Chapter 18

Jordan lay there on her back looking up through the large trees. She watched as the sun streamed rays of light onto the earth’s floor. “It’s so beautiful here.” She said turning to look at Asher who was lying beside her.

“There’s nothing like it.”

They both turned their heads when they heard a noise from the left part of the woods. Jordan sat up first and then Asher, and a moment later they watched Declan walk into the clearing.

Jordan watched him walk closer. She couldn’t get over how much he looked like his older brother. However, in her eyes, Asher was the better looking of the two. Declan was large like his brother, and his features were dark and mysterious. He was also built like a rock and had the ‘Kodiak’ word inked on his neck.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you two,” Declan said, kneeling down on one leg.

Jordan watched as a slow smile spread across his face.

“What’s so funny?” She asked, blocking the sunlight out of her eyes.

“It’s just really nice to have you back Jordan; to see you with my brother.” He said.

Jordan felt her face flush crimson. Her memories of Declan were nothing but happy ones. He was sweet and always protected her and Sonja when they were young just like Asher had done. “Thank you, Declan. It feels good to be back here— to actually remember part of my past, my heritage. It always felt as though a piece of me was missing, not being able to remember anything.” She watched Declan pull at the grass. She could tell something was bothering him. “What is it, Declan?”

He shrugged his shoulders and then looked at her. “How’s Sonja?”

Jordan looked at him feeling his pain. Mamma Crone and Erza had explained that her father, Atticus; and Cyprus had grown up together and they were inseparable... the best of friends. They had made the decision years before their own children were born that depending on the gender they would have their children mated. It worked out that Cyprus had his two sons, Asher then Declan, five years prior to Jordan and Sonja being born.

She smiled at him. “She’s really good, Declan. But I will warn you; she has a feisty side to her.” Jordan laughed, recalling the last argument her sister had with Lennox.

“She was always like that. I remember her always having that tomboy side to her when we used to play.” He laughed. Then his face fell into a somber expression. “Does she remember me? Or have any visions?” He asked, finally looking at her.

Jordan could feel her heart tug at his words. “I don’t know, Declan. I honestly think that I was the only one having the visions. She remembers so little from that day, but I can tell you one thing she stands by, and that is who she mates with. She got into an argument with Lennox about not just mating with anyone; that it has to be her soul mate, the one that is truly connected to her. She stood her ground and told Lennox that she would not mate with anyone.”

He smiled at that comment, but Jordan could still see the sadness on his face.

Declan looked at Asher. “Dad’s back and wants to speak to both of you. He’s planned a supper for us.”

Asher raised an eyebrow. “Since when does Dad cook?”

“Never.” Declan laughed. “He had Erza cook it.”

“Ok. Let him know we just have to shower and we’ll be there.”

**

Jordan was wearing a floral sundress that Mamma Crone had dug up for her to wear. She pulled back her hair and tied it into a tight ponytail, so it was off her face when she heard her grandmother enter.

Mamma Crone walked up to her, placing her hand on her face, staring. She then grabbed Jordan into a tight embrace not letting go. Jordan smiled, smelling the floral scent that wafted from the woman’s hair.

Her grandmother finally released her and held her out still clinging to her. “If your mama and papa could only see you now. They would be so proud.” She said with tears starting to well up in her eyes.

“Thank you, Grandma,” Jordan said, wiping a tear from the woman’s cheek. “Don’t cry.”

“Oh, I can’t help it dear. I am just so happy that they found you. That your back. It was like a void missing for all these years.” She said, releasing her and grabbing her small bag.

They both walked out the door and down the dirt road to Alpha Cyprus’s house. It was only a five-minute walk, and when they approached the cabin, Jordan examined the outside. It was the largest in the village and made from large logs and beautifully constructed from the outside. They both walked up the five steps that led to the porch when the front door opened, and Erza greeted them.

They entered the front foyer and Erza ushered them into the living room and to the backyard where everyone was sitting. There was a large veranda that sheltered them from the sun, and they were surrounded by the forest in every direction. Her eyes fell on an older man that was walking towards her. His hair was short and silver, and he was tall with broad shoulders and stood well over six foot. He was physically fit, and his face was tanned which made his green emerald eyes stand out against his dark eyelashes.

She watched him approach, and then he spread his arms apart and grabbed her into a huge bear hug. He lifted her off her feet and swung her in a circle, giving her a light kiss on the cheek. “My god, you’re beautiful.” He said letting her down. “Do you remember me?” He asked in a deep voice that held a touch of uncertainty to it.

“Yes, I do.” She whispered and embraced him again. To Jordan, Cyprus was the closest male figure to her father. She felt her eyes fill with tears as she hugged him tightly, not wanting to let go. When her memories had started to come back, Cyprus was a big part of them. She had remembered him and his wife always caring for her and Sonja when her parents went away.

Cyprus was the girls’ godfather. If they weren’t at their place, they were always with the Slaters. Jordan gulped a mouthful of air as the sobs consumed her and then she felt Cyprus’s hand pat her back in a soothing gesture. “Oh, I have missed you so much.” He said in a soft, gentle voice.

Jordan finally let go and wiped her cheeks clean of the tears. She smiled and then a laugh escaped her lips. “I’m sorry. Everything is just so overwhelming.”

Cyprus towered over her, and his hands came up to her head grabbing either side, and he kissed the top of her forehead. “I know honey. If your father could see you now. Come... sit.” He said smiling from ear to ear.

Jordan sat beside her grandmother. Asher, Declan, Erza, and Cyprus sat in their seats at the circular glass patio table. The table was laden with all various types of food including fresh salmon as the main course. They all shared light conversation and some old memories as they enjoyed their meals and drank some red wine. It was nice to have the feeling that you belonged.

Erza got up and started to clean the table when Jordan said, “Sit down, Erza. I’ll do this. You cooked all day.”

“No. It’s alright child. I love cooking and cleaning. Why do you think I am still alive? It’s not from sitting on a couch all day long doing nothing.” Erza smirked, picking up the plates.

They all laughed at the woman’s remark, and Declan got up and helped her. “It was a wonderful dinner. Thank you.” Jordan said.

“You’re welcome, honey.”