Jacob walked out of the foyer of the hotel and grabbed a taxi to take him to Glebe.  He had visited this Shaman once before and hoped that she would be able to explain what Kasey had just done.  He was amazed at her seeming gifts, first her seeing their wolves in her mind and now… tonight what happened with Nate.  It confounded him as to exactly why or how and he needed answers. 

Jacob also noted that Braedon hadn’t seemed to realise that Kasey had spoken of the Pack and also said ‘keeping your world safe’.  How could she know about the Pack, no one had told her, could she have seen what they truly are?  Did she see Nate or Daniel’s wolf too?

He realised that Braedon wasn’t thinking straight, he was concerned with his mate, was worried that David would try to harm her.  He was Braedon’s best friend… his brother; it was up to him to find out what he could and ally his Alpha’s fears.

The taxi pulled up in front of a terrace house towards the bottom of Glebe Point Rd, Jacob paid the driver and got out closing the door.  He looked up at that house and paused; he was hanging out for a decent coffee but shook his head and climbed the four steps to the front door. 

He hadn’t even stopped to look at the time, but then a Shaman was used to having someone arrive on her doorstep at all hours of the day or night.  He lifted the door knocker and rapped it against the door several times before taking a step back to wait for someone to answer.  A minute later he heard locks being unlatched and then the door opened.

A middle-aged woman stood in the doorway; she was about 5’ 6”, curvaceous but not overly so.  She had a heart shaped face surrounded by a mass of tiny black curls running halfway down her back.  Her skin was fair and her nose dotted with a scattering of freckles.  She looked up at Jacob with chocolate brown eyes and her smile was one of calm, one of knowing. 

She exuded a sense of ‘other’ and one couldn’t help but wonder just how powerful she really was.  She was wearing a soft pink track suit and looked comfortable and at ease.  “Jacob,” she said, “I was expecting you.  Come, come,” she beckoned, “I have made coffee as I sense you were in need of it.”

Jacob grinned and entered the house, standing aside so he could follow the Shaman into the kitchen.  He watched her as she walked up the hallway towards the living room and gave himself a mental slap for checking out her arse.  The Shaman laughed and Jacob realised she knew what he had done.  He rolled his eyes and put all thoughts of luscious curves and soft pale skin aside and they walked through the living room and into the kitchen.

Jacob grinned when the smell of freshly brewed coffee hit him, “Shellana if I didn’t think you’d eventually tire of me I’d marry you!  You make the best coffee, my sweet.” And he sat at the table and smiled up at his host.

Shallana shook her head and laughed softly to herself, “Jacob, you are a sweet boy and although I do like you, I doubt you could keep up with my… needs.” 

Shallana already had cups ready by the coffee percolator and poured for them both.  She placed them on the table and went to the pantry coming back with a freshly baked batch of Anzac biscuits, putting an even bigger grin on Jacob’s face.

“It’s been a while since your last visit and something tells me this visit is about something more important than you being able to attract any female you wanted.  So tell me, why are you here?”

Jacob sighed and ran the fingers of his left hand through his hair, “My Alpha has found his mate.” He paused trying to get the words straight in his head before he spoke.  “She has gifts that can’t be explained.  She saw our wolves just by touching us and tonight… it was as though she took the pain from one of the Pack members… one of our Enforcers.  She passed out at the end; I’m guessing from exhaustion.  She seems to be alright; Braedon is beside himself with worry and won’t leave her side.

I am his best friend Shallana, he didn’t ask, but I know he’s counting on me to find out what’s going on and why Kasey has these gifs?”

“Drink your coffee Jacob and I will be most annoyed if you don’t partake of the Anzacs,” She smiled softly and patted his hand.  They sat for a while drinking coffee and eating Anzacs, neither spoke and in the end the silence was getting on Jacob’s nerves.

“I will need to meet her to determine if she is human, then I will be able to discover why she has such gifts.  It may be nothing more than pure psychic abilities, but if you are concerned, it is always best to make sure.”  Shallana got up and poured more coffee, “How will your Alpha react to my interference?”

“You will be there to assure him that his mate is alright and if you can shed any light on what has happened, then mores the good.  Leave Braedon to me.”  Jacob pulled out his cell phone to call a taxi, but before he dialled Shallana told him there was no need.  She said that there would be a taxi outside in a few minutes and she headed for the living room, picked up her handbag and continued on to the front door Jacob trailing behind her.

When they arrived at the hotel, Jacob was suddenly surrounded by men, all Were’s all wanting to know who the woman with him was and why he had brought her there.  He assured them all was well and considering who he was they let them both continue on to the suite Braedon and Kasey were in.

