Old Promises, New Mysteries: Book 2 of The Kinstone series
Chapter 20: First leg

Waking up the next morning wasn’t the easiest thing into the world. To start off, while not either throwing up out of nervousness or falling off of my bed, I still felt incredibly not good. If that makes any sense.

I sat up on my bed, body feeling tense and don’t get me started on my hair. Looking over to my bedside table, I read the clock saying it was 4:12 a.m. My plane for Dulles wasn’t for another couple hours.

Groaning and complaining, I rolled out of bed and rushed off to the bathroom, as fast as a still half-asleep teenager can move. Stripping off my pajamas and tossing them onto a hanger, I hopped into the shower.

The hot water felt good on my body as it rolled down. The shower helped calm my nerves, if only a little. I knew I didn’t have that much time to just doddle, but I at least wanted to have some time to relax.

After shutting off the water, I grabbed for a towel, feeling one being given to me. I quickly popped my head out to see Bianca, the glacie, standing in my bathroom. Slowly, but firmly snatching it from her hand, I looked to her.

“Morning Bianca.”

The maid bowed her head to me, “Good morning, Young Miss.”

Bianca was the youngest of the combat maids, and often served as my personal attendant. She tended to be quiet and nearly unnoticeable. She and I shared a somewhat special relationship. Being that she is the youngest, it helped to have someone at least my age to talk to.

Earlier in the year, Rachel had sent her to look in on me when I started my spring semester. This was right after I laid my birth mother to rest and she wanted to be sure I was doing ok. When Rachel adopted me, Bianca was sent more often as she looked the most human.

Marie often wanted to go, but I’m not entirely sure how one was to explain how a girl could open up her arm and reconfigure it into nearly any tool. It always nice to have someone from home with me, kinda made the time away that much more bearable.

I dried myself off and headed to my vanity, pulling a brush through my hair. I winced, having discovered yet another knot. As much as I love my long hair, and the amount of pride I took in it, it was the part of the morning that I didn’t care for the most. Rachel had asked if I wanted to cut it, but I declined. While being in pain, I still loved it.

Upon hitting another knot, Bianca came over and took charge, tending to my hair. I sat quietly, staring at myself in the mirror. I wasn’t taken care of like this that often, really only on certain occasions. When she finished, I turned and thanked her.

The two of us then filed back into my bedroom. Fenris had hopped off of my bed and was lying on the other side, with both tails sticking out. I smirked, knowing how much of a gentleman he was. Well, for a wolf that is.

I quickly threw on some clothes, rolled up jeans, tennis shoes, polo short and an oversized hoodie. While I knew that we weren’t going to be in Dulles and London that long, planes are notorious for being way too cold.

Grabbing my headphones, I took one final look at my room, eyeing “Model” and the models that I had gotten from Asha, standing built and painted. “Study” was overloaded with stacks of papers and still open reference books.

I was still in the middle of going through the yokai texts, which I wanted to complete before my trip to Japan. This was the last time I’d see my room for two whole weeks.

Nodding for the final time, I snatched up both my backpack and satchel, again stuffed with novels, and headed out the door. Suitcase and Bianca both trailed behind me. A soft chuckle rose from me as I heard Fenris bound out of the room and after me. The massive wolf took his place at my side, hovering close to me.

He wasn’t happy about not being able to go with me. So over the past week he stuck even closer to me, often lying right next to me while I researched the cities. I smiled to him, running my fingers through his fur. His tails swished softly from side to side.

When we reached the entry hall, Bianca placed my suitcase by the door and took my satchel from me, placing it next to it. I smiled to her, “Thank you.”

She bowed her head, “You are quite welcome Young Miss. I do believe her Ladyship is waiting for you.” I nodded to her, seeing a loneliness creep into her eyes.

I gently placed my hand onto her shoulder, patting it softly, “I’ll be back before you know it.” The glacie nodded.

It was a known fact that the maids, like me, hated whenever I had to leave the Estate for any sort of trip. I smiled to her, seeing the icy stoic façade fade away, revealing a rather cute little girl. She looked at me, smiling.

I gave her a soft hug, before stepping back, nodding to her. I then turned and headed for the breakfast room, knowing Rachel was there waiting for me.

The sky outside was still quite dark in contrast to the brightly lit breakfast room. My mother was sitting her usual place at the head of the table, sipping on coffee or tea, couldn’t really tell. She looked up and smiled, though obviously with worry and nervousness mixed in.

