Fallon POV
I walk down the stairs to Bruce. He is singing in my kitchen, and I believe he is cooking. I stop at the entrance to the kitchen and listen. I listen to the noise coming from the kitchen, the sounds of joy. Can I be joyful now? Is it wrong for me to be thinking about joy? I smile for the first time in days, and I feel guilty about it.
"Hey! I didn't mean to wake you. I am cooking. I guess that is obvious. I was planning to bring you breakfast when it was ready," Bruce stammers. He looks cute and sweet as he cooks breakfast for me.
"You didn't wake me," I respond. I go into the kitchen and sit at the family-sized table.
A table for a family, but there is no family anymore. There might be a lost family. I want to find this other family, but I don't want to disrespect the family that raised me. There is a lot to think about today.
"I planned to bring breakfast for you, but since you are here, we can eat together," Bruce says. He suddenly realizes he has already said that. He is nervous around me today, but why?
Bruce makes a plate for me and one for himself. He sets everything on the table along with a glass of orange juice. I can tell something is bothering him. Is he tired of being here?
"You don't have to stay if you need to go home. I do not want to be a burden to you, Bruce," I say as Bruce sits with me.
Bruce looks perplexed. "No, I want to be here. I want to help you. I heard something last night, and I think I might be hearing things in this house. Is there anything you want to talk about or tell me?" Bruce inquires.
I know what he heard, but I am going to ask anyway. "What did you hear?" I ask him.
Bruce smiles. He always has this sweet smile, but when he is worried, his smile changes. He is showing me his nervous smile. "I heard a voice, and I heard rain last night after you went to bed. It wasn't raining last night, so what was it," Bruce says.
I take a sip of my orange juice and think about exactly how much I should tell him. I have to tell him everything if I want his help finding these uncles in New Orleans. I can't exactly rush off to a big city by myself, looking for two old men that I don't know. I could end up at the bottom of a river. I need Bruce to help.
"I don't want you to think I am crazy, Bruce," I start.
"I know someone was here last night. So if you're crazy, then I am crazy too," Bruce interrupts me.
We both laugh. "Fair enough. I think we should find my parents, and I know where to start if you are serious about helping me,, but do not feel like you have to help me. I do want your help," I say. I hope he agrees to help me.
Bruce digs into his breakfast as he listens to me remember and detail everything that happened last night. Right down to me, thinking it was a dream, until I stepped on a wet floor, and then coming to a realization that I am a witch as I cleaned up the wet floor.
"Your parents helped hide you, or they didn't know?" Bruce questioned the logic of my hidden magic. I doubt it too, but there is no way for me to know the answers until I go to New Orleans and find the Uncles.
I shake my head. I didn't have an answer to the question he was asking me. "I know nothing about New Orleans. I have never been there. How in the hell will I find these two men? What if they are dead? What if I find my real parents and they do not want me? I am only 17. I cannot even reserve a hotel room for the night, Bruce. How can I accomplish this?" I ask.
It suddenly occurred to me that maybe these people don't want to know me or see me. Maybe they have forgotten me altogether. Bruce reaches across the table and takes my hand. "How could anyone not want to have you in their life? They hid you to protect you. I am more worried about what it is exactly they were protecting you from, and is that something still a worry," Bruce says.
There are so many questions and not enough answers right now. "Well, I guess there is only one way to find out, right? We have to go to New Orleans and find the Uncles," I say.
"Okay. I have some family in Louisiana. I will go with you. Do you want to leave today?" Bruce asks.
I think about it for a moment. "No, in the morning. I have to take some papers to the lawyer's office and the bank for my parents. Are you okay to go tomorrow?" I ask Bruce.
"Yes, I am ready to go when you are. I will call my family so we will have a place to stay while we are there," Bruce says.
"Your family won't mind helping me?" I ask.
Bruce shakes his head. "No, they will not mind at all. I will call my mom and tell her what is going on," Bruce says.
I sit thinking about what I am doing right now. I buried my parents yesterday, and tomorrow, I am looking for my family in New Orleans. I wonder if they would have told me if they were still alive, or is this something they were not supposed to tell me ever? Why did these ancestors tell me now? How much did my family know about how or what I am? Is this what my mother needed to talk to me about when she returned from her visit with my aunt?