When they entered the suite all was quiet, Jacob asked Shallana to wait in the living room and went in search of Braedon.  He didn’t have to look far; he was still with Kasey sitting in the chair beside the bed.  “Brae,” he said quietly and his friend and Alpha opened his weary eyes.

Jacob beckoned him to follow him to the living room, Braedon sat up and checked on Kasey making sure she was alright, then stood and walked quietly out to where Jacob was hoping he had some good news for him.

When he saw Shallana in the living room he looked to Jacob and raised a brow, Jacob stood next to the Shaman as she rose from the couch and make the introductions.  “Shallana is a Shaman, I’ve spoken with her in the past and I was hoping she could shed some light on Kasey and her abilities.”

Braedon stepped forward and greeted Shallana, “Thank you for coming.  I have no idea what happened earlier, all I know is that Kasey is now exhausted… she hasn’t moved a muscle since she collapsed.  If you can help it would be much appreciated.”

Shallana smiled as Braedon took her hand in his holding it gently.  “May I see her while she sleeps?  I would like to observe her and then when she awakens, spend some time with her.”

Braedon looked to his second in command and Jacob nodded acknowledgement of his unspoken question.  He trusted Shallana, and even though Braedon wasn’t completely sure of her, he trusted Jacob.  “So long as I am with you, you may see her.  Come…” and Braedon led her to Kasey’s room.

Shallana followed Braedon into the bedroom, Jacob trailing behind her.  She smiled when she saw her sleeping peacefully tucked up under the covers.  She moved closer, Braedon ever on her tail, she turned to him, “I understand that you do not fully trust me with your mate, but I need you to back off just a few steps so I can read her, at the moment your aura is interfering with hers.  So please give me a bit more space?”

Braedon didn’t quite know whether or not to be angry with the Shaman or not, but as he looked at Kasey lying so silently he nodded and took a couple of steps back.  He watched everything she did, every movement and when she sat down on the side of the bed Jacob grabbed him knowing he needed grounding.

“You need a break Brae, you rest for a while and I’ll watch over Kasey,” Braedon shook his head just as Jacob knew he would, but he had to try, “Alright then, at least pull that chair back from the bed and sit quietly so Shallana can do her thing, the sooner we know what the hell’s going on the soon we will know how to deal with it when this happens again.”

Jacob ended up moving the chair back from the bed and putting it almost against the wall to give Shallana the space she needed.  Shallana sighed and a smile crept over her face softening it somewhat.  “I am sensing power within her, untapped as yet, but coming swiftly to the surface.  How old is she?”

“She’s twenty four or twenty five, I’m not certain, but I’d say nearer to twenty five.” Braedon responded.

“Yes,” said the Shaman, “That would fit, she is coming of age Alpha and when she does she will need both you and more than likely me.”

Both men looked at Shallana in confusion, their questions written across their faces.  They didn’t have to speak, she knew instinctively what they wanted… what they needed to hear.  Shallana stood and looked at Braedon, “I will need to speak with her, learn her past and maybe even work a small spell or two, but I will discover her heritage. 

I will need to speak with her alone, you may wait in the outer room where you will be able to hear every word, but she needs to believe that we have privacy so she can speak openly.  Will you agree to this?”

No way did Braedon want to agree to this!  He opened his mouth to tell her exactly that when he was cut off by Jacob.  “Braedon will do whatever is necessary to make sure he can keep his mate save and well.  If waiting just outside the door will give Kasey the sense of privacy she needs then so be it.”

Jacob had hold of Braedon’s arm wanting his friend and Alpha to know that he was looking out for them both.  Right then Braedon couldn’t see past the pain he felt at not being able to help his mate, he needed Jacob to do what was needed and Jacob needed him to see that.

Jacob spoke mind to mind with Braedon then, “Brae, I’m doing this as your friend because I can see you are hurting and you will react to anyone getting too close to Kasey right now.  Let Shallana do what needs to be done, then we will have a better idea of what will be necessary in the future and Brae… the Shaman said she is coming of age. 

We need to know what that means… Shallana also said we might need her around, so whatever you do ‘don’t piss her off’!”

Braedon sighed, he felt like he was carrying a heavy weight on his shoulder… on his heart.  He knew what Jacob said was right and then he did the hardest thing he had ever done, he walked out of the room and left Shallana alone with mate. 

Jacob followed him out of the room to keep an eye on him until Shallana called for them, but kept an ear cocked and ready listening.  Braedon sat on the couch and Jacob went to the small bar area and poured them both a drink, figuring they could both use one or even two.  Braedon needed to rest, but Jacob knew he wouldn’t want to leave Kasey.

