Chapter 36

Claudia’s POV
**“How does this work, with Sophia?”** I ask Amanda as Danny and I get ready to go to her sanctuary. **“You’ve just fed her and she’s sleeping. She will most likely be asleep throughout. She will just feel someone holding her. If she does wake up; she will be her happy, playful self”** she answers me; as I take her out of her bassinette and place her between Danny and I on the bed.
“We’re ready Mandy” Danny calls out as the flash of light sends us to her sanctuary. “Danny” Grandma Nelly and Luna Rachael say in unison. “Mum; Grandma” he answers back, picking Sophia up from next to us and heads over to the ladies, as another six flashes of light hit the sanctuary.
“Luna Janelle” Tim and Rick gasp together. Grandma Nelly walks over to the pair; looking them directly in the eyes. A small growl slips from her mouth as she slaps the pair across the face in unison with each hand. “That’s for being assholes to Danny” she says turning on her heels, back towards Danny. “We deserved that” Rick chuckles.
“Where’s my great, granddaughter” she smiles, taking Sophia from Danny. I gasp at the sudden change in demeanour; “I needed to get it out of my system” she giggles at my shocked expression. “I thought we were talking to Goddess Selene?” Cynthia asks them. “That is correct” a voice comes from the edge of the sanctuary.
“Goddess Selene; it’s a pleasure to see you again” Dad greets her; bowing. “Henry; it’s good to visit with you all again. I believe you have questions for me” she replies looking at all of us.
“Yes Goddess; the book given to us; it has a page regarding our mates. Cynthia and myself have a different mate due to what happened to Zachariah and Francesca. How do we get around it with Brett and Denise as this is the first time, we have mated with them?” Rick begins the questioning. “They are your mates, different or not. The section in the book is to show your mates what has happened to you previously and for them to understand their part, as your fated mate. The section of the book you are referring to is the only part they are able to see” she explains.
“How does the book work? Dad and Simon were telling us they can’t see anything in it” Danny asks. “When you and Claudia were originally chosen, Danny; I needed a way to introduce you to your past. Bernadette’s family was chosen by Hecate; centuries prior to Teancum and Elsie. She developed the book through magic only her family possesses. It allows you all to see who you really are; by giving your memories back. The moment each of you placed your hands on the pages; it has reconnected with you. Once you die; and the book is given back to Sariah’s family, your memories of this life will be added to the book” she answers.
“It doesn’t explain why Dad and Simon can’t see the pages. I trust Dad and Simon, just as much as I trust Jason, Cynthia, Rick and Tim” Danny says to her. “I understand that. Unfortunately; this is the first and only time they will be living…” “Can we make an exception? If Dad and Simon agree of course” I interrupt her. “What do you propose?” she asks; looking between Danny and myself.
Danny looks over to me and smiles; he knows exactly what I am thinking. “When Grandma Nelly passed; Simon took it upon himself to be my protector. He tried to stop James and Todd from killing me on more than one occasion. I couldn’t see it when I was chained but I see it now. And Alpha Henry has been the father and advisor I should have had. I would like them to be a part of our group. One as chief advisor and the other as my sole protector. They don’t need additional abilities but I would like them to be with me for all eternity” Danny says smiling at the pair. “Henry and Simon; do you have any objections?” Goddess Selene asks them.
“No” the pair answer in unison; Goddess Selene smiles at them. “I’m glad to hear that. I sensed when you started looking through the book; you will ask for the additions and I spoke with Hecate to add to the book. Sariah will be joining your visit with Oliver. Take the book with you and she will be able to make the necessary changes to it” she informs us.
“I have a question. Tim was telling me of his ability; how does it work?” Simon asks, looking hopeful, he will get an answer. “Levi and Micha were masters of weaponry. The reason they have the ability to conjure weapons; this was their skill. They have the knowledge to use it appropriately. I gave them the ability to think of the weapon needed and once it was used; it will disappear. They know if they abuse this ability; they will lose it” Selene explains, narrowing her eyes at Tim and Rick.
“You explained why Tim and Rick got their ability; why did we get ours?” Cynthia asks and Goddess Selene starts smiling “because that is what you asked for. Each of you asked what you wanted. Teancum and Elsie prefer not to fight, if they can avoid it. As a last resort; they will fight to kill” she says as Dad gives us an I told you so look. “You didn’t think you could help defend Elsie without added strength and Ezra wanted to outrun everyone, including vampires. You were all chosen to be given wolves before you were born and the abilities didn’t come, until after you found one another” she concludes.