"Fallon," Bruce calls out to me.
"What?" I ask.
"Where did you go?" Bruce asks. He looks concerned.
I realize the kitchen is clean. I zoned out for a few minutes, at least long enough for Bruce to clean the kitchen. . "I was thinking about all this. It is a lot to handle. I feel overwhelmed. I have no idea how to handle any of this. Why did this have to happen right after I lost my family? I wish my mom was here," I answer.
Bruce sits back down at the table with me. For a moment, I think he is going to offer some words of wisdom, but he doesn't. He sits with me while I think and then leaves the kitchen after a few minutes. He is such a good friend. He always knows what I need, when I need it.
I wander the house, looking in the bedrooms, looking in drawers. I waste most of the morning while Bruce leaves me to my thoughts. I finally go back into my father's office and grab the papers I need to take to the lawyer's office and the bank. I look around. I can smell him and hear him in this room. Why didn't they tell me? I am so angry and so upset with them.
Bruce is waiting for me outside the office door. "Ready to run errands?" Bruce asks me.
I shake my head. "I could use a ride if you don't mind. I am not sure I am ready to drive today," I say. I know I am not ready to drive.
"I can take you, but first, I have to tell you something. I made some calls while you were sorting through some things. I wanted to give you some space. I found both of your uncles. They own a little magic shop in New Orleans. It is called Elemental Magic," Bruce says.
"G****e?" I ask.
Bruce laughs. "Something like that. My sister booked a hotel for two nights for us. She lives right outside New Orleans and will meet us at the hotel. She wants to help. Libby is wonderful. You will love her. We are ready to look into your past," Bruce says.
I jump up, grabbing Bruce in a hug. "Thank you," I say as I melt into him. I want to cry, but there really isn't time for that right now.
"I am always here for you, Fallon," Bruce says. I know he means it.
Fallon POVI lay in bed, thinking about tomorrow. I am going to New Orleans to visit my uncles. I wonder if they missed me or if I matter at all. Does it really matter? I have a family. No, I had a family. None of the extended family ever wanted me. Now, I know why. They knew I was adopted. My being adopted is probably why Aunt Tricia and the evil spawns hated me so much. Who really cares what they think? NOT ME!Bruce helped me accomplish everything today. I dropped all the paperwork off at the lawyer's office and the bank. The bank gave me a new card for the family bank account. There is so much to do when someone dies. You have to erase their existence. At least, that is what it felt like to me. I felt like I was taking their names off their belongings and adding mine. It hurt me to the core.I wasn't expecting everything to be taken care of so easily, but Dave, my dad's lawyer, made it easy. I have a few weeks before I turn 18, but thanks to Dave everything is going into my name w
Fallon POVAt seven in the morning, Bruce and I are loading the car with two small bags. I should be worried or anxious, but I am neither. I honestly want to get this over with and find a light at the end of all this. Is there a light? I have to think that when this is over that, I will have a better understanding of my life and my family, both of them. I get into Bruce's fire engine red mustang. "This car says a lot about you," I say, joking with him. I know he loves this car, and I love to pick on him about it being a chick magnet."It says I am single, and no one wants me," Bruce snaps back.I touch his shoulder, and he smiles. I remind myself that we work together and he is only a friend. I don't see him any other way. Besides, he is my only friend, and I don't want to be alone in this world. Bruce is all I have left. I can't screw that up."Some day, Bruce. Some day you will find the woman of your dreams. I only hope she likes me and lets us remain friends," I say. In a way, tho
Fallon POVAs we drive into the city, I feel a sense of urgency. I am not sure why I feel so urgent, but I do. I look around, thinking I will see the ancestors leading the way or watching me, but all I see are rows and rows of buildings. "Are we staying in the city or away from the city?" I ask Bruce.Bruce looks behind him and then moves over into the other lane. He takes an exit as I continue to look around and wait for his answer. "We are staying in a hotel in the French Quarter. It is close to the magic shop. My sister is meeting us there. I think you will love her. You and Libby have a lot in common," Bruce answers.The traffic is getting more hectic, and people are walking out into the street. I should be afraid. This is my first time in a big city, but instead, I feel at home and peaceful. Odd that someone who likes the quiet would enjoy the hustle and bustle of a big city. Of course, my mind could change tonight when I am actually walking around the city.Bruce pulls into a s