I sat beside her, pulling myself forward, “Morning.”

“Good morning, my love. I do hope you slept well. You do have a rather long day ahead of you, not to mention the entirety of your trip.”

I nodded as a maid poured tea into my cup. “Sleep was good, waking up…could’ve felt easier.”

She looked to me, “Anxious?”

I rocked my head wincing softly, “I think so. I will admit that I’ve been running through my head all sorts of scenarios, while at the same time doing way too much research of both cities.”

Rachel reached out her hand to mine, resting it tenderly onto it, “You have nothing to fear, as long as you don’t cause mischief. Simply enjoy yourself while abroad. I understand that it will not be easy without Fenris nor me by your side. Heaven knows how many restless nights lie ahead of me.” I giggled softly.

She smiled, “Now, eat up, you have a plane to catch soon.”

I nodded to her before digging into my meal. Fenris sat beside me, his ice-blue eyes gazing into mine. I ran my finger through his fur, feeling a soothing chill. I was going to miss having him with me.

Something that just came to mind was the feeling I used to have while I traveled to Georgia to see my family. I was alone then, no Fenris, no Rachel. Just myself on a plane. It wasn’t the easiest of feelings to have. It made me long for the Estate. So yeah…I was going to be a little homesick while away.

I felt a tap on my shoulder. Looking up, I saw Sebastian standing beside me. “It is time, Young Miss.”

I sighed, nodding to him. I heard Rachel standing up from her chair and I did the same. The four of us walked out into the entry hall.

I smiled, seeing Silvi and Velhemina both standing there. “The weed here couldn’t stop talking about wanting to see you off,” quipped my sister. I giggled.

The alraune rolled her eyes, “Excuse me, but who was it that wouldn’t cease her incessant rambling on about how much you were going to miss her?”

Silvi turned her head away, “I…I have no idea what you are talking about, you stupid plant.”

My aunt peered up at the dragon, grinning. I couldn’t help but laugh even more. This squabble actually helped lift my mood immensely. Silvi tended to act like a tsundere at times, proud and boastful, yet shy with her feelings, typical for a dragon. Well…sometimes shy with them. Velhemina was gentle and patient with hers, but was sharp as a thousand thorns if you pissed her off.

I smiled to them, finding myself being pulled up into a hug by Silvi. She squeezed my tiny body tightly between her massively armored arms, while my feet dangled off of the floor. “We are going to miss you Little Wing.”

I smiled, hugging my sister in return. Her body was warm and soft, despite the armored scales which covered her. She playfully took some her blood red hair and tickled the tip of my nose with it, which made me laugh.

A cool hand then pressed soft against my back, turning to see Velhemina smiling to me. Her soft green skin shimmered in the light as if looking at fresh morning dew.

My sister lowered me to the floor, where again, I was pulled into an embrace by my aunt. Skin was cool and smooth, with her pink hair draped over mine. The scent of flowers filled my nose as she stroked the back of my head.

I nearly didn’t want to leave in that moment. But I had to. I slowly pulled away from my aunt, looking up at her and then to my sister, smiling at the both of them.

Rachel stepped in, “We do need to get her on the road ladies.” The three of us nodded to each other and all walked out into the driveway.

The air was chilled and somewhat humid. Silvi and Velhemina each gave me one final hug before Rachel and I descended down the stairs. I smiled to them as I neared the car. The driver opened the door for me, knowing that my suitcase was already in the trunk.

I turned to look at the front of the Manor, its dark gray brick still shadowed against the early morning sky. I will forever hate having to look at it whenever I had to leave.

I felt Fenris nudging my hand, even giggling as he licked it. I wrapped my arms around his muzzle, hugging it tightly, “Wish you were coming with me.”

“I wish so as well little one. Know that you can always find me in your dreams if you must.”

I smiled, stroking his fur. I pulled back, peering into his eyes, which were level with mine. Sadness and loneliness echoed as they twinkled softly. I kissed the side of his muzzle, “Love you Fenris.”

The wolf nuzzled the side of my face, his tails softly brushing against my body, “As do I little Aria.”

“Look after Rachel, will you?” winking to him.

He nodded softly, “I shall little one.” I smiled to him, stroking his face.

I looked up to my mother, who already had tears rolling down her face. I quickly turned and hugged her tightly, feeling her stroking the back of my hair. She too didn’t want me to leave, hard as she tried to hide it.

