Floating

Drayven and Sam took over all the pack business along with Andrew so that James could tend to Jessa. It was the second day in, and the scent had dissipated a good bit now. She was coming out of it, it seemed. She was eating again. Her appetite had increased and she found a huge fondness for Drayven's signature French toast. So had Mel for that matter. They'd had a conversation about how they'd handle her heat when it came around.

  Caleb asked to be moved to one of the empty rooms next to Alex permanently. Jessa and Amelia teared up but agreed. He laughed and reminded Amelia that he would only be 4 doors down and across the hall. It made better sense so that he wouldn't be displaced every time they hit a heat.

They were all sitting around now playing poker and eating snacks. Caleb was much more comfortable now that the scent was down. Connor decided it didn't suit them at all. It was gross to have even thought that way, though he understood that biologically they weren't kin and it was natural to be attracted to a she-wolf in heats scent. Sam still couldn't come into the apartment, it could be his age and that he was yet to be mated, that makes him so vulnerable to it. Not that he'd ever act on it, never. James was his best friend and brother in all but blood. Jessa was like an adorable kid sister.

Amelia and Jessa were mindlinking about something and giggling. James was suspicious it was something to do with warning Dray gave him. When Drayven snickered he realized that he was the only one not in on this little mindlink chat session.

"Secrets don't keep friends." He teased

"Or jealous Alpha's from getting suspicious either." Jessa taunted back. "Fine, if you wanna know so bad I'll tell you. I have decided to have a Victorian Masquerade for my Luna Ceremony. And you'll also find it's happening on the fall Solstice and a new moon at that. It'll be one big bash. I was going to mention it after I buttered you up but well, it's my party after all isn't it?" she said.

"I think it will be fun. I have already seen my suit, the girls did a little extra shopping…. No way your suit can be nicer than mine. Sorry bro, looks like the second in line will be stealing the show." Drayven laughed.

"We'll see about that!" Jessa smirked as she stalked to the bedroom and came back with a suit bag. "Here babe, I really hope you like this, because my dress matches it and I REALLY love my dress…."

He opened the suit bag and pulled out the shimmering suit. The sharp black with the crisp white and the brocade vest, the fashionable cravate in the same sharp black. It was exquisite. The simple black mask was perfect as well. He could certainly picture himself wearing it. He wondered aloud what her dress was like if the suit was any indication.

"Nuh uh, nope. Not showing you the dress. Mel and I are making you guys wait. We want you melting into puddles of drool when we come down the stairs. Just like back in the Victorian era. The gentlemen awaited their ladies. We are going back again in a few days to finish shopping. I was too tired to do it all in one go. But I feel oddly more energized now. Anna said not to feel guilty because you had 'more money than Jeff Bezos' so it was my right and duty to spend it. Still, I feel a little extravagant. I feel like it's too much. If you think it is, I will be perfectly fine with what I've got."

"Me too." Amelia piped up.

"No, you girls go shop. Jessa, you're about to be Luna, you'll need plenty of clothing. There's balls, functions, and stuff to attend year-round. It's essential you have a large variety of clothing. Amelia you can spend every penny I have and I would still find more for you, you know that. We're both suffering fools but willingly. You'll need to take the black card and we'll attend with you this time. Not that we anticipate any issues in such a public place but there's been rogues causing trouble around some of the neighboring packs, being neutral territory there's always a small risk." Drayven said with a finality that left no room for arguments.

"Your heat should end tomorrow, we'll head out Saturday so that we can go to the movies too. Do you want to have dinner while out? We can make a day of it." James asked Jessa.

"Sounds fun! I've never been to a theater before. I've always heard that movie theater popcorn is much better than bagged, no offense Dray, I am grateful for you getting me popcorn for my weird cravings. I never heard of heat cravings but goddess this is annoying!" she noted the look of worry on Amelia's face. "Mel, yours probably won't be like this. Janine said it was something with me. She hasn't seen it either but she drew more blood for testing this morning. Huh, I want a bagel now." She said with a bemused groan.

Amelia popped up and made Jess a bagel and herself one as well. They'd been huddled in the room for two days now and she was starting to go stir-crazy but she wouldn't leave her friend.

Drayven mindlinked something to James and he smiled broadly. "Hey girls, why don't we go out for a few? I know a nice safe place I'll bet you'd enjoy. It's protected so no one outside of it can find it, see it, hear it, smell it or anything."

"I'm in! Let's go!" Amelia jumped up.

"Grab your swimsuits and a change of clothes."

Everyone scattered to grab their stuff and Caleb grabbed Anna and Vivian. They joined in the fun and all met back in Jessa's room at her balcony. It was amazing to have a balcony like this, it didn't seem like 5 floors up. Maybe it was because it was built on a hill? Anyhow she loved the curved stairs that led out her and Amelia's doors down the ground of the gardens. It was magnificent.

"Climb on my back ma fael" James said. "The rest of you barring Anna and Vivian shift and follow along or you'll get lost." And he set off into the woods following the river to the falls and their own private little paradise.

An hour later they stepped through the trees to the beach. The white sand glistened in the moonlight. The falls illuminated by moonlight and the soft path lights and lights they added over the years was breathtaking. The clear water shone like a cascade diamonds. The air was still warm but the dark and the waterfall made it not as unbearable.

Everyone shifted back behind the trees so they could put on their swimwear and dip into the water. Jessa was expecting chilly but the water was warm. Like a bath. It was a very pleasant surprise. It was also freshwater so no annoying itchy salt. It was heavenly. She immediately lay on her back on the water just drifting around.

Vivan gasped and Anna looked wide eyed. She was a witch! She had magic! Only the shifters with magic could lay upon water. No wonder!

"Alpha, forgive my asking so, but did you know the future Luna bears magic?" Vivian asked, astonished.

"I did, yes, but for now only those of us here know. Along with Roz, mom, the doctor and Elder Joshua. We have elected not to tell many people until we know more about her bloodline. I don't want anyone given any reason to reject her." He answered.

"I won't say a word. And if anyone objects to our future Luna I'll kick their sorry asses from here to Los Angeles and back!" Vivian said with such fierceness.

James thought about it and asked Vivian if she'd like a promotion to being not only one of the guards of the future Luna but her lady in waiting as well to which Jessa lazily piped up that she'd love that. The girl was ecstatic and did a backflip into the water. She cut into the water and came up with a delighted giggle. She would be a great lady in waiting, she was so protective already.

Jessa was floating in the water relaxed as it was just as warm as a bath and so soothing. It smoothed the roughest edges off her nerves. She knew there was going to be a fight coming between herself and James but she wouldn't back down. He'd just have to see her way. She WOULD fight in the war on her own pack. Moreso, she would take on Kelly herself. She had promised Hanny to Amelia for what she'd succeeded in doing to her. He wouldn't stop her from getting her justice and revenge. Kelly would know humiliation and pain before she was executed. Or maybe she'd let her live, keep her imprisoned for a while in the dungeons. Did they have dungeons? Maybe they could build a cell in the basement if not. She would keep her alive with the same treatment she'd shown Jessa and Amelia. Daily whippings and endless work. She couldn't be trusted with the packs food. Oh never that. She'd have chances to harm them in that way, but sure enough there would be plenty of linens and floors to scrub. With guard supervision of course.

As she drifted off to sleep strong arms cradled her and carried her bridal style from the warm water and into a warm cottage with a crackling fire burning and laid her softly onto a bed.