They sat in the living room Braedon not really looking at anything and Jacob keeping watch over all there.  He hoped to god that Kasey was alright and that things could be easily explained.  After about an hour Braedon started to drift in and out of a light sleep, but the moment he heard Kasey’s voice he sat bolt upright and was wide away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shallana brought the chair back to the side of the bed and sat down quietly considering the young woman in front of her.  If she was right, this young woman was a miracle, one not seen in her time at least.  She stood then and moved to the side of the bed as close as possible to her head, she looked down at Kasey and closing her eyes moved her hands about three inches from her face trying to get a feel for her.

She walked around the bed holding her hands the same way drawing information from her, taking it in and analysing it as best she could.  Finally she stood at the foot of the bed and concentrated on Kasey for a few minutes before sitting down on the chair again.

She waited patiently and when she felt Kasey close to waking she moved forward and waited.  Kasey felt tired, hell she felt exhausted and just wanted to go back to sleep, but she sensed Braedon close by and he was in some kind of pain.

 “Braedon?” she murmured and she opened her eyes then gasped when she saw a strange woman sitting by her bed.  “Wh… who are you?  What are you doing here and where is Braedon?”

Shallana smiled at Kasey, “Be calm child, your Braedon is in the outer room with Jacob.  They were concerned about you and asked me to see if I could help.” The Shaman paused waiting for what she’d said to sink in and when Kasey nodded her understanding she reached out and took hold of one of Kasey’s hands.

“What happened?  It’s all a little fuzzy. I remember having dinner and getting angry with the guys and I was talking to Nate… I think; he was hurting so much.  I gave him a hug and kissed his forehead and I sensed Braedon not liking me so close to him, but he needed me and then… it went all dark on me.  I’m sorry but who are you?”

Shallana smiled at Kasey, “I am a Shaman child, my name is Shallana. I’ve had dealings with Jacob before and he thought I could help.  From what I was told you also touch read people too, am I right?”

Kasey looked away from her, she’d never been questioned about her abilities before and she didn’t like it.  She didn’t know exactly what it was she did, but what she said sounded really close.  Shallana waited for Kasey to realise that she wasn’t going to push for answers and was rewarded by Kasey sitting up and turning towards her.

“I… I… I don’t exactly know what it is I can do or what it means, but sometimes I touch a person and I know that they are in pain, or they are angry or happy… sometimes I feel… sense more.”  Kasey sighed and closed her eyes trying to gather her thoughts.

“When I first met Braedon and Jacob, I accidentally touched them and well… I saw them in the form of a wolf.  I had no idea what that might mean until tonight.” She looked up at the Shaman then, “They are wolves aren’t they… I mean they can shift into a wolf can’t they?”

Shallana gave Kasey’s hand a squeeze and smiled at her, “You do not seem to be afraid of what they may truly be?  And you do not seem the least bit concerned about me.  What do you sense from me child?”

Kasey suddenly realised that Shallana was holding her hand; she closed her eyes trying to get a fix or sense of her.  When she opened her eyes she smiled, “I feel your warmth of heart, your concern for others even Jacob,” and she laughed softly, “I think he has a soft spot for you too Maman.”

Shallana’s eyes widened in surprise at what she’d called her, “Why do you call me Maman?”

“You are a healer, a giver of life where possible and most importantly a Mother figure or in my case a Grandmother.”  Kasey looked at the Shaman an all knowing expression on her face, “You are a great deal older than anyone believes and you will be there for me when and if I need you.  Maman is a Title of respect for one such as you and I will call you this if you have no objections.”

Shallana smiled softly, “I was right about you my child, you are a miracle, a miracle the likes of which has not been seen in my many a lifetime.  Yes, I will be here for you when you have need of me, but you will not be alone child,”

Shallana looked towards the door and nodded, “He sat by your side until I got here, he wouldn’t leave you.  Jacob had to talk him in to leaving the room so I could speak with you alone.”

“Is he alright, Braedon I mean?  I could feel him near me even when I was asleep and I think it was him leaving that woke me up… if that makes any sense at all?”

“Yes child it makes perfect sense, you are bonded to each other, you would have felt the loss of him when he left your side, it is only natural.”

“He’s my mate isn’t he?  I mean I saw him as a wolf, he’s so big and overwhelming and I can see in his face, in his eyes that he cares about me… that he wants me.”

“Right now, Kasey, he is more concerned about your health and your safety.”  She turned towards the door again and the colour drained from Kasey’s face.

“Oh my god!  They can hear us can’t they,” she all but whispered, then she lowered her face into her hands to hide her embarrassment.

“Yes, they can hear us, that was the only reason the Alpha allowed me to be alone with you.  Because if he got even a hint of you being in danger he would come crashing through that door and kill first and ask questions later.” 

She laughed softly and shook her head, “He has just found his mate child and he has yet to speak to you about this, what it will mean for you and him.  And I believe he may be somewhat afraid that you will reject him.”