I giggled, feeling her kiss the top of my head. She lifted my chin, her violet eye too were glittering as she looked at me. In that brief moment, time seemed to stop for the both of us. We both knew it wasn’t forever, not to mention what it was going to be like when I was to leave for Japan. But that was a problem for then, this is now.

“Do you have everything my dear? Travel case, toothbrush, wallet, passport, external battery? What about clean undergarments?”

I laughed, “Rachel, I have everything.”

She nodded, wiping away her tears, “A mother worries my love.” I grinned, nodding to her.

“Be safe sweetheart, and obey your chaperones. Never stray far from them. And try not to get into trouble.”

I nodded, “Yes Ma’am.” She placed another kiss onto my head before helping me into the car and closing the door.

I settled into my seat, buckling myself in. Placing my satchel bag beside me, I pulled up my headphones, turning them on. As I went to pull out a book, I heard a knock on the window, seeing Rachel. I unbuckled and crawled through the cabin and lowered it.

“I love you my precious girl.”

I blushed softly, “I love you too Rachel.”

She cupped my cheek, smoothing it over with her thumb. I stared into her eyes. “I...I think I have to go.”

My mother sighed, reluctantly agreeing with me, “Yes…yes I know my dear. Just promise to come home safe to me.”

I nodded, “I promise.”

She gazed into my eyes, nodding, “All right then. Have a safe flight. And call me after each stop.”

I nodded, “Yes Ma’am.” She then stepped back from the window.

I slunk back into my seat and buckled myself in. The car then rumbled to life, feeling it slowly pull forward. I looked out the rear window, eyeing Rachel and Fenris, as he sat beside her. Both looked like they wanted to just run after me, and yet held themselves still.

I smiled watching them grow smaller and smaller as I drove away, finally seeing them disappear as the car rounded the Manor. I sighed, folding into the seat.

As we turned onto the main road I looked out and saw the entirety of the Estate with the Manor in the distance still lit up. I placed my headphones over my ears and pulled out a book and began to read, my stomach now tied into knots, awaiting the forthcoming trip.

The flight from the private airfield to Dulles was long and quiet. This was also the first time I had flown without Rachel. I often found myself looking down at my feet, hoping to see Fenris asleep or to my right, seeing my mother beside me.

I sunk into my seat, book in hand, and music playing in my ears. I kept all of the window shades shut, with the occasional lifting of the shutters to look out. The only light was from the overhead lamp I used to read with, the rest of the cabin was primarily dark.

Aside from the flight crew, I was alone on the plane. There weren’t any stewardesses onboard, on the rare occasion when one was needed. Anyway, really didn’t need them. I could cook on my own if needed or taken care of anything else that might pop up. The captain only once chimed in to ask how I was. Other than that, no one talked to me either.

I wandered the cabin, having finished my book and needed a break from my music. While this first leg of my trip was the loneliest, it probably could be best. For when I landed, I was going to either be met by Elizabeth or Sarah. That detail wasn’t really made clear to me.

All I know was the moment I landed I was going to be both exhausted and having to deal with little brats all the way across the Atlantic and worse, spending the next two weeks with them in Italy. Not really looking forward to that to be honest.

I went up to the kitchenette and made some tea. My butt was killing me for sitting down through most of the flight. I looked up at the clock on the wall, 8:46. I sighed, just another two more hours. I popped my neck, hearing it crack satisfyingly. This was going to be a long trip.

I walked back over to my seat and rifled through my bag. Inside were a few more novels (of course), notebooks, pencils, my camera, phone, and wallet. I draped my long hair over my right ear, shuffling around the contents of the bag, getting them into some semblance of order.

I felt my necklace against my chest. I smiled softly, knowing that Rachel was always close to me.

Usually at this point I might’ve resigned to the rear cabin and taken a long nap. Lord knows I was going to need it, but I fought the urge to do so. Now, I will admittedly add something to an earlier thought. While as much as I was uneasy about flying alone, I was however enjoying the solitude of the empty cabin.

It was nice having it to myself for once. It’s like having the house to yourself while your parents are away on a trip. You just have the run of the place and can do whatever you want. I giggled softly, now this could never apply to the Estate or the Manor therein. I never was alone if Rachel had to leave for whatever reason. But in this moment, on this flight, I had something to myself again.

