Chapter 16 The A Team

Cole’s POV

“I already brought her here, isn’t that enough?” I snapped.

Tasha, my supposed best friend, rolled her eyes. “She saved you-“

“She’s the one who brought me there!”

“You were meant to be there.” she pointed. “Why can’t you put that in there?” poking me on the side of the head.

“Cause I don’t want to do what you are telling me to,” I say, grabbing her hand and pushing it away from me.

“Its fate Cole-“

“If that is what that ball and cards of yours are telling you, then tell it that I’m doing ok and I don’t need fate.”

“You’re a shifter, you need-“

I groaned, knowing where this argument was leading.

“Not that again, Tasha, please,” I said, exasperated, and turned stormed out of her tent.

I hear her footsteps behind me and braced myself to an hour of lecture.

It had been four days since I arrived back home with the girl, and she had been asleep since we arrived. Thank goodness, cause I didn’t have the strength to know what her deal was. In three days, we were supposed to leave for her home, which will take two days trip by wolf form. It would have been a day if we didn’t need to dodge the towns.

“Cole Timothy Jameson, you come back here. I’m not done talking to you.” she snapped.

I internally groaned, knowing that she is outraged now, seeing she just used my whole name. But it would take more than that to make me have this conversation.

“No,” I said.

“Cole, I swear to all the gods, I will hurt you if you don’t stop!” she stomped her foot.

I snorted. The idea alone was laughable. She was human. She can’t-

“Oof!” I fell face first, and if it weren’t for my hands, I would have done a face plant.

I tried to stand, but I couldn’t move my legs. Then I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

“Let me go, Tasha,” I said.

“No, if it is the only way for you to listen-“

“This is cheating. You know that?”

“Shut up!” she snaps and kneels beside me, and rolled me to my back. I sighed and sat up looking at her, and she looked right back with determined eyes, “You don’t belong here, Cole.”

“Way to boost my confidence, Tasha,” I said.

“Would you just grow up, Cole?” she hits me with the back of her hand, but as I said, she’s human- no matter how powerful a witch she is.

“Fine, but can you please let loose of your hold with my body parts?”

She sighed and released my legs from some invisible lock she had on them. Then we both sat on the ground, cross-legged, she had her hand on her knees, and I had mine crossed over my chest as we continue to look at each other.

“Well?” I raised a brow.

“You don’t belong here, Cole.” She repeats, “Deep down. You know that.”

I smirked and shook my head, “You seem to be losing your touch Tasha, I don’t want to leave.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Reading mind and putting ideas on someone’s mind is different-“

“You are not one to be caged, Cole.” She says, “That was the reason you left home in the first place.”

“I didn’t leave home.” I said, “This is my home.”

She shook her head and slumped her shoulder as if giving up. “Why can’t you just admit it, Cole? Jim and George are suffocating you.”

“Well, I can’t just get up and leave you, Dana, Ken, and Kendra with those two, can I?” I snapped.

What she had been saying is true, I know. That night I ran off was because I wanted to see how far I can go before they realize that I was missing. I needed to know when they will be sending their trainers to get me back. To George, I was part of an act. To Jim, I was a money maker. But I had had enough of it.

Not when I see those who I consider important getting hurt.

I have never cared for anybody in my whole life. Ever.

Well, there was my sister, but she got lost when we were younger in a middle of an attack by the hunters. They killed anyone that they saw, even non-shifters. They were heartless.

And when I realized that my sister was missing, I couldn’t help but blame my parents. They were supposed to protect us, but no… they left to save themselves. Left the pack to fend for itself.

Some alpha.

At that time, she was the only reason I go home. My mom would lock her in her room, sometimes forgetting to send food for her while fixing pack business at the packhouse.

Remembering her now reminds me of how nothing seems to be so different in my life now and then, except I’m always lucky enough to be with someone who can pull me out of my misery with just a smile.

And with my sister gone, Tasha took her place.

“Cole,” Tasha’s voice broke into my thoughts, “we have lived here our whole life. There’s no place for us outside the tents. You know that.”

“It’s what you call starting over,” I said sarcastically. “I’m not saying that I do want to leave, but if I do, I’m not leaving without you or the others.”

