Storm Clouds

RHEA
Rain poured down heavily, lightning struck and the sound of the howling wind echoed into the night. I stared at the ceiling, a frown creasing my brows when I saw that the ceiling was different from the one I was starting to get accustomed to.
I sat up slowly, taking in the sight of the room. The room was much smaller, and I realized that I was lying on a relatively small mattress. Sitting on the night stand was a photo of a couple embracing. I took a closer look at the photo my eyes widening when I recognized them.
It was a photo of a younger Jaden and...Sheila? My eyes widened further. I rose to my feet and walked towards the full length mirror in the corner of the room, letting out a bewildered gasp when I saw my reflection.
Staring back at me was a pair of green eyes which I knew belonged to Sheila. I pulled at the blonde hair on my head, trying not to panic.
"What's going on? Why do I look like this?" I thought aloud, patting my cheeks.
"Jaden doesn't see you, bitch. He only sees me. Only me!" the reflection in the mirror yelled at me. I flinched, taking a step backwards.
"You filthy animal! You can't take my place! I won't let you!" She screamed at me. With an angry yell, she threw a knife at me. I tried to use my magic to stop it, but it didn't work. Once it struck me on the head, I fell to the ground with a thud.
I sat up with a scream. It was dark outside and the whole place was silent. I flinched at the sudden crack of lightning. Thunder rumbled overhead and it began to drizzle. I got out of bed and entered the bathroom.
Staring at my own reflection did nothing to ease the anxiousness growing inside of me. My wolf was restless as well. I had a feeling that Sheila wasn't done. But, it wasn't my fault that the moon goddess had chosen me to be Jaden's mate. It was also not my fault that Sheila had died. Why didn't she understand that? I was tired of being haunted in my dreams.
"Should I tell Jaden about this?" I thought aloud, running my fingers through my hair.
There was nothing he would be able to do about it even if I let him know about my recent nightmares as well as the fact that Sheila was haunting me. I was already tired of it. Just when I thought I could finally be peaceful, she came along and ruined it. I pinched the bridge of my nose, my grey eyes staring back at me from the mirror.
'Come on, Rhea. You're a witch. Do something about Sheila or the situation will end up worsening' Crystal urged.
"Fine. I'm going to do something about it" I breathed, closing my eyes.
...
JADEN
Punch after punch, my fists collided with the heavy punching bag. My breath came in quick, short pants and the anger boiling in my veins, grew. Annoyed, I let out an angry yell, gripping the punching bag with my forehead resting on it.
The nightmare I'd just had was disturbing. It wasn't like the nightmares I was used to getting. Sheila was in my dreams like always. But, this time, she'd spoken to me. I could hear her words ringing in my ears over and over again as I stood in front of the punching bag. I wanted to think that it didn't make sense. I wanted to believe that my mind was playing tricks on me. But, I knew it wasn't true. Something was wrong. I swallowed hard, squeezing my eyes shut.
'What are you going to do now?' Tarus asked and I cursed under my breath, ignoring my bruised knuckles that were already healing. I wanted to make sure Rhea was okay. So, I went in search of her.
The door to her room was closed and so were her windows. I wondered if she'd left the room to take a walk. I raised a fist to knock on her door, but decided against it. I turned away from the door and started to walk away. I sauntered towards the gates and my scouts acknowledged me.
I nodded at them and started to make my way towards the river. Yesterday, I'd brought her to my private spot and she didn't know it. While I walked, my senses were alert. I undressed and shifted swiftly. I could hear the birds flying in the distance and the squirrels climbing up the trees. I took off into a sprint, the cool breeze soothing and refreshing.
I ran all the way to the river. When I got there, I curled up on the ground and closed my eyes, my ears picking the slightest of sounds.
'I saw you leave. Are you okay?' Klaus said through the mindlink.
'I'm fine' I responded gruffly.
'Rhea is awake too. Guess what'
I was curious now.
'Tell me' I said and he chuckled.
'Good Goddess, you're so whipped' he stated.
'Shut up' I scowled and he let out a hearty laughter.
'She said she couldn't sleep. She asked me to tell her where your quarters is. So, I told her'
My eyes shot open.
'Where is she?' I demanded.