I plopped back into my seat, lifting the shade slightly to look out. The sky was now a light blue, seeing the sun reflecting some part of the wing.

The clouds were a soft white and sparse as I looked down. It was peaceful in the sky, one big reason why I loved flying as a dragon so much. It was pure freedom, just the wind and your thoughts.

I lowered the shade, resting back against my seat. I stared at the quiet cabin, letting the soft lights above relax me. I wanted to rest for what little time I had remaining, slowly letting my tea work its magic. My eyes began to close, pulling me deeper into sleep. I drifted off silently, sinking back into my seat.

I felt a soft whisper echo in my ears. “Young Miss.”

I groaned in my seat.

“Young Miss-” The voice trailed off as I slept. Something then lightly shook my arm.

My eyes slowly opened, looking up to see the captain kneeling by my seat. He smiled warmly to me, “Are you awake Young Miss?”

I groaned once more, shifting and stretching, “What did you say?”

He looked to me, “We are about to land in Dulles.”

My body felt stiff and burned after stretching. Letting out a soft yawn I nodded to him, “How long till we land?”

“Thirty minutes Young Miss.”

I nodded, rubbing my eyes, “Thank you Captain.” He smiled and stood back up, returning to the cockpit.

Well, my time of peace and quiet had come to an end. Great. I sighed, looking over to my bag, seeing that everything hanging out of it. I grumbled, reaching over and gathering it all up. Must’ve fallen out while I slept. I will say that I slept incredibly well.

One thing I love about flying privately is that the seats are ten times more comfortable than commercial seating and you can easily find yourself falling into a deep sleep in them. I picked up my phone from the floor, smiling, knowing that Rachel would be expecting a call from me the moment I landed.

I giggled, imagining my mother pacing around in her room, waiting for said call. After stuffing my bag, I lifted the shade and looked out. I won't lie, but northern Virginia is rather pretty. Granted this was the first time I had ever been to Virginia. I pulled down the shutter and closed up my bag.

My headphones rested in my lap. Given how long this trip was going to be, they were going to be a godsend. I flipped them on to check the power level. 93%. No sweat, more than enough to get me to London and maybe even to Florence if I was lucky. Turning them off again, I looped them around my neck, letting my hoodie hide them.

I rested my head against the backrest, letting out another sigh. While I am looking forward to this trip, the actually traveling portion was going to suck royally. Dealing with Robbie and Susie wasn’t exactly high on my “things-I-wanted-to-deal-with” list. I was just glad that their mother was going to be there.

I had spoken to Miss Elizabeth during the previous week, where she told me how excited she was to have me come along. She also told me about how she was looking forward to seeing and talking to me again. I smiled, it be nice to see her again too. Still wished Jenn and the others were coming along, missing them.

Time went by fast as we approached the airport. The captain gave his prelanding speech, saying that we were just about to land. I looked out the window, watching as our destination slowly came into view. Even from just the outer markers of the airport I could tell how big it was. I think the airport in Atlanta or Miami were about the same size as Dulles, could be wrong though.

The plane jerked slightly as it landed onto the tarmac, hearing the roaring of the tires on the pavement. My hands clenched the armrests tightly, feeling my stomach turning into knots.

Outside, I watched more planes taking off in the distance. We then slowed down the closer we came to the terminal. Again my nervousness rose, pooling within my stomach. If I were an adult, I might be heading for the nearest bar. Heh, well, I'm not adult anymore.

I took a long deep breath, held for a moment, and slowly exhaling it. We finally came to a stop. I looked up to see the captain walking into the cabin, smiling and holding out his hand to me. I unbuckled myself and took his hand, snatching up my bag. “We hope you enjoyed your flight Young Miss.”

I nodded to him, "I did Captain.” He smiled, motioning me to the now open cabin door. I smiled to him and headed for the door.

Boy was I glad on what I chose to wear. A gust of cold wind blasted against me, nearly knocking me back. I grabbing my hoodie and yanked it over my head. I craned my head around the terminal. What’s another advantage of flying privately? The secluded airfields.

I looked around, seeing other private planes as they sat on the tarmac, with passengers also departing and boarding. I hoisted my bag over my shoulder and hopped down the stairs. Seeing a cart at the base of the steps, I crawled into it, sitting my bag into my lap.

