Shifting Shadows (Sparks Collide Trilogy) (30 page)

“So why bother with a resistance if you
don’t think you can succeed?”

“We have to try something and now that
we’ve found you, we have hope.”

I tilted my head. “I appreciate the
compliment but I’m just one person, why would my help, if I agreed to it,
change anything?”

Callie scrunched her eyebrows in and
Lucas and Violet exchanged glances. “Well, because you might be the most
powerful witch alive.”

The room went deathly quiet, and then
suddenly Kira burst out laughing “What? I’m so sorry to be laughing but what?”

Callie spoke up “Are you not a
Beaumont
witch?”

“Yes,” she said trying to rein in her
laughter. “
but
I don’t see how that’s relevant.”

“Then you should have powers beyond
comprehension.”

“I’m sorry but you’re not making sense.
My grandmother wasn’t any more powerful than anyone else.”

That’s when it was Violet’s turn to
burst out laughing. “Poppy
Beaumont
was one the most powerful dark witches
in recorded history.” Callie said as if defending an idol. I looked at Kira’s
face and saw two things dawning on her.

I didn’t want to speak too much and I’d
asked the pack to keep silent throughout the talk because this was Kira’s
business but I had to know. “You didn’t know she was a dark witch? Did you?” I
asked her quietly.

She turned to me “No…I didn’t know
that. I knew that she couldn’t stay with us because she wanted to stay and
fight in the war. I didn’t know what side was she was on. Gosh, it all makes
sense now. My parents almost never talked about her.”

I pulled Kira out of her chair and into
my lap, and held her. After a moment she looked up at me and kissed my cheek.
She turned back around to address the room but I didn’t let go. “Until this
moment I was unaware that my grandmother was a powerful witch or even a dark
one at that. Regardless I’m proud to call her my grandmother. It’s important
that you understand that no matter who my grandmother was, I am a different
person. My name is Kira Franklin and I’ve been made to understand that my
powers are average at best. I’m sorry to disappoint you guys.”

Violet grabbed Callie’s hand on the
table. “We understand. Magic genetics can be tricky and we knew that might be
the case. I guess we just got our hopes up. Either way though we still could
use your help. We want to end this war but if we can’t do that then we want to
at least give those that want it, an option out of the war. We want to provide
a safe place where witches can live in peace and practice whatever magic they
want. If we’re strong enough, have enough people on our side, then we could
change things. We’re certain there are others out there that don’t want to
fight against their own families. We know there are witches who regret their
choice of light over dark or visa versa. We want to help them. Will you
consider joining us?”

I held tighter onto Kira but she placed
her hands over mine and I relaxed. “I appreciate that you tried to save me when
you thought I was in danger. It shows me that you are good people, not many
would care enough to save a stranger. Unfortunately, I have to take care of
myself, for what family I do have.”

“There are more of you?” Lucas asked.

“No” she said “No please don’t ask me
questions. I’m risking enough on their behalf just talking to you. Just like
you, my family is precious to me. I can’t risk them. I know this may seem
unkind but as long as I can stay hidden, I am staying out of the war. My family
has sacrificed too much for me. I want you guys to succeed more than anything
though. I want this war to end too so my family can stop watching their backs,
so people like us can be free to be ourselves without persecution. I’m sorry
that this is happening but I can’t risk this and right now I also can’t risk
them.” She turned to look around the table to my pack and then to me. She
stared at me as she said. “They mean too much to me to get involved.” She
turned back to Violet. “I’m so sorry.”

Callie’s face turned cold,
Logan
’s face turned empty but Violet stayed
calm as ever. “I understand, Kira Franklin. I will not give up though. I will
continue to stay strong for all of us. This war will end one way or another. If
you ever need us, we will be there for you and if you ever change your mind you
can always call. You never know how life is going to go.” She said sadly, and
then dug around in her pocket for a moment. “Here is a list of emergency phone
numbers I’ve purchased for separate cells under different aliases. Call them
randomly and I will hopefully answer one of the calls. Don’t ever leave a
message and don’t call from a traceable phone. If you call enough times,
hopefully I’ll pick up.”

I reached across for Kira and handed
her the paper. “Thank you Violet, for everything. I know this won’t be any
consolation but I want you to know that I wish I could help you guys.”

“It does help to know that. It helps to
know that there are others out there that feel like us, that we’re not crazy.”

“You’re not crazy, I promise. You’re
possibly the only sane witches still alive. You’re definitely the bravest for standing
up for what’s right.” She nodded and Callie almost smiled.

I spoke up “If there’s one last thing
we can ask of you” I said solemnly “it’s that you keep our identities and
especially Kira’s existence a secret. No one can know she exists. If you thought
she was an almighty powerful witch then others will think that too and it would
put her in life-threatening danger. Can you do another oath?”

Kira turned to me, “That’s not
necessary… I mean…they don’t have to do that. Oath’s are very serious, Jay.”

“You’re life is very serious, Kira.”

Lucas spoke “Of course, we’ll do one
but there are a few things I’d like to say. One, Kira you’re appearance alone
tipped me off, I would consider drastically changing your looks if you want to
continue to go unnoticed. Two, you may think your magical skills are average
but you blew my sister away without even blinking and you turned all three of
us upside down in mid-air without a wand or even a heavy breath. I would think
hard about whom you are comparing yourself to when you say your skills are
average and find out for yourself what’s true. Three, your grandmother was an
amazing woman. She is practically worshipped by both sides, even if the light
side does it in secret. I would find out more about her too. It can only help
you to know who you are and where you come from. That’s it. Thank you for
hearing us out and I hope you’ll call.”

