Shifted Fate (Amy)

I double checked the house in Vince's pack was still secure. I could tell that someone had been trying to get in. There were boot prints on the front door, and cracks in the glass door. Thank you for werewolf proof glass. I used a little magic to fix the glass door and then I reenforced the house before I sealed my bedroom and closet doors.

I grabbed my second phone, the only one I could contact my dad with, and left the other. There was really no reason to bring it around any longer. I sent a quick message to my dad, letting him know I was about to head to the pack house. Then I headed downstairs.

Toya was waiting near the front door. My mother and Lynn were still walking around outside, but it was Carly's patient face that had my steps slowing. She looked up when she heard me and smiled, but I could see the sadness in her eyes. "You're leaving again?"

I nodded. "I have to." She nodded. "You understand, right?" I walked over and sat next to her, pulling her to my side.

She nodded but picked at her little fingers. "I know." She sounded so small. "I just miss you."

"Oh sweetheart, I miss you, too. Once all of this is over, I promise you will have me every day. We will spend our days here, in the pack, and traveling. You will get to go to school and make friends."

She perked up at that. "I can go to school?"

"Of course!" I ruffled her hair. "Once all of this mess is cleared up, we will be able to do whatever you want."

She smiled, but I watched it slip away. "You promise you will be careful? Even when it's all done?"

"Of course, baby." I leaned over and kissed her temple. Then I stood up. "Give me a hung before I leave." She jumped into my arms and I squeezed. "Be good for Wendy and grandma Ainsley, okay?"

"Okay." She pulled back. "When you come back, can we visit my daddy?"

"Of course." I put her down on the couch. "I'll see if I can get him here to sit down with you and catch up...how does that sound?"

She nodded. "Good." She paused, and I watched her eyes glaze over, turning white. Toya walked over as she noticed the shift, too. “Be careful tri-spirit.” Her voice was deeper than normal. "The end is near, and if you aren't vigilant enough, you will lose your life. The shaman has seen the different paths that can unfold. Keep her words close to you. All it takes is once

misstep, and all is lost."

I looked at Toya, and I could see her mind spinning. But I just raised my shoulder.

"I will." Carly's eyes cleared, and she smiled at me.

"I'll miss you too, Aunty Toya." Carly launched herself up into Toya's arms and she hugged her tight.

"And I you, little mouse." Toya

clutched her to her chest. "I cannot

wait to have pups of my own

because I know you will be a good

big sister to them." Toya kissed her head "You are just as muchmine as you are Amy's. You know that, right?" Toya pulled back and Carly laughed.

"I know." Then her face grew solemn again. "Watch over her." She looked back at

me. "She is going to need a lot of support and guidance."

Toya smirked. "As she always does." They laughed together and then Wendy walked into the room.

"Abby is waiting for you upstairs." Wendy stuck a thumb and pointed back up the stairs. "She said something was ready?" Wendy sounded confused, but Carly looked excited as she wiggled out of Toya's arms.

"The tea party is ready." She squealed.

"What?" The three of us asked at the same time.

Alannah came out of the kitchen laughing. "Abby asked me to help her throw a tea party. Carly is the guest of honor." Alannah winked at us. "But Wendy is right. Ternen just delivered the snack and drinks upstairs. Everyone else is already at her table. They are just waiting on you."noveldrama

Carly squealed as she ran upstairs. I watched her go before I quickly looked at Alannah. "How are you felling?" I walked over and raised my hand, waiting for permission before I touched her swollen belly.

She laughed. "thought you and your mom were just joking about my stomach, but just look at me. I'm a balloon. She chuckled again as I felt a kick Her face grew a little serious. "I didn't realize how tired and sick I had felt until I woke up today. I woke up rested, happy, and strong for the first time in months.” She rubbed her stomach. "You saved us, and I don't know if I will ever be able to thank you enough. But my boys will know how much you did for us."

I kissed her cheek. "You deserve to be happy." I stepped back. "Stay close and stay safe." She nodded once before Toya and I turned and left out the front door.