My suitcase was then strapped in behind me. I took one last look at my plane, sort of wishing I was still in the first leg of this trip. But I had to face reality and move on. I felt the cart slowly drive forward and away from it.

When I arrived at the main terminal, I climbed out of the cart, and pulled off my suitcase, dropping it onto the ground. I rummaged through my bag, digging out my wallet, and tipped the driver a ten, remembering those long a dreadful nights I used to deliver pizza and the crappy customers. He thanked me and drove on. I pulled up the handle and pushed it inside.

The terminal was a bustle with hundreds and hundreds of people, all scrambling around, trying to reach their flights or simply waiting. To be honest, if you’ve been to one major airport, you’ve been to them all.

I clung tightly to my bag, being every weary of my surroundings. While I could easily fend off anyone who wanted to snatch me, I was still just a kid in the end. So yeah, don’t do anything stupid Aria. I wandered through the halls. I felt both calm and anxious, really missed hearing Fenris’ voice comforting me.

I had my phone out, trying to find where everyone was supposed to meet up, not really having the best of luck. My eyes were on a constant swivel, both looking at my phone and scanning the innumerous gates I walked by.

I grumbled when I realized that I had hop onto the tram that ran throughout the airport. I stomped onwards down the endless hallways until I managed to just make it time for the next tram.

A few minutes later, I was finally at the concourse I needed to be at. I piled out of the tram and head down the hallway. I eyed numerous restaurants, feeling my stomach whining for food. I sighed, ignoring my hunger. I knew I still had plenty of time before my next flight, but I wanted to meet up with the group first and foremost.

I got jostled slightly when someone brushed against me, spinning me around. I looked up, seeing that I was now somehow lost. Cursing under my breath, I looked around, trying to regain my bearings. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“Aria?”

I spun around to see a sandy, auburn-color haired woman. She quickly walked over to me, weaving and dodging her way through scores of people, pulling me into a tight hug.

I looked up at her, “Hey Miss Elizabeth.”

She smiled to me, “It’s so good to see you. It’s been far too long.”

I smiled, nodding, “It’s good to see you too Miss. And to be fair, it’s only been five months since we last saw each other.”

She chuckled, “I know sweetie, but as it is with the rest of the coven, any time apart is painful. Did you have a good flight here?”

I nodded, “I did, the morning sucked though.”

“I’d have agree with you, having to get up so early just to fly out can be a pain," she said. "Aside from that, everyone is so happy that you’re coming with us.”

I curled an eyebrow at her, “And your kids too?”

The woman sighed, “I promise that the two of them will be on their best behavior.”

I stroked the back of my head, still feeling the hard yank and also remembering the eggs thrown at me. Her kids had always been a problem with me. But soldier on I must. I nodded to her, “Thank you.”

She looked me over, “I think you might have grown a little since I last saw you.”

I blushed, “Really?”

She nodded, “Not by much, maybe an inch or two.” I looked over myself, not really seeing a change.

Elizabeth smiled, “Well...we can talk later. But I think we should meet up with the others.”

I nodded, “Hope your kids won’t be that much of pain during the trip.”

She chuckled, “I’ll leave details such as those between the three of you.” I smiled, nodding. Elizabeth and I then meandered our way through the crowd.

Sitting at our flight terminal were more members of our coven. A few faces I recognized, with several more I didn’t. All in all, there were almost thirty of us going on this trip, a decently sized group. But I knew that the group was going to be broken up into smaller ones. That way it was easier to manage to group as a whole. Good idea. But this still allowed for all us to bond and rekindle friendships.

There was the fact that the placements hadn’t been announced. So no one knew who everyone was going to be with. Really annoying if you asked me.

I smiled as I looked at everyone. The oldest of the boys was Henry Covers, high school junior, and a wizard with earth magic. Kinda cute in my opinion and nice guy overall. I met him at the summer festival, and like with the rest of the children, kept in regular contact with.

He looked over to me, “Well, it looks like little Aria decided to show up. You’re a little late kiddo.”

I smirked, “You’re calling me late Henry? Who was it that couldn’t get to his own football game when his house is just two blocks from the school?”

He grinned, “Hey, I had good reason for being late that night, with a hot date lined up. And what’s your excuse missy? Did you get lost?”

I giggled, “Sure Henry and no, I didn’t get lost. Hell, I can teach you a thing or two about following directions, Mr. ‘I-got-turned-around-and-drove-twenty-miles-in-the-wrong-direction’. I think someone should permanently attach a GPS to your skull, and then maybe you’d be able to actually know where you’re going.”