She stared at me and sighed, “Whether you want to leave or not, you would still have to get her to her family.”

“Why me?” I groaned, “If they’re so powerful like you say they are, why can’t they send battalions for her?”

“Cause it isn’t safe.” She said, “If that is what the fate and your mother moon want, then that’s what would have happened, but no. They have entrusted to you a rogue, the princess, and your deity’s daughter. You should be honored-“

“More of pissed off, actually.” I leaned back on my arms and sighed.

She was looking at me with disappointment and sadness, something that has more effect than her power.

I shook my head and closed my eyes, “Fine.” I said, “I’ll do it.”

“Really?” I hear her voice perked up.

“Yes, if it will stop you from mopping around, then fine,” I said.

“Oh, thank you! Thank you, Cole!” she threw her arms around my neck, hugging me, making me fall back on the ground with half her body on top of me, squeezing me in her hug.

I stifled a laugh, “Shouldn’t she be the one thanking me?”

She pulled back a little, “Would you prefer that?” she bit her lower lip as if not wanting to let go or not.

“Tash, you’ve been tackling me with your hugs since I arrived here. I think I’d prefer this than a hug from a stranger.”

She chuckled and hugged me again, hiding her face on the crook in my neck.

“Thank you, Cole, you wouldn’t regret this.”

I frowned as I raised my hand and held her by the nape, as my other arm wrapped around her body.

I already am.

After Tasha let me go, she ran off to see Serenity with Ken and Kendra. They were watching the tamers and the animals. But later on, they were asked to leave, seeing that the animals kept walking toward Serenity, making her laugh.

And since they woke up this morning, Tasha had been teaching Serenity some of the basics of her craft. And, I must say, she was doing incredible, especially with the psych control.

So far, she had given me a headache, toothache and toppled me overall with her mind. But she healed them all at once. Well, except for my ego after I fell on my butt.

She listened to Tasha as if every word she said was her next breath. She asks questions that even Tasha would think twice upon before answering, sometimes unsure of the answer she was giving.

The funny thing I found out about the princess was that she was far from her name. Her mind is a continuous void of questions and answers, her life is a soap opera on the rise, and she was a sinking ship.

But if there were one thing at peace with her, I would probably say that it was her heart.

Remembering the conversation she had with that shifter in the field, she was mated. But I saw no mark on her, but then there was that human hunter who practically dragged and carried her around with him, forcing her to meet her enemies.

Yes, her enemies.

No matter what allegiance I had with her pack, it's all just to get her home. After that, I will go back here. My family needed me more than they did.

“If I dwell into reading too much,” Serenity’s voice broke through my thoughts, “Would it be possible to forget reality?”

“I have never heard of it happening, but I guess….” Tasha paused and thought about it. “It is possible.”

Serenity had a thinking face as well.

“What are you thinking about?” Tasha asked.

“If it is possible, I don’t think it would mean that it's just one mind.” She said.

“What do you mean?”

“That when you begin to get lost in other’s thoughts, you open up your own, and soon it wouldn’t just be an individual’s mind you’ll be lost into, but to every individual who comes your way. It’s like going back to not knowing how to control it.”

Tasha nods, contemplating. “Very interesting.”

Serenity chuckled and shook her head, “It’s stupid. Forget about it.”

“It isn’t.” Tasha says, “I know they say that the deity’s daughter is wise.”

She frowned and looked down her hands, “The deity’s daughter is wise, but I’m just her mortal counterpart. I’m not any better than the next person who steps in.”

And as if on cue, Jim enters the tent-making Serenity shrug and drop her arm on her lap. “The next person who steps in.”

I had to laugh at that one, and so did Tasha.

“What is it, Jim?” I asked.

“The show tonight has been canceled.” He said.

“What?” I stood up.

“Yes, there has been a slight change of plans.” He says, “A Russian family heard of our arrival and wants a private show in their home. It’s their daughter’s eighteenth birthday.”

“A private show?” Tasha asked.

“Yes,” he says, “they said that it had been a while since they’ve watched a Russian circus, that though it may not be the same, surely it will somehow remind them of home.”

