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EMBER
The next morning, after everyone had eaten breakfast, we returned to the meeting room.
Once we settled in, I knew it was time to tell them. Did I want to? Hell no! In my experience, people often reacted rather… offensively to finding out I have psychic powers. And though my knowledge of the Underworld wasn’t purely from psychic abilities, I wouldn’t have obtained such information without my ability.
I cleared my throat and took a deep breath, preparing myself for a long line of questions and accusations. Cassian’s pack knew I was a seer—or, as they called it, witchy—but Radolph’s pack was clueless, and probably assumed I was just some chick who liked to hang around with the supernaturals.
Here goes nothing…
“I, um… I think I have a theory for getting into the Underworld.” The entire table fell silent, all eyes directed at me, waiting for an explanation. “Okay, so, I had this dream. Call it a strong hunch, if you will, and I think we’re supposed to revisit the Black Hole. Specifically, the fortune teller.”
I glanced around the table at my friends. Emily and Cassian nodded, and Griffin listened intently. “Maybe she can transport us there?”
Thoran snorted. “Oh, really? And maybe while we’re in the Black Hole, this ‘fortune teller’ can also get rid of the curse for us. Or hey, maybe she could bring back some of our fallen men.”
“Thoran, silence!” the alpha snapped, bringing his focus to me. “And what makes you think this dream is accurate?”
“Oh, it is,” Emily said, her tone borderline defensive. “Ember’s abilities are always right.”
“Abilities?” Rohan asked, cocking his head to the side.
Emily nodded and Cassian agreed. “Yes. Ember isn’t always so forthcoming with her abilities to strangers, but yes, she has them. And yes, they are accurate. If she believes we should go to the Black Hole, then we will.”
“Just like that?” Thoran asked, leaning back in his chair with his massive bear-like arms crossed over his enormous chest.
“Yup,” Griffin answered, joining in. “Just like that.”
I was touched that they came to my rescue and defended me against the naysayer. I hadn’t realized they had come to believe so wholeheartedly in me and my abilities. Generally, people don’t react like that. The feeling was empowering.
“I have abilities,” I said with hesitance, my voice meek. I rarely opened up about my abilities, and not to just anyone. Especially this fool. But they needed to know, so I put on my big girl panties and did what I needed to do. “Most people call it psychic powers, but I call it spiritual.”
Was I embarrassed? Oh god, yes. I figured they thought I was crazy or would make fun of me—and believe me, a few heads shook in disbelief. But those who did believe me nodded with a smile. Without my friends declaring it true with such conviction, I doubt they would’ve been swayed so easily.
“And we’re supposed to believe this? Make plans based on a psychic hunch?” Thoran sneered from his side of the table.
This asshole would give me trouble every step of the way. There was always at least one in every group. Pompous, arrogant, and refuses to believe anything outside their own line of vision.
“Yes,” Cassian answered. “If you don’t want to, then feel free to sit this one out. However, we will continue our plans, with or without your help. Your call.”
“Actually,” Radolph said, jumping in again. “It’s my call, and Thoran, you will stand down and shut up.”
Without any more interference, we spent the next hour discussing the Underworld. Because it was such a dangerous risk, we thought it was best to keep the group to a minimum. The four of us would go, while Radolph and his pack would stay at the warehouse until we returned. Since it was only him and four members, he felt there were enough of his wolves to keep his own base safe in case of attack. Cove insisted on going with us, declaring that she couldn’t miss out on a trip so rare.
“Before we go anywhere, I need some rest,” Griffin said. “Man, I could also use a drink.” Though he’d meant it as a joke, Cassian nodded enthusiastically.
“That’s a great idea. We’ll have a bonfire party to celebrate and welcome our new friends,” Cassian said. Looking at the new pack, he continued, “A bonfire is our pack’s traditional way of celebrating.”
The group perked up when the word “drinking” came out. “If it involves alcohol,” Radolph said, “I’m in.”
“Then it’s settled. Tonight around eight?”
* * *
Ember
Emily and I were in our room, getting ready for the party. Honestly, it felt awesome to just chill out, our only worry being how much we’d drink or what we would wear.
Emily asked me to put together her outfit again. I agreed, but only if she did the same for me. It wasn’t my usual attire, but I thought it would be fun to have her dress me up like I was doing for her. And I must admit, wearing her shirt the other day was so much more comfortable than a lot of my shirts.