He laughed, walking over to me, flicking my forehead, “Good to see you squirt.”

I giggled. “You too.”

I watched as arms wrap around my shoulders. I looked upwards to see a smiling young woman with shoulder-length strawberry blonde hair and soft teal eyes, “Hey girl, missed ya.”

I grinned, “Hey Alexis missed you too.”

Alexis Fenning, freshman in college and lived in Milwaukee. Alexis was incredibly beautiful. I often heard rumors that she had actually been scouted by a modeling agency. I met her at the winter festival last year.

What she was however was a both a geek and gamer like me. When word got out about how much I love anime, she quickly ran over to me and the two of us started a long conversation that lasted for hours. Amongst the children, she and a few others acted as the leaders of us all.

Alexis smiled to me, “Hope you know that everyone knows about France.”

I sighed, “Geez, thought I told Jenn not tell anyone about that.”

She laughed, “Hun, we’re a small coven. So word travels fast.”

My shoulders slumped, “Well, crap.”

She grinned, “So no wolf?” eyeing my shadow.

I shook my head, “My mom said that he couldn’t come with. So just me.”

She nodded, “Well, good call I think. Though, it was a bit of a shock when you showed up in New Orleans with him. I personally liked him.”

I grinned, “I think he’d enjoy the compliment.” She smiled to me.

Opposite of Henry I saw the rest of our group, specifically two little brats that I would have the unfortunate pleasure of sharing this trip with. I sighed, knowing that I was going to have to a little chat with them before we all got onto the plane.

Fun little fact about the “children” of the coven, we’re all extremely close with each other. While some of us closer than others, such as is the case with Jenn and I, most of our group tends to look out for each other, hence our near constant contact.

We also have a habit of being a little affectionate with one another as well. The Coven is a family after all. We saw each other as brothers and sisters and often fought as such.

The older children watched over the younger, and some were fiercely protective of others. The few that lived in the same area fell into this category. So you can imagine what might happen if someone were to get into trouble.

“Speaking of your mother Aria, have you called her after you landed?” asked Elizabeth, walking up to us.

I shook my head, “Figured I’d do once I met up with everyone.”

She smiled, “I think you should go ahead and give her a call.” I nodded, reaching into my bag and pulling out my phone, and tapping the home number.

Hears it ringing, once, twice, thr- “Aria?”

Smiling, “Hey Rachel, I’m here at Dulles and met up with everyone.”

I heard a soft sigh on the other end of the phone, “That’s good to hear my love. Was your flight a good one? Any issues while flying alone?”

I shook my head, “No problems, just felt interesting not having anyone with me.”

“I understand sweetheart. Everyone here misses you terribly already. Particularly a certain dragon that you know.”

I grinned, “Well hope she doesn’t cause too much trouble while I’m away.”

Rachel chuckled, “I’ll be sure that she doesn’t.”

I felt a tap on my shoulder, looking up at Elizabeth, who smiled to me. I nodded to her.

“Hey Rachel, Miss Elizabeth wants to talk to you.”

“Very well my love put her on.”

I nodded, handing the phone to her. She smiled, taking it from me and started to talk. While she did, I turned my attention back towards her kids, who were both sitting both their bags.

Sarah, the person who recruited me, walked on over, smiling, “Hey Aria, so glad you made it.”

I smiled to her, “Same here, a little nervous though.”

She nodded softly, “Trust me, everyone is,” eyeing my suitcase, “why don’t I get your things checked, that way it’s one less thing that you have to deal with.”

I nodded, “Thank you Miss Sarah.”

She smiled, “Just ‘Sarah’ is fine.”

I grinned, “OK.”

She smiled once more, taking my suitcase with her, “We can talk later while in the air. I’m sure everyone is anxious to know what are plans are. You children especially.”

I nodded, “All right.”

She then turned and headed for the counter, talking to the staff there. I turned back to see Elizabeth still talking to my mother. I smiled softly, then craning my head to her kids. I smirked, knowing I had to preempt any possible problems.

I walked over to the where Robbie and Susie were sitting. Robbie was now eight, auburn hair like his mom, short cut. He must’ve had it done before the trip. His sister, Susie, was a year younger than him. She had shoulder length copper hair tied in pigtails. Both had soft hazel eyes.