I shrugged, “How much?

“Four times of our income.” He says, “In the past two years.”

I stiffened. That kind of income meant we could have a lot fixed around here.

“Where?” Tasha asked, obviously has the same idea as I did.

“At the house of Romanov on the other side of town.”

I felt Serenity stiffen, “House of Romanov?”

“Yes,” Jim says, “do you know them?”

“No…” she shook her head. Her face clearly shows she was trying to remember, “though I think I have met them once….”

“Well, anyway,” Jim says, “be ready by sundown. We will be leaving then. You girls would like to go to the clothes mistress. We will be dressing for the occasion.”

“I’m coming along?” Serenity asked.

“Well, unless you want to stay in an empty lot here, seeing we are all going.”

“She’s coming with us,” Tasha says with finality that even Serenity couldn’t argue with, princess or not.

“I thought so,” Jim says, “and you can still change your mind about that part of the act-“

“Get out of here, Jim,” I warned, and he just shrugged and left.

Tasha sat back down beside her. She still had her thinking face, “You ok?”

“Yes…” Serenity robotically answered, “just thinking.”

“Well, don’t hurt yourself too much.” I teased.

She looked up at me, with the same look on Tasha’s face saying, I don’t want to deal with your crap right now.

“And I’m betting you have a terrible headache from that comeback.” She snaps back.

I frowned and was about to make a witty come back when the tent flap flew open with the twins barging in.

“Have you heard?” Kendra squealed. “We’re doing a show in a castle!”

“A castle?” I asked.

Kendra nodded and squealed, “Kendra and I went to town and asked about the Romanov, and it turns out they are as royal as their names are.”

“The Romanov family had been washed out hundreds of years ago.” Serenity said.

“That is where you are wrong, princess.” Kendra says, “They are the remaining Romanov.”

“Probably a different one,” Tasha says.

“Nope,” Ken says, “they’re the real thing.”

“Says the people who think people who live in a castle are automatically royalty.” I pointed out.

Then Kendra ran to Serenity and knelt in front of her, “What about you, Serenity?”

She stared at her, questioned, “What about me?”

“Did you live in a castle as well?”

She frowned and scrunched up her face, “To tell you the truth, I could barely remember.” she says, “The previous daughters did, but me…” she paused, “I grew up more in a fort. Walls reaching almost the tops of the trees, our people’s house surrounding the Royal house.”

She then chuckled, “The iron gates with their squeaky old hinges can wake up the whole pack.”

Kendra giggled. “Your home must have been gorgeous.”

“Home…” Serenity repeats, “was nothing but a cage. It kept me in and kept the world out.”

“You said you go to school,” Ken says.

“I did, it was probably the only normal part of my life, and it wasn’t even what I would have wanted it.”

“Why?” Kendra asked.

“My brother,” she says, “the king and his friends and my best friend too, were very protective of me. I never had friends other than the ones they have approved of. And that meant I didn’t have any.”

We stared at her as she reminisces about her supposed normal days.

“Don’t get me wrong. I love my family. I truly do.” She says, “it’s just that I was so suffocated, so…” she took a deep breath as she looks for a perfect term, “trapped.”

I stared at her, looking so worn out.

“And you want to go back there?” I asked.

She looked up at me, “Well, yes.”

“Are you crazy?” I asked.

“Cole,” Tasha says in a warning tone, but I shook her off.

“You said so yourself, you feel suffocated, trapped, obviously you aren’t happy, and here you are free from all those, why not grab the opportunity and run away with this freedom?”

I was expecting her to argue or maybe to agree. But not what happened next.

She laughed.

A good hearty laugh.

“What?” I asked, looking around, but the others were looking as lost as I was.

Then she waved a hand over her face and, shaking her head, “I’m sorry, it just that…” she laughs again, then after a couple more laughter she calmed herself down, “I’m sorry, I was just… the idea itself…” she shook her head, “The idea alone is amusing.”

“Amusing?” I asked, “The topic of your freedom is amusing?”

“Yes.” She nodded.

“Why is that?” Ken asks what was lingering on my mind.

