I turn to face Nina. ‘How do you feel about joining as one pack?’ I ask, wanting her opinion and thoughts.
Nina's eyes reflect genuine empathy. 'It wouldn't feel right to decline the offer. It must be disheartening for them to have been hiding for so long. Magnus, I feel so sorry for them,’ she responds sincerely, her concern for the Midnight Coven evident in her words.
'I have to admit, I feel the same. Ultimately, as Alpha and Luna, the decision is ours to make, but I believe some advice from our parents wouldn't hurt?' I suggest acknowledging that it won't be an easy decision.
'I agree,' Nina smiles, leaning in to kiss my cheek.
‘I want to join the coven,’ May exclaims with delight, her enthusiasm bubbling over like a cauldron.
Nina glances at her sister with pride and warmth in her gaze. ‘I like the idea of joining the coven with our pack too, but we will decide tomorrow when we’ve received advice from our parents,’ she says, eager for tomorrow's meeting.
May nods and smiles as she resumes roasting the last of the marshmallows. The sweet scent fills the air.
As soon as we wake the following morning, I initiate a mind-link with all our parents for an urgent meeting. Leon and Amelia, Nina’s parents, are the first to arrive. Since Nina and I assumed the roles of Luna and Alpha of the pack, our parents chose to relocate. They still reside in Shadow Crest but are now in separate homes closer to the woods.
My parents finally arrive, and we gather around the dining table. May eagerly fidgets with her fingers. Flint sits quietly while Nina sits beside me with my beta Zak on my left. I clear my throat, signalling the commencement of the meeting.
'I appreciate everyone's attendance,’ I address our parents with a nod. ‘You're probably all wondering why you're here?’ I ask, and they nod in unison. ‘We received unexpected visitors and a proposal last night. I’m sure you all remember Yiselda?’ I glance at my parents, who nod along with Leon and Amelia.
‘Yes, she helped rid you of your fever,’ my mother, Astrid, says, recalling the past events.
'That’s correct. She came to see us last night, bringing four other witches with her. They desire to unite and live side by side with us by joining our pack. With word of Nina and May being half-witch having spread, they can no longer hide the fact that witches exist.'
Ryker and Leon exchange worried looks, and my mother and Amelia exchange uncertain frowns.
'Did you say anything to them?' My father inquires.
I nod. 'I told them I'd call a meeting and discuss it, and here we are,' I reply.
My father places an elbow on the table and rests his chin on his hand. ‘Personally, son, I don’t have a problem with it. We love Nina and May, regardless of the fact that they’re half werewolves and witches. My only concern is how the other wolf packs will take this information and how they will handle it. It won’t surprise me if most will be against the idea,’ he conveys his thoughts.
I rub my chin, pondering his words. 'We haven't considered the ramifications of other packs. Yiselda hopes that if they can see us living in peace, they will perhaps adjust to the idea and realize witches aren't as dangerous as they have always believed them to be,' I explain.
Leon taps his finger on the table repetitively in thought. 'I'm fine with it too, but I'm concerned that it might backfire and endanger Nina and May's safety,' Leon says with genuine concern.
I sigh heavily. 'Many of the packs have already written to us and told me they are against the idea of Nina and May being half-witch and living in our pack as it is. It’s already a safety issue for them,' I admit.
My father purses his lips together. ‘You’re just going to have to be on your guard more than ever,' he advises, a note of caution in his voice.
I take Nina’s hand and smile before looking back at our parents. 'If the witches join us, Nina and May will also join their coven, which means they will always have the protection of the Midnight Coven. So, if other packs come for Nina and May, we'll need the witches' help to protect them. We could fight most packs off individually, but we wouldn't stand a chance if they all fought us simultaneously,' I convey, laying out the strategic considerations the opposing packs could take.
My mother smiles. ‘Well, if it means further protection for Nina and May, then I think you all have the answer,’ she says in a maternal manner.
'Then, it’s been decided then. The Midnight Coven will join us,' I declare, making the decision that will reshape our pack's dynamics.
May squeals and runs from her seat around the table, jumping into Nina’s arms to embrace her.
‘We’re joining the Midnight Coven!’ she cheers with excitement.
Everyone shakes their heads at May's exuberance, and then they all rise and bow their heads to Nina and me before taking their leave.
Holding Nina’s hand, we exit the packhouse and stroll down the main road, the bustling heart of our pack. Along the way, we exchange greetings and waves with members of our pack. While the majority have embraced Nina, a few still harbour reservations about her unique abilities.
Our leisurely walk brings us to Mrs Turnpot’s quaint abode, where she's tending to her vegetable garden. Nina leans over the fence, her bright smile greeting Mrs Turnpot. The elderly woman, initially taken aback, trembles at the sight of Nina.
'Hello, Mrs Turnpot,' Nina says cheerfully.
Mrs Turnpot, recognizing Nina, falls back with a mixture of surprise and worry. 'Oh!' she stammers.
Undeterred, Nina's smile broadens. 'What are you planting today?' she cheerfully asks, shifting the focus from herself to the garden.
'C-Carrots,' Mrs Turnpot replies hesitantly, 'but they haven't been growing,' her fear of Nina giving way to concern for her stunted carrots.
Surveying the garden, Nina nods knowingly. 'Let me help,’ she offers and shouts, ‘Revito Sprouto.'
Before our eyes, Mrs Turnpot's carrots transform into large, juicy, oversized delights. Mrs Turnpot's jaw drops in astonishment. 'Thank you, Luna! Thank you,’ she exclaims while vigorously shaking Nina's hand.
'No problem, Mrs Turnpot. I'll see you later,' Nina smiles as we resume our stroll.
'How long have you known that spell?' I ask Nina.
‘I learned it only a few nights ago. You’re the first to see me cast it,’ Nina confides, her eyes shining with pride. ‘I’m excited about the Midnight Coven joining our pack. Imagine all the new spells I’ll be able to learn from them! I can’t wait to watch them make their potions, either! And those little pets! They all seem to have one. I must ask them tonight if having a pet is a part of being a witch.’
We come to a stop under a shady tree. I lean against its trunk, crossing my arms with worry. 'I’m concerned about that snake. I'm surprised the toad and mouse haven't been eaten by it,’ I jest.
'Maybe I should pick a snake; should I need some kind of pet?' Nina teases.
‘What! No, you won’t,' I smirk.
'We’ll see,’ she responds, fluttering her eyelids playfully.
I run my hand through my dark hair. ‘Hey, since we are near the library, I have a surprise,’ I reveal.
‘A surprise for me?’ Nina exclaims.
'Come on,' I say, taking her hand in mine as I escort her into the library.