Kasey looked up at her and saw concern in her eyes, concern for both her and Braedon.  Kasey had no clue as to what it was like to be a Werewolf/Shifter… or whatever Braedon and Jacob were, but she knew what rejection felt like and even though she didn’t know him all that well, she didn’t want Braedon to feel that hurt.

Kasey reached out with her senses, with her thoughts and called to Braedon, “You can come in now; I think we all need to hear what Shallana has to say about who and… what I am.  Just don’t go breaking the door down okay.”

A moment later the door burst open and Braedon rushed to her bedside, he sat next to her as Shallana sat back in the chair.  He took Kasey’s hand in his own lifting it to his mouth and kissing it gently.

Kasey saw the concern and worry written across his face and reached up with her other hand and touched his cheek smoothing his face and trying to calm him.  “You heard me huh?” she smiled at him then and he pulled her into his arms and held her close not wanting to ever let go of her.

“Air,” she gasped, “I need to breathe,” and he pulled back enough to look at her and see that she was indeed alright.  “So, umm… I’m your mate huh?”

He grinned at her and his face lit up with joy, “As I am yours kitten.  I know this is a great deal to take in all at once, but we will take things slowly and we will all help you to understand our ways.  That is of course if you wish to be my mate?”

The look on his face was almost too much for Kasey and she was tempted to say yes, but common sense came to the fore, “How about we take this one step at a time okay?  Right now I… we need to know what’s going on with me, right?”

“Right!” he said then they all turned to the Shaman.

Jacob came up beside Shallana and touched her shoulder, “What can you tell us?”  Shallana indicated that he too should sit and Braedon moved so he could sit next to him on the side away from Kasey, then they waited.

“Kasey has Fey blood running in her veins, I don’t know which type of Fey as yet, but I soon will.”  She looked to Kasey, “What of your parents, tell me as much as you can?”

Kasey’s eyes went wide, ‘Fey’, how could she be part Fey? Hell were Fey even real?  She could feel everyone waiting for her to speak, “Umm, my mother belonged to a well known family here in Sydney, when they found out my mother was pregnant they wouldn’t have anything to do with her.  They told her not to contact any of them again. 

I… I… umm, I have no idea who my father is.  All I know is that my mother loved him with all her heart.  He left before she found out she was pregnant, but he’d promised to come back for her.  He said he loved her and wanted to make a life with her.

My mother waited for him, but he never came back and he never tried to contact her.  I believe she died of a broken heart; the only thing that kept her going as long as she did was having me.  But in the end I wasn’t him… I wasn’t enough to make her want to live.” 

Tears ran down her face and Braedon brushed them away pulling her head to rest on his shoulder so he could comfort her.  He held her and told her all would be well, but then he remembered something, “The day we met, you’d served me coffee before going to the bar to work, do you remember?”  She nodded and waited for him to continue.

“That was when I realised that you were my mate.  Jacob and I followed you to the bar; I was anxious and needed to make sure you were safe.  We saw you in the park Kasey, we saw what you did.”  He pulled back and lifted her face so he could look at her, “Who or what was the creature that you left food for?”

Kasey gasped!  “You followed me!” she shook her head trying not to get angry or upset because deep down she knew he was only doing what he needed to do… make sure she was safe.  She sighed then, “I don’t really know who he is.  All I know is that he’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

My mother and I lived on the streets for a while before she died and the whole time we did I always felt safe, like we were being watched over… you know what I meant?  I vaguely remember having a pet, a cat that stayed by my side always.  He was big too, really big and he scared the hell out of a few men who tried to get too close to me.

When my mother got really sick, he was there and well this is gonna sound weird but I always had the feeling that he led me to Jax.  Jax was the one who took my mother to the hospital and he looked after me for a couple of weeks until the authorities found a decent place for me.”

Shallana moved forward again, “He is you protector child, he would have been left by your father to make sure your mother was safe.  I’d say he took it upon himself to do the same for you.

It is time you both meet again as he is bound to you too.  If you leave the city, he will need to go with you.  And,” she added carefully, “He will need to approve of your mate, because he will not let anyone harm you or take you from him.”

Braedon growled, but Kasey squeezed his arm and told him it was okay, she said she wanted to meet him who or whatever the creature was.  She needed to thank him for watching over her all these years. 

She smiled at Braedon then looked to Shallana, “How do I get him to come out while I’m there, can you help me with that, because I’ve wanted to know him for so long now and as you said he will need to approve of Braedon right?”

Braedon looked at the Shaman then at Kasey; he could see a little mischief in both their eyes, but also determination in Kasey’s.  This creature was a part of her past, possibly placed with her mother for protection by her father, she needed to do this and if the creature didn’t like him… well he could be very convincing if he had to be.