“I’m chained to who I am, and I have accepted that,” she said. “I am the princess and the daughter of our deity. To run away would just cause me more mess than the one I already am in. Besides, I don’t have the heart to leave my family. They are my life. They are who I am… losing them is not an option.”

“Even if it means your freedom?” Kendra asked.

She gave her a solemn smile, “I never wanted to be free, well, aside from when I was with the hunters. But from my family…” she paused and made a face, “well, there is one time that I would have ran away from my father, but that was that, and the issue had been solved, so I guess I’d still want to go home.”

“Go home to your mate,” Tasha says.

Serenity instantly blushed, “Very much.”

“What is it like to be mated?” Kendra asked.

“It’s like no other.” Serenity sighed.

“Yeah, I’m sure.” I snorted, “Doomed to be with one person your whole life, and you can’t do anything about it if you are partnered to the grossest shifter in the world.”

“The wonderful thing about being mated is that you see beyond all that imperfection.” Serenity said, “As in return, he sees beyond yours.”

“I don’t need a mate,” I said.

“I said that once,” she said, “now I need him more than ever.”

“Well, my willpower and hormones are obviously isn’t as weak and stubborn as yours.”

She rolled her eyes, “It is not just hormones; nor will you have the willpower once you see her.”

“What kind of man gives up his willpower?” I snorted.

“The type who isn’t scared to see what is in front of him and accepts that this person can both be his weakness and strength, the very reason of his existence.”

I stared at her, no come back for that.

“I couldn’t have said it any better,” Tasha says with an amused look.

“Now teach me again the thing with the water,” Serenity says, glancing over the glass of water in front of us, and she tries to make a strip of water float up in the air, twirling and snaking around.

“Amazing…” Ken says, “within two days alone.”

I frowned, remembering what Serenity said earlier, how she was just a mortal counterpart of the deity, how much stronger could she be as a deity?

I stood outside Tasha’s trailer, waiting for her and Serenity. Kendra dressed up with Dana as she wanted a certain hairstyle that Dana was the only one who knows how to do.

Her words, not mine.

I shuffled on my feet, leaning on one foot then the other, holding the top hat that the clothes mistress gave us.

We were all dressed to impress, wearing a tux and top hats. All that was missing was the cane. I gave the string around my neck a tug to loosen its hold around my neck.

“Still in there?” I looked up and saw Ken.

I shrugged, “Yeah.” I turned toward the trailer. “Will you be ladies be finished anytime this century?”

“Almost done, grouch!” I hear Tasha says.

Ken and I shook our heads with disbelief. I mean, I know the mistress gave them quite a lot of clothes, but surely, they still aren’t putting them on up to now.

Then our prayers had been answered, hearing the lock of the door tick, and the door opened.

I must admit I was not prepared for the sight that was set before us as Tasha stepped out of the trailer in a rose pink gown, a few small flowers spread across the outline of her chest and waist. Her shoulder bare and pink glove covered her arm from the fingertip to her elbow.

Her golden-brown hair was pulled back as the ends fell into perfect natural curls covering her back.

“Like what you see?” she teased.

“Always had,” I said back, looking into her gleaming green eyes that always held knowledge that I didn’t want to delve in.

Then she looked back and frowned, “Come out, Serenity.”

“No.” I heard her say inside. Tasha shrugged and rolled her eyes in frustration.

“Serenity, seriously, for a princess who had been in probably hundreds of gowns, you're silly.” Tasha snaps.

“I am not.” Serenity argues back, as stubborn as Tasha. “I refuse to step out of this trailer looking like I was bloody effin Mary!”

I chuckled, “Colorful words, princess.”

“Just get your ass out of here,” Tasha says.

“You know,” I turn to Tasha, “I don’t think you’re quite a good influence to the princess.”

She stuck out her tongue at me, making me laugh some more.

Then we heard Ken gasp, and we turned to him, staring behind us. Tasha and I turned around, and I had the same reaction. Tasha, though just smiled and walked up to her.

If I had doubts of Serenity’s royalty earlier, it would be gone by now. Though I would agree that it was a bit on the side of bloody Mary, the red-black gown went perfectly well with her white skin. She was practically glowing.

Her grey eyes had a hint of gleam in them, making her look mysterious behind the makeup she barely had on.

