“Hayden was like that about food.” Molly smiled as the memories flooded back to her of a time that felt like an eternity ago. Indeed, a lifetime had passed since then. “He was always worried about not being able to get decent food in the camps. He was a southern boy—food was important to him.”
“Too used to his mamma’s cooking.” Selene smiled.
“He never mentioned his mamma’s food. I saw her once, afterward. I wanted to feel a bit closer to him, so I went with his best friend, who’d lost his leg, to visit Hayden’s family. They told me the worst part for them was that there was no grave they could visit to mourn him.”
“His body wasn’t found?” Selene’s eyes went wide.
“No, they had to evacuate another injured man immediately after Hayden had died. They had no choice but to leave him behind. When they went back, his body was gone. They searched for a long while, but he was never found. He’s probably buried somewhere in the Vietnam jungle. It’s not a bad place to rest…if he is dead.”
“If?” Emma’s interest was piqued this time.
“Instinct. I don’t know why, but I’ve never felt he was dead. I used my senses to locate where he was killed. I could smell him everywhere, but his body wasn’t there.”
Molly silenced. She’d always told people Hayden had died. It was easier that way. She’d never forgotten what occurred that day in the village with the boy, though. Her brain was old and incredibly tired, but looking at Selene reminded her the memories were still there.
I’m like you but can be many different animals.
A multi-shifter.
A higher calling.
Pieces of the puzzle fitted into place, but there was still so much to solve, and as she aged, she’d lost all hope Hayden would return to her. Molly felt a cold chill wash over her body, the feeling of dread that came with her advancing years. Her life had been so lonely. Something else must have happened to Hayden. Fate and destiny must have changed. Still, she couldn’t completely quash the feeling he wasn’t dead.
“Molly, are you all right?” Emma got to her feet and handed Morocco to Selene.
The lioness made her way over to Molly, and taking Zahara from her, she laid her daughter in a crib before grabbing a blanket and placing it over Molly’s shoulders.
“Too many memories. They hurt.” Molly felt the tears pricking at the edges of her eyes.
“It’s a difficult time. So much is happening, and we’re all worried. Don’t upset yourself.” Emma squatted down in front of her.
“I need to tell someone. I need you to know, just in case...” Molly wrung her hands together. They’d long since aged, and the soft skin she remembered from her time with Hayden had gone.
“Tell us what?” Emma reached out and took one of her hands.
“When I went to find Hayden’s body, there was a boy. He told me things about Hayden. He said he had a higher calling, and he was safe.” Molly peered around Emma and looked at Selene. “He wasn’t scared when he saw me change from a puma to a human. He said he was the same as me only different because he could turn into a lot of animals.”
“A multi-shifter!” Selene exclaimed in shock. She rocked to her feet and placed Morocco back in his crib before she joined Emma standing beside Molly.
“I think so. It was so long ago. I don’t know if my memories are right. The boy said that Hayden would come back to me, but now I fear it was all a dream. It’s been fifty-two years, and I’ve not seen him yet. I probably wouldn’t even recognize him if I did.” Molly allowed a tear to tumble down her cheek. Realization was finally dawning.
“Oh, Miss Molly.” Both Selene and Emma embraced her.
“I think I have to face facts. I must have become so lost in my grief I dreamed there was a boy. Hayden died that night, but my mind gave me hope I’d see him again to lessen the sorrow. I’ve wasted my life waiting for him. I could have found someone else and been a mother.”
“No, I’m sure you saw what you did. I’ve never seen a young boy as a multi-shifter, but it could be possible. He’ll have aged since then. He could be one of the senior council members now. I’ll ask Ethern,” Selene protested.
“No, my dear. I think it’s time I left the past where it should be—as a memory. It’s been too many years. I need to live the last few I have in happiness.” Molly pulled her hand back from Emma and wiped away the tears tumbling down her cheeks. “I’m going to enjoy all the new little ones who’ll come to the mansion. I’ll teach them all the naughty things only a grandma can and make sure they run riot before they come back to you to be put to bed. I’ll be the tutor I was to Kas as he grew up and to you as well, Emma.”
“I would like that very much. You taught me so much. With no parents around, I needed a guiding figure, and you were perfect,” Emma responded, taking Molly’s hand again and gently squeezing it.
“Anyway enough crying and soppiness. Let’s get back to cooing over the babies,” Molly declared, getting to her feet with Emma’s aid. She reached for her walking stick and hopped over to where Morocco and Zahara were sleeping. “And I mean it, no telling the other women about the pitfalls of childbirth caused by being with the big strapping men of the pack. I want this room filled with children.”
“The children will have to come from the others. Scott isn’t getting any more children unless he stops complaining about his gray hairs.” Emma laughed, and Selene and Molly joined in.
“Everyone in the lounge.” Kas’ voice pushed into Molly’s head, and judging by the look on Selene’s and Emma’s faces, they’d had the same message.
Selene turned green with brown patterns on her skin and held her hand out to them. In a matter of seconds, they’d left Morocco and Zahara sleeping in the nursery and landed in the lounge. All the other members of the pack ran into the room shortly after. Brayden went straight to Selene while Scott pulled Emma to him. Jane, Brayden’s mother, came over to Molly and helped her sit.
Kas walked into the room, his dominating presence sending everyone into silence. He switched the television on, and Molly turned her attention to it as several leaders from the human world walked out and stood at a lectern.
“Effective immediately and across all nations”—Molly listened as one of the leaders on the television made his grave announcement—“those of you with supernatural abilities will report to your local authority and be cataloged. If you fail to obey the rules, you’ll be hunted down by whatever means necessary and imprisoned. We’ll shortly be announcing further details of our plans to keep the world safe from the imminent threat supernaturals pose. A threat we’ve seen destroy several iconic buildings and kill hundreds of people in the last few days. We will not tolerate such an attack on our freedom, and we will introduce all measures necessary to ensure it never occurs again.” The leader took a deep breath and then continued, “To the polar bear who appears to rule the supernaturals, you will be stopped, captured, and judged for your actions. That is all.” The man stepped away from the lectern.
Molly’s stomach sank, and the other members of the Glacial Blood Pack remained silent as the leaders strode away from the platform in a complete show of unity.