dark Lord’s magic on Alice, I sent the word to Jasmine to return, albeit briefly. She just arrived through the portal and was not planning to stay long. However, the news I shared had her worried.
“Did you tell Roman?? Or Jonathan???”, she asked, deep in thought. “No, I did not, and to be honest, I do not think we should at this time. Also, what proof do we have, other than our word??? He already knows none of us approve of his choice fully, he may think it is a lie. He already feels we lied to him in the past”, I retorted, not sure what to do about all this.
“Maybe that is what is wrong with their bond. She could have faked it somehow, and with my brother’s power and lack of scruples, you know that is a very good possibility”, Jasmine rationalized.
I had thought the same thing. Harrah was sure of it. “What does Calypso think?? Harrah is sure that Alice somehow faked the bond! And, Jasmine, I could not feel her wolf either, like she was there but trapped or locked in!”
“The bracelets you are mentioning, they would not be made of white jade????“Oh my!! In fact, yes! White jade and I think some gold??? Why???” “Calypso said to ask. She knows them well. Shifaa bracelets, they are called. They are ancient magic and ironically not the dark one, although my dear brother uses them for corrupt purposes. Long ago, when first shifters were created, some had a great difficulty connecting to their other selves, especially werewolves. Some, bitten ones, especially humans, were in great pain before they would establish the balance. Shifaa bracelets were made by Gia herself, as a healing tool. Their purpose was to keep the wolf at bay, contained if you will, until the human body and mind are ready. They are not meant to be worn all the time, as they are incredibly powerful and will weaken the wolf itself and in tragic cases, they can kill the wolf side”, she said, her face darkening with the realization.
“Why would she want her wolf contained???? That makes no sense!!! Even if she is faking the mating bond, she needs her wolf to complete it. She can never be Luna Queen without Caleb marking her wolf!!!” I said exasperated. Every discovery we made seemed like a dead end. It was frustrating.
“I think there is more to the story then we know. I will leave today, but I will be back. I will discuss with Solomon. If anybody would know anything about this is him. Besides, he has a gift of foresight too, he can tell us what happens in the future, and perhaps we can piece the story together before we tell Roman or Jonathan”, Jasmine reasoned with me. I did not like hiding things from Roman, especially after the issues of the past, but Jasmine was right.
“Of course, you are right. We need to get the full picture on this and understand her motivation. Why would anyone fake the mate bond???!!! It is the most sacred covenant to us!!!” Faking the mate bond was a cardinal sin. It went against everything we stood for, against the Goddess, against the creation itself, and more importantly against the Prime Laws. Why would anyone be so foolish to do something like that, I thought to myself.
As if she heard my thoughts Jasmine chimed in again: “Perhaps she was desperate. Desperate people do stupid and dangerous things. Not that I approve or excuse her, but that could be the reason”, she stated plainly. “Or perhaps she is just power hungry??? Maybe she is simply interested in the position of Luna Queen. I got that sort of impression when we were discussing the wedding, she rarely mentioned Roman or his desires at all. It was all about her and her alone”. A shadow passed over Jasmine’s face, but she said nothing.
“We need to prepare for every possibility Jasmine. I know your father is coming for the wedding, but I strongly encourage you to bring some of your elite forces here. I have a bad feeling about all of this”, I continued, genuinely concerned.
“What of the Coven??”, she asked, her voice laced with worry. “I am sending my son Ivan back. He is the keeper of light; the Coven will need him. Samuel will join us here for the wedding and bring the twins, Samira and Sabina. They are fire witches, and we may need their powers”, I stated simply. “As for my other children, I know that Adem and Azem are already preoccupied assisting the vampire king Goran with battling rouges. And as for Sejfa, she would be useful, given her powerful hybrid nature, but she is with her mate in the Elven Kingdom. I will send the word though”, I said strategizing. Jasmine nodded; worry etched over her face. “I too sense something. Cali is restless. The energy is shifting around this place. We need to be extra careful”.