4
Natalia
Natalia moved from one edge of the room to the other like a cat stalking her prey. Pacing was one of those things that she always did when she was annoyed and it helped her calm down. Her mother had done it before she passed away and it was one of those traits that Natalia had just picked up. She wrung her hands as she muttered to herself an incantation she hoped would reach the ears of Ultan.
“You're sure you saw him then?” One of the younger girls, Ashley, was sitting cross-legged on the floor, staring at Natalia between her purple bangs. Natalia could hear her moving her lip ring around her mouth, she always sucked on it when she was nervous.
“Of course I'm sure I saw Ultan. But what I want to know is how he knew we were going to be here Ashley. Do you know anything about that?” Her words dripped with evil emotions. Natalia couldn't figure out how Ultan knew that she was here and also that she was after Paige. She stopped her pacing and looked directly at Ashley. “How does he know that she's the one? Her grandmother killed my parents! How does he know that?”
Ashley shrugged, but broke eye contact when she said, “I mean he was one of us for a while. Maybe he found out everything then?”
Natalia shook her head. She knew that when Ultan was here with her he wasn’t completely under her control. The elders had been stupid, allowing him to see that young boy kill his father. From the beginning Ultan had been harder to control than most, it was his shifter nature. He was constantly trying to protect himself. She couldn't keep her hold on him once he had seen that gruesome mistake. He fled the country and came to America. He was one of the last Irish descendants they had, one of the only people that Aine trusted. Other members of the group, including herself, had come from Italy. However, most of their members here were people they had encountered in their American travels. None of them had powers of the old world, but most of them had small things they could do, like Ashley for example. She could read people's emotions, it always made her uncomfortable and awkward to be around. Natalia liked the fear that she had instilled in the young girl. Only the elders held the true old world power at this point. And none of them had any interest in Paige, which Natalia knew was stupid. Every hundred years or so an Electi was born with power stronger than anyone else in her coven. Natalia knew that Paige was going to be that witch and she had to do everything to stop her. But with Ultan on her side it would be difficult for Natalia to get close. He would try to guard Paige and would want her to know the truth, allowing her to be protected by the coven, which would be practically impossible for Natalia to infiltrate.
Ashley continued to avoid Natalia’s gaze. Natalia settled her eyes on Nick, snoozing quietly on the bed. She eyed him once and then taking three steps, she found herself sitting directly in front of Ashley. “Have you spoken with him? Or know of anyone who has? How would he even know that we were here?”
Ashley simply shrugged again. “Natalia, you know I don't know anything. I would tell you if I did, I haven't heard from Ultan in months. We were close when he was staying with us but after he left, he cut off ties with most of us. Natalia you know that, I mean Ultan even cut off ties with you.”
Natalia stood up so quickly, that Ashley flinched, afraid she would hit her. “You think I don't know that? Don't you remember what I felt like when he broke my spell? I was in bed for days! He practically killed me.”
“The elders told you not to put a spell on him for a reason Natalia. He's too strong.”
“I'm stronger,” Natalia spat back at her.
Ashley shrank back into herself, but Natalia could tell that her need for answers was stronger than her fear when Ashley asked, “Do you think she knows?”
“About her powers?” Natalia scoffed. “Of course not. Aine isn't smart enough to teach her how to protect herself. And she certainly doesn't know that Ultan cares for her. Not that there's any reason for her to suspect it. My guess is he's been following her. If he came here, it was for a reason. The reason being her.”
Ashley nodded.
Natalia watched as Nick woke up, rubbing his eyes from the nap he’d just finished. Natalia didn't sleep anymore, she didn't need to and thought that his need was unnecessary. He walked over to her slowly, his broad shoulders square, and when he arrived next to her side, he immediately put his hand around her waist. She did enjoy this pet more than her others, the magnetism between them made her feel stronger than ever.
She turned to him slowly and kissed him on the cheek, pushing her power into him as she needed more information.
“Nick? Why were you so mean to your friend Paige at the bar?” She spoke in a sickeningly sweet voice, hoping to convince him to talk about his encounter with his ex-girlfriend.
“I thought you didn't like her. I only wanted to make you happy.”
She took her finger and drew it along his chin and stopped at the point when she lifted his head up to meet her own eyes, her heels caused her to be taller than him. “Of course you want to make me happy darling, so I need you to do something else for me.”
Nick nodded vigorously. “Yes Natalia. What's next?”