“If that was the case; why did I push Dad away. Tim and Rick weren’t with us?” “No Danny; they weren’t; but you knew where they were, even if you didn’t know who they were. The power works on your emotions; you were all together in a way and your emotions pushed Henry; unknowingly” she explains.
“Can I ask about Callum?” Jason injects and Simon looks toward him; stunned; “The vampire?” he asks. “Yes; that’s him. Is he the threat we are supposed to be looking out for?” he continues. I noticed Mum and Grandma Nelly shifting slightly.
“What’s wrong?” I ask the ladies as the attention of the others turn to them. “I was the one who introduced Callum to James” Mum noted to us as Danny and I gasped. “You?” Danny says in disbelief. “You have to understand the background, Danny. Before you were born; your father…” “He is not my father. Henry is” Danny snaps.
Dad turns his head to Danny, surprised by what he just stated; “I am honour and touched you think of me that way Danny” “I do” Danny responds, suddenly; realising his frustration and reigning it in.
“I am really sorry Mum; James was never a father to me and I don’t see him as one” he calmly tells her, placing an arm around her shoulders. She looks up at him and continues “Before you were born; James, Todd and myself went on a vacation in the north. Callum introduced himself to me at a shopping mall. He said he knew all the shifters in the area and recognised I wasn’t one of them. As he was head councilman for King Oliver, he said he should meet any shifters who come near King Oliver’s territory. I introduced him to James and they hit it off” she explains.
“Innocent enough; but is he the problem we are facing?” I ask her again. “I am not sure what he is really up to. We believe he is a part of it. You will find out more when you meet with King Oliver. Jason; you will need to be there for Tracey” Goddess Selene answers. “More Cryptic Clues” Tim huffs; “You know Goddess Selene can’t interfere. This is why we are here” Carter, his wolf chastises him. “I know, I would like for once it to be, here’s your problem and here’s how to fix it” he chuckles.
“Still looking for the easiest solution, Tim. You haven’t changed over the years” Selene smirks at him. “Sorry Goddess” he answers, bowing to her. “No need to apologise. I can’t answer the question; if I do not know the answer. We only believe he is part of the issue and Carter is right; it is unwise for me to intervene. I have you; my chosen protectors for werewolves, for this reason.”
“If you believe he is part of the issue; how do you not know the answer?” Cynthia asks Goddess Selene. “He has done some things in the past; such as the attack of Tracey’s parents. People change their plans regularly and majority of the time; they come to realise how foolish their plans are. Callum; James; Michael and many others may or may not change their thinking” she answers.
“Are they thinking of destroying life as we know it, now?” Dad asks her. “In the past; yes, this was the case. Now; I have not heard of him wanting what he wanted 16 years ago. I would be wary of him and keep him in the forefront of your minds” she responds; looking at all of us.
“We have taken up a lot of your time. If you need me; you know how to get in contact with me” Goddess Selene tells us; looking at Amanda and turning to walk towards the edge of the sanctuary. “Thank you, Goddess” I call after her. “Anytime you need me” she answers over her shoulder and disappears.
“We should be getting back” Dad announces; looking at Amanda, who nods and sends everyone back except Sophia, Danny and myself. “I love you, Daniel. Always remember that” Mum says to him. “I love you, too. I wish our life could have been different” he sighs, the guilt of his frustration etched on his face. “We are given these trials to help strengthen us. If it was different; you would have been a different person entirely. James has helped you in one way; he has shown you how not to act” she giggles. “Yeah” he nervously chuckles.
“We should be going too” Grandma Nelly says; giving Sophia back to me. “I love you, both” Danny replies to her. “We love you both, too” Mum says, giving myself, Danny and Sophia a kiss on our cheeks and both ladies walk to the edge of the sanctuary. “We’re ready to go back, Mandy.”
“Are you ok?” I ask Danny, getting up from the bed and placing Sophia back in her bassinette. “Yeah; I’m glad we got some answers, but upset with myself for being short tempered with mum” he answers. “James is a no-go topic for you. Mum forgot that for a moment. Don’t be too harsh on yourself.”
“I still shouldn’t have raised my voice” he sighs; getting changed into some boxer shorts. I walk over and give him a kiss; “she understands” I tell him; hoping into bed. “We need our sleep; we have a big drive tomorrow” I add as he climbs into bed next to me. I place my arms around him and slowly drift off to sleep.