Forbidden Embrace (9 page)

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 become
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 introduce 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.

“
Yeah. I can do that,” I agree to sneak in some time after midnight.

Entering the house, I see the family is all there discussing something; it looks serious. I notice our new shape shifting friends from the Agawam descendants decided to join us too. When I take a better look I notice Cato, our contact from the Renata. I hope that Cato isn’t aware of Nathanial and me outside a moment ago. I glance at Alexander and he confirms we’re in the clear. With the presence of all the other supernatural beings I am glad Nathanial didn’t come in to say goodnight.

“
Cato, it’s nice to see you again, I wish it were under better circumstances,” I greet him.

“
As do I, Sophia,” Cato replies.

“
I assume there’s news; what’s happening?” I inquire.

“
Well, the Cerberus are closing in. Cato has tracked them to the top of the state; they should be here tomorrow night,” Isaac confirms.

Cato agrees. “It is true the Cerberus are nearing. They have been Embracing and feeding, so they will be strong, but the newly Embraced are childlike, unable to control their powers, and will be used as pawns.”

My heart leaps into my throat at the realization; in this fight we are about to face, we could lose someone. The thought is nearly paralyzing, but I try not to show my fear and remain focused.

We continue to discuss the newest revelations as Elijah calls Ms. Edwina to notify her and the girls.