'She's all curled up on your couch, asleep' he responded and I relaxed. I closed my eyes, listening to the rushing sound of the flowing river.
...
When I got to my quarters the next morning, I found Rhea lying on the couch, asleep. She looked so innocent. While I stared at her, she opened her eyes. A smile curved her lips when she saw me.
"Hey. I hope you don't mind that I crashed here" she breathed.
I shrugged.
"Only because it's you" I said and started to head for the bathroom to freshen up. Her voice stopped me.
"Jaden?"
I turned to look at her. She was sitting up, her black and purple hair framing her face. Her lips were parted as she gazed at me expectantly.
"What is it?" I asked and she ran a hand over her hair.
"We need to talk"
I raised a brow, surprised.
"Now?"
"Not necessarily. I'll go freshen up and when I'm done, we can talk" she said, rising to her feet. She stretched her arms above her head, giving me a glimpse of her milky white skin. Stifling a yawn, she left my quarters.
...
Rhea came to my office later that morning. She was wearing a pair of leather pants and a sleeveless red high necked blouse that exposed her belly button. Her black heeled boots made her legs even longer. The sight of her was breathtaking.
Flipping her wavy hair over one shoulder, she sat down in front of me.
"Jaden, when will you be going to the city?" She asked and I raised a brow.
"Next week. Why are you asking?" I asked.
"I want to go with you"
"Why?"
"I need to get some things I'll need for a spell" she said and my frown deepened.
"Hold up. A spell for what? Is anyone here giving you a tough time?" I asked. She sighed and I stiffened.
"Who is it?" I demanded.
"Sheila" she said and I leaned back on my seat, not finding it amusing even in the slightest.
"Rhea, do you think this is funny?" I asked, trying not to get upset.
She stared at me, a blank look in her eyes. Her lips were set in a grim line.
"Do I look like I'm kidding?" She asked slowly, her gaze fixed on me.
"Then, why are you talking about Sheila? She's dead, I told you" I said to her.
She rubbed her temples, a frustrated look on her face.
"Well, she won't leave me alone! She keeps appearing in my dreams. I think she hates me for replacing her in your life" she told me and my blood ran cold in my veins. Sheila's words from my dream last night replayed themselves in my mind.
'We were supposed to be together forever, Jaden. You chose her instead. I won't let you be with her. You belong to me, Jaden. Only me'
"Hello?" Rhea said, snapping her fingers in front of my face. I moved her hand away from my face and buried my face in my hands.
"Are you sure she's the one?" I asked and she nodded.
"Affirmative"
"Fine. You'll go with me next week" I said and she smiled.
"Okay"
I closed my eyes, several thoughts swarming my mind. I had no idea how things had become so complicated. I felt Rhea massage my shoulders. Then, she whispered in my ear. "Don't get so worked up about, Jaden. We'll be fine" she said. I wanted to believe that she was right. We both remained silent as she continued to massage my tense muscles. She does it better than Trisha. Maybe it's because she's my mate.
'Jaden, you need to come to the gate quickly' Klaus and Darryl echoed through their mindlinks. I winced and Rhea halted. She stepped out from behind me and went to stand in front of me, her brows furrowed.
'What's all the fuss about? What's going on at the gate?' I demanded.
'We can't explain it, Alpha. You just have to come see this. There's a woman here. She said she wants to see you. Jaden, she's an Alpha'
I frowned, my gaze meeting Rhea's. We weren't official yet. But, I knew she was curious about what my Beta and Gamma were communicating with me.
"What's going on?" Rhea asked. I rose to my feet and she did the same.
"We have a visitor" I said and she raised a brow.
"So?"
"Not many people know where our main pack house is. Besides, it's even more strange because I've never told any female Alpha about my pack house" I told her.
"A female Alpha wants to see you? I want to come with you" she said and I sighed.
"Rhea..."
"Come on, Jaden" she said, giving me a sly smile.
"Fine, let's go" I said. We both walked out of my office and made our way to the gates. I noticed the way my scouts were looking at Rhea. I hadn't exactly introduced her to the pack. So, I made a mental note to do that later. When we finally got to the gate, I was greeted by a strange sight. Nothing could have prepared me for this moment. Standing with two men behind her was my mate's look-alike.