Fallon POVBruce and I step out of the hotel onto Royal Street. We are in the heart of the French Quarter. The music is coming at us from all directions. There are street performers dancing up the street. I have never seen so many different types of people. I watch them for a moment taking all of it into my soul. People are dressed in costumes, posing in the streets for tourists. I understand why people come here. As we walk down the street toward the little magic shop, I close my eyes for a moment and let my heart listen to the music. I am in heaven. "It's beautiful. I cannot believe what I am hearing and seeing," I say.Bruce stops. "Not as beautiful as you," he says. He touches my chin and gives me a half smile. I smile. I have been in New Orleans for maybe an hour, and I already feel peaceful and at home. The noise doesn't bother me. Bruce stops in front of a storefront that is boarded up and closed. His expression drops from happy to upset. "This is it. But there is nothing h
Fallon POVBruce and I leave the Z brothers and the little magic shop. I do not feel like I know any more now than I did when I left home, but I have a book with my family history. I guess that is something. Maybe there is something in this book to help me sort out my past."You okay?" Bruce asks me.I look up at his blonde hair blowing in the wind. The wind seems to follow us around. It is not windy, and I am not cold, but something in the breeze calls out to me or maybe him."When will you tell me who you really are, Bruce?" I ask him.Bruce pulls my hand to his lips and gently kisses the top of my hand. He looks into my eyes, and I see something different. The wind continues to blow through his hair, and his eyes seem to change."I am nothing to fear. First, a drink and dinner, then we will dive into who I am and your family history," Bruce says.We will go down Royal street to a small side street that seems to turn from pavement to cobblestone. It is not a street, more like a smal
Fallon POVBruce and I go into the back dining room. I look around, but there is no one with us. A table is set for us, and our food is waiting. I see the bloody mary and go straight for it. I need a drink. I begin to drink the bloody mary. I have never been much of a drinker, but right now, I need it."You don't turn 18 until next week. Am I right?" A rough growling voice says.I turn to see a woman. She is thin and short. Her hair is long, and her face is covered. "That is right. I am only 17," I answer.She moves closer. "Well, don't get drunk in my place and cause me to lose my liquor license," she says, laughing. I am not sure the supernatural has a liquor license or if anyone can get here that isn't special in some way. I nod while she laughs."I am Umbra," she says. She moves closer, and I can see her hair is white with small pieces of copper. She was once a redhead, like me."I am Fallon, but I guess you already know that," I say.Bruce steps behind me as Umbra moves closer to
Fallon POVBruce and I leave Umbra's place. I had a few drinks, but not too much. I still want to walk around New Orleans and see the city. I do not want to be falling down drunk. Plus, I still have to read the book the uncles gave me. And the fact that I am underage and do not want any trouble is also a factor. "Are you okay?" Bruce asks me as we step out onto the street. I look back at him and smile. It is strange to me that it took this trip to see him so differently. If only I had time to sort through how I am feeling right now. "You do," Bruce says. He leans down and kisses me before I can say anything. As Bruce kisses me, I listen to the sounds of the city, the music, and people talking and realize I remember this place, but how? If I left here as a baby, how could I? Did my parents bring me here? No one is really saying anything about my past. They want me to discover it by myself."Bruce, I want to dance and have some fun. I can read the book in the morning. Tonight, I wa
Fallon POVBruce and I slowly walk back to our hotel, holding hands and listening to the music. I am at peace in some ways. I know everything that is to come about my family will not come easily, but there is something peaceful about knowing that I have Bruce with me. Hell, I have an entirely new family with me. This family loves me.I know my mother, brother and dad loved me, but the extended family there never cared for me. I understand why now, but it still hurts. Just because I was adopted did not make me any less their family, but I guess to them, I never was family."You keep going off somewhere else. I know all of this is a lot, but you need to know," Bruce says. I feel like there is much more he wants to tell me, but he is holding back. I wonder why.In a dramatic, silly move, I smile at him and throw my hair over my shoulder. "I am fine, I promise," I say.A tall man is waiting for us as we approach the hotel. He reminds me of Ryan. Is this man a wolf? I pull myself closer t