She gracefully stepped down the stairs, holding on to the door railing for support. I quickly walked up to her helping her out.

“Thank you,” she said, out of breath. “I knew it wouldn’t be a fun exit, and I’m not so excited about the entrance later.”

I stared at her as if I didn’t hear her as she makes her way to Tasha and Ken.

“You coming, buddy?” Ken asked with a smirk.

“Yeah, yeah…” I said, closing the door behind us.

I stayed behind and listened to her ranting to Tasha, not being fair why she can’t have the sweet pink gown.

“You look better in that gown.” Tasha pointed out.

I had to agree. Tasha won’t be able to pull off that gothic look. Her smile was just too sweet, while Serenity held her mysteriousness even without all the costumes. She was a mystery herself.

Though I can’t say any different for Tasha, she was as breathtaking as Serenity. Her childish innocence had given respect to what she was wearing, though Serenity might have pulled it off as well, she’d look forlorn and depress, unlike Tasha, who was looking like it was already her best night ever.

“Can’t make up your mind?” Ken asks as he walks beside me now.

“What?”

“They are both quite a sight, aren’t they?”

I looked back at the girls who were now whispering to each other.

I rolled my eyes, “There’s no choice to make.”

“True.” Ken says, looking back at the girls as well, “Serenity has a mate, and Tasha is, well, Tasha.”

I gave him a look, “What do you mean-“

“Wow! You girls look amazing!” I hear Kendra squeal.

I grinned, seeing her. Her gown had her name written all over it. Playful, cirque like and lively, the pink color just made her look more childish and perky, making Ken groan beside me.

“See? Why can’t I have something like that?” Serenity groaned.

“Cause that wouldn’t be your style,” Tasha says.

“Well, at least add more cloth into mine.” Serenity mumbled low enough for only the shifters to hear.

“You have a sleeveless gown. You're barely showing anything.” Kendra says.

Serenity sighed and remained quiet as we walked up to the rest of the group waiting at the cirque entrance.

The animals in their cages, linked together and ready to go.

“We’re taking the animals?” I asked George.

“They want a sample of the show,” George says.

“What exactly are we playing for?” Ken asked.

“An eighteenth birthday of the Lord’s only daughter.”

“Well, they must seriously be loaded if they are renting a whole Cirque,” Kendra says excitedly.

“They just want the theme of the Cirque,” George pointed out, “we’ll be there as guests. The clowns, acrobats, and tamers are the ones to do the job.”

“Well, that sucks,” I said. “If I have known that that was the case, I would have declined the invite.”

“I’ll second that.” Serenity says.

Tasha rolled her eyes and glared at her, “I’ll strangle both of you if you even mention an escape.”

I grinned and heard Serenity giggle.

“Don’t you giggle at me, young lady,” Tasha scolded the princess.

“Sorry, you just remind me of my best friend.” She said, “She’s pregnant now. I’m betting she’s like twenty times like you now.”

I chuckled, and Tasha crossed her arms over her stomach, pushing her chest up. I caught Ken swallow a lump on his throat, so I reached for Tasha’s arm and pulled it apart, “I told you not to do that.”

“What?” Tasha snapped, “Now I can’t do what I want?”

I shrugged and heard Serenity giggle again, but this time she was staring at me.

“Anyway,” Ken clears his throat, “how are we gonna get there?”

Then as if to answer his question, three limousines pulled up in front of us.

A man stepped out and bowed in front of us.

“Princess Serenity?” he asked.

Serenity stepped back closer to me, “Yes?”

“The mistress had asked me to escort you to his home personally.”

“Mistress?” she asked.

“Yes, she says she is a friend of your father.”

“Does your mistress have a name?” she asked.

“She says you will not believe if I tell you that you might as well come to her home to see.”

“I will only agree to this if my friends come with me,” she said.

“She did say you’d ask that, thus the two extra cars.”

“I want my friends with me in the car.” She says stubbornly, “Or she will not see even a hair of me.”

The man then bows, “Whatever you want, Princess.”

“Thank you.” she stepped up, but I reached for her arm, stopping her.