One would consider both kids to be rather cute; however their penchant for mischief would rival most kitsune. Both kids looked up at me, both showing a visible gulp as I neared them.

I smiled coyly, kneeling to them.

“Hello you two.”

Robbie grinned at me, recovering from his shock of seeing me, “Wet butt-girl.” A nerve twitched visibly on my forehead, attempting to maintain my smile as I tried to keep my temper from flaring,

Yeah, something else this little monster did during the summer gathering was that he managed to place a water balloon in my seat, just as I was sitting down.

I shrieked as the water splashed all over the bottom of the outfit I was wearing. I then heard the little monster giggling loudly, along with the rest of his friends.

Needless-to-say I charged after him. I chased the brat all over the park we were in, but never could manage to catch him. All the while I heard the brat cackling like an idiot.

The chase ended when he slammed headlong into Fenris. He stared up at my bonded, nearly pissing his pants at the sight of the massive wolf. That would’ve been such sweet vengeance for my outfit.

His sister on the other hand was responsible for yanking on my hair which I soon discovered she had smashed a piece of cream pie into it as well.

Oh, I was beyond not happy with that one. Geez and I would be sharing a plane ride with these little troublemakers, not to mention the next two freaking weeks.

I shot Robbie a glare that reminded him of Fenris, instantly wiping that smirk off his face. His sister simply averted her eyes from me.

I smiled softly, “Ok you two. Since I’m coming along, let’s get something straight. Don’t mess with me, and I won’t hang you upside down by your toes. I want to enjoy this trip. So no funny business, you hear me?”

Robbie looked up at me, eyes fluttering, and yet somehow managing a smirk, “No wolf huh? Yeah I’m not scared of you.”

I grinned, feeling the hairs on the back of my neck bristle as my kitsune fangs grew in my mouth and my eyes changing to gold, “No wolf, but what about a kitsune instead?”

He yelped softly, slinking back into his seat. I smiled, feeling my teeth return to normal. His sister was still quiet, but I would keep my eyes on her.

I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around I saw Elizabeth with my phone. “Your mother wants to talk to you.” I nodded, taking the phone from her.

“Hey Rachel.”

“Well, it would appear that you are in good hands my love. Remember to be mindful of those in charge.”

I smiled. “Yes Ma’am.”

“Good. Now, have fun and be careful.”

“I will Rachel. Love you.”

“I love you too Aria. Again, call me once you arrive in London.”

“I will. Bye.” Ending the call and placing the phone back into my bag.

I stood up stretching, feeling my knees pop. It was then that we heard the desk attendant call us up for our flight. Seriously? I just barely made it in time for my flight? Not cool. I sighed, grumbling. I figured I’d have a little more time to chill before I had to board the plane.

“All right everyone,” announced Sarah, “it’s time to head onboard. Adults, you know where you’re sitting and whom with. The youngest of the children are to stay with their parents at all times or with a chaperone.” We all nodded.

She smiled, “Ok then, let’s get lined up.”

The group then rose and headed to the boarding gate. I pulled out my phone once more, queuing up my ticket. I peered over to Henry and Alexis, who both were getting some of the younger kids ready. I motioned over to them, asking if they needed help, which they declined.

I smiled, forming into the line. My hand gripped tightly on my satchel strap. This was also going to be the first time in a year that I had flown commercially. Heh, lots of firsts on this trip.

The group then slowly began to head down towards the plane. I peered out the window onto the tarmac, watching as more planes took off. Our plane stood before us, ready to ferry us across the Atlantic. This was going to be an extremely long flight. Thank God I had books to read and a phone full of downloaded music. Heh, another first for me was that I would be flying on a 747. Massive plane.

I filed through the walkways and found my seat. Buckling myself in, I rested my head against my seat, flipping the headphones onto my head and started playing some music, drowning out the constant shuffling of the other passengers. My slowly eyes closed, completely ignoring the preflight safety video. If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it enough to have it memorized to the letter.

My music continued to ring in my ears as the plane soon was taxied out onto the runway. I opened my eyes briefly as I felt its engines roaring to life, speeding us down the runway. My body felt heavy as we lifted off of the ground and slowly climbed into the air. My stomach then sank into a pit the higher we went. I sighed softly, feeling somewhat nervous, which only grew with each moment. I finally just forced myself to ignore all of it and closed my eyes, letting the music carry me away.

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