 
I felt Kira pet my hands for a little then
squeeze them, so I let go and we both stood up. The pack followed suit.

“I will go in on the oath” Kira said.
“I won’t tell anyone about you or the resistance group either. I realize how
dangerous it is to have that information out there.”

Violet heaved out a deep exhale “Thank
you. That is very much appreciated.”

They gathered in a circle and Violet
said. “With our powers we swear no other will hear our secrets we shared today.
With heart, with magic, with trust too, our secrets we’ll keep and never undo.”
Just as before a white light flashed and the oath was taken. They broke apart
and Kira hugged each of them. Then they made sure all of their magic remnants
were gone from each other.

I went over and shook their hands. “Is
there anything you need?
Transportation, food, money?”

Violet smiled, “No, no we’ve had the
rescue and escape planned out. We are perfectly fine. Thank you again.”

I shook Lucas’s hand. “Thanks for not
eating us.” I laughed “Sure. Nice fighting skills by the way. I was in wolf
form and everything.”

“I spelled some strength onto myself
but don’t tell anyone, I want them to be impressed.”

“No problem.” I shook Callie’s hand and
she almost smiled once again. “Bye.”

It was barely
9:00am
and they were gone. I turned to my
group, “We should head home. It’s time.”

I knew Jay was right but I felt sad to
leave. I was already sad to see Violet, Lucas, and Callie go. I’d never met
other magic users besides my family members in my entire life. The oath we made
together was incredible. The magic had flowed from my hands to theirs and it
had the familiarity of home but with the excitement of fresh and new magic.

 
“You’re going to miss them” Jay said as he
turned to me.

“Yes. Is that totally weird?”

“Not at all, even though we just met
them you can’t help but feel for them. Plus they’re magic users like you. You
probably crave that.”

“Yeah,” I said. “Sometimes but more
than anything I crave normalcy. I’m actually excited to get back to work.”

“Now that’s weird.”
Brandon
said.

I pushed him. “Oh Shut up. By the way I
saw the way you were looking at Callie. You’re into the bad girls, huh?”

He smiled but I saw the barest hint of
a blush there. “You know it.”

“I’ll see you guys in a few. I’m going
to go pack. Should I set up a new ward?”

Will answered. “Not if we’re leaving in
a few minutes. I think we’ll be all right.”

I nodded and went up the stairs with
Annabella.”

“You know Kira, if you’re considering a
makeover I hope you’ll let me help.”

I laughed, “I wouldn’t go to anyone
else.”

“Good, I was thinking you would make an
adorable red-head. Or maybe we could add blonde streaks and lift your natural
color a few shades.”

“We’ll discuss it.” I said

“Perfect, oh I’m so excited. I love
makeovers.”

“Cool. See you in a few.”

I went into my room and it was pretty
easy to grab all my stuff. The only things really out were my toothbrush, my
cell charger, and some clothes lying around. I wanted to sit on the bed and
think about everything but I knew we were leaving soon and I’d have plenty of
time to think about it later, maybe even in the car. The only thing I could
truly think about was how thankful I was to have such amazing friends and
parents who cared about me. I texted my mom and dad, “Hey guys, I know I don’t
say this enough but thank you for always putting me first. Hope your day is
great. I’ll call you tomorrow. I love you –Kira.”

I brought my bag downstairs and waited
in the living room with everyone else for Will, Demi, and Jay to come down.
When they did, they looked stricken. “Three more packs and at least two more
clans of vampires were attacked today. Including the pack my Dad was visiting.”

“Is he ok?”
Trent,
and Logan asked at the same time.

“Yes, he’s fine. That was him on the
phone. These attacks seem to be getting worse. We need to get home as soon as
possible for an emergency meeting. We’re going to decide how best to protect
the pack.”

Jay walked over to me “And Kira, you
are apart of this pack.”

I smiled but I was worried “You take
misfits in your pack?”

“Yep, we took
Trent
.”

“Hey, I can hear you, dude.”

“That’s why I said it” he quipped.

“Things are changing but we’re always
going to have your back, you can count on that.”

 
“What time is the meeting?” Annabella asked
looking to her watch.

Will answered “Sunset.”

“My second favorite time of day” Jay
said and winked at me.

“Mine too, I hope Christina’s home. I
feel like I haven’t seen her in ages.” I said.

“Unfortunately you’ll have to wait a
little longer to see her.”

“Why?” “You’re coming with us to the
meeting.”

“Wait, what? Why?”

“Because we need to fill my dad in on
what we know and that includes you. You can help, you’re apart of this.”

Annabella’s eyes lit up “Kira, oh
my gosh
. You can totally sleep over my house tonight. You’re
going to love Teresa and we can dye your hair.”

“Yes to the sleepover but let’s hold
off on dying my hair.”

“Ok, no problem. Oh I’m so excited.
I’ve wanted to invite you over forever, I always feel bad going to your place
all of the time.”

I thought about it. “You know, I never
realized that before. I’ve never been to your neighborhood before. Was that
deliberate?”

“Yep”
Logan
said “No one gets in unless you’re a
werewolf. Look at you breaking all the rules.”

“That is pretty cool, actually. Are you
sure I’m allowed?”

“Yeah, I already cleared it with my
dad.”

“Ok great. I feel so V.I.P. So are we
heading into the cars now?”

Will and Jay exchanged speaking glances
and turned to the group with huge grins. Jay began, “My dad wants to ensure our
safety and make sure we’re home as soon as possible.”