“Are you sure of this?” I asked. “You don’t know who you are dealing with.”

“If she is a friend of my father, then I will have no problem.” She said, “My father had a great sense of judgment.”

With that, she entered the car, followed by the others. I sighed and looked at the man who was talking to her earlier. I looked at him closer and noticed a discoloration on his neck, and if you look closer, a distinct marking.

“C’mon, Cole,” Tasha says.

The older man stared at me and frowned as I stepped into the car.

The car stopped in front of high and long front steps leading to what indeed was a castle. We all stepped out of the car and looked around, amazed.

Serenity stood by the stairs, not at all affected by the glamour around us.

“I should have known it would be hard to impress you.” a woman says.

We turned around and saw a gorgeous woman standing at the top of the stairs. Serenity stiffens beside me before she turned around.

“I- it can’t be…” she said in a whisper. “Aunt Janice…”

“Serenity.” The woman smiled and reached for her.

In an instant, Serenity ran up to her and threw her arms around her. I watched them, not feeling any better than when we were picked up.

“I thought you died.” I heard Serenity says, “Liam… Liam would be so….”

“Shh… this is our moment, princess…” she said.

Serenity shook her head roughly and pulled away. She was crying. “No, no… you don’t understand, aunt J. He’s in a coma. He’s sick….”

The woman frowned, worried.

“It was my entire fault, and if only I were stronger, if I wasn’t so weak….” Serenity sobbed.

“Shh, princess, I’m sure Liam did what he thought was best.” She said. “But right now, he can’t know.”

“But why?” Serenity asked, “What about Uncle Luke?”

The woman forced a smile and pushed aside the stray strands of hair that fell on Serenity’s face. “He knows.”

“What do you mean?”

The woman looked around, and I caught the sound of the other cars coming.

“It’s better that we talk inside.” She said. “All of you.”

I looked around, glad that George and Dana seemed to have joined the others in the other car.

We all rushed inside before the cars even went through the gates of the castle. She led us to the library and closed the door behind her.

“Serenity, what are you still doing away from the pack?” she quickly asked. “You should have gone straight home.”

“What?” Serenity asked.

“I have kept updated of the news of you,” she explained. “I’ve extended help to your father and mother, but he turned it down. Your Uncle… Luke… he wouldn’t….”

“Aunt J, I don’t understand.” Serenity says, “I saw you cremated. I was there when you died… how is it….”

She sat across her and took her hand. Serenity flinched for a second but rested her hand between hers.

“Do you remember the attack?” the older woman asked.

“Yes,” Serenity says, “it was just inside the borders, the attackers stretched out within the land and attacked you in your house, Liam was at the Royal house that night, the hunters were trying to get through-“

She shook her head, “They were not hunters, Serenity.” She said. “You can’t deny how much I have changed, the pale skin, the cold temperature that caused you to flinch….”

Slowly I understood and seeing Serenity’s face. She did as well.

“You shouldn’t have come tonight, love.” She said, pleading, “Not in their lair and at your weakest.”

I moved toward Serenity and pulled her away from the dead being in front of her.

“If you are still concerned about her, you will show us a way to get out of here safely.”

She shook her head, “They already know of her arrival. It’s too late.” Serenity looked up at me, "They have been watching you since you arrived at the land of the Rogues. Though this may be your mate's land, we all know he has no proper control over the rogues."

Control or not, I didn't want anyone dead tonight or ever.

I then grabbed Serenity and faced the others, “We need to get out of here.”

Then the doors opened, and we all stiffened. The presence of the new guest was strong enough even to get Tasha’s attention to falter for a second.

“Ah, our guest of honor.” The boy who was about my age say, “Getting acquainted with old friends, mother?”

“Mother?” Serenity asked.

The woman looked away, ashamed.

“Yes, mother.” The boy repeated, “My father thought it was about time that we get ourselves a new mother. So when she saw mother in the house of that awful man, he took her and turned her into one of us.”

“And what are you exactly?” Tasha asked.

“The oldest friends of the werewolves,” The boy smirked.

I felt the tension in the room thickened. I stood beside Tasha now, who was radiating as much energy as the boy in front of us.

“Vampires…”