A/N: not edited. Thanks everyone that commented and voted last chapter, it's awesome that you guys love this story, the way I choose to write it. Enjoy

Chapter 36 – Elder Caelum

Things had been working against us for far too long, we were finally in a place – ahead – where we couldn't be stopped. We were of course missing pieces, but that wouldn't stop us, we were pushing ahead, although it was without some of our core pieces but I as did the other Elders, believed it was only a matter of time before we found all of them.

As technology developed, we had been reluctant to merge out systems, rightfully so because of the number of escapes that had been orchestrated and successful. At one of our facilities we had lost six individuals, most importantly Kieran Ryan, Evan, Philip, Liam Spencer and a few others. Rixile – 43 had only been successful in those rare individuals and before we could determine what had led to successful changes in those individuals there was a simultaneous escape planned, in over four facilities over the span of fifteen years that proved successful.

"Have you come across the Dr. Fox?" I asked the room before sitting at the Elders panel. Many of our Devotees, Seekers, Researchers, Backers and for the lack of better words – minions – stared back, bug –eyed. The Unseen and recruits absent as always in these gatherings. "We believe that he is with Logan, Elder Caelum, however we are unable to track him, nor are we able to trace Robert Delaney--the original. The last signal we have for him was in Chicago, the unseen there have been unable to get signal for him..." one speaks while the others remain cowardly, "You have lost many..." I turned my face to my researchers, "Have you been able to develop the serum used on successfully?"

No one answers, "So all you have only failures to report on your end," I sneered at them, utterly disappointed. "Elder, sir, the problem we are facing is the unknown element that was used by Fox to create Rixile – we are unsure – we have tried to clone the sample however we have yet to see what element we have with that power. It freezes on it's own with heat," – "It behaves unstable – Elder," another chirped in. "We," a young human says, fingering the rest of the Researchers, however they look disturbed to be spoken for by this young man, "believe that by finding any of those that escaped after surviving exposure to Rixile – 43, we would be able to work backwards, separating blood from serum, also finding why those that lived were successfully able to do so while others hadn't. As of right now we have run all tests and were unable to find the common link to failure other than it didn't work," he speaks gesturing. The Researchers seated next to this young man, refuse to turn to face him, keeping their eyes on us at the panel. Wise.

"I do not have you here to think outside of your specialty – our seekers do not tell you how to do your job," I snapped after he finished, flushing red, his heart sped in the silence and he sat down after a sharp nod in understanding.

Turning to my Seekers though, then focusing on our best, Treznor Crowe "While I do not appreciate the humans outburst, what have you done to find the escapees or trace down the sample that Fox acquired?"

"Elder, everything we have gathered lead us back to young Logan, as of now we have been unable to find his location or the location of his pack, but we do know what tricks to use to lure him to us," Treznor said calmly no show of fear in his features or heart, "Fox was able to use a small trace of the unknown element. We have his family on watch, any move they make we know about it, searching for what your researchers have said is needed. Elders we have traced his movements back and while he did not linger out he had a brief meeting with his brother Henry, however we are unable to find him. He has had no contact with him his family either," I rested back, everything railroaded by children.

"Recruits according to the unseen – focused on the Gavino family – have not heard from the White Wolf and her mate, as such we had given Researchers the go ahead, as we believed that she and he had been destroyed..." Treznor spoke with uncertainty now, "Yes," I smiled waiting for the good news, having many successful turns now that there is no longer a White Wolf, I nodded, for him to continue, but he eyes Zima Croix, our top Researcher, sitting while she stands.

"Elders," she nodded, serious faced, "As not to diminish our supplies, I advise the government to move forward with changes, suggesting that they begin with a rounded number – deciding to use two hundred participants in their 'clinical trials'" she said with a bit of humor knowing that this was by no means above ethical boards. "I have used one hundred less – than the humans – and we are disappointed to say that we have no successful changes Elders with just the serum," her posture stiff, my eyes widened. Impossible.

Elders to my left and right concerned with this news as well, "Are you stating that you had no successful changes with any of our serums?" Elder Vera – a were-cat – asked, her particular shifter species being at it's lowest in populations. "Actually Elders there is more," Treznor interrupted, but Zima continued, "Treznor attended the opening of the hotel where the white wolf lived, there he was able to sneak away with three blood bags, after delivering them to me I saved one Elders, however I used two splitting them equally between five of those infected," a small proud smile on Treznor told me that she was successful, "While ninety of our infected have not shown progress – the five given the blood have had successful changes."

My eyes went to Treznor, "As I sent in messages this past three weeks we do not believe that the white wolf is dead, that or the serum is not functional..."

Without acknowledging the other Elders, I barked an answer at the group, "Logan will lead you to the white wolf if she is alive." I left the room, my blood boiling; we had been unsuccessful in our attack. Entering my office I heard the approach of the other Elders, the only others to know of our pending attack on the Gabriel and Chelsea. Without having inside help from an Elder – prior knowledge – they would not have been able to out smart our scheme, I eyed each of my fellow Elders, which one betrayed us?

Chelsea POV

Damaged. I don't know how many ways that different humans had tried to label me as that – broken. Irreversibly damaged nor would I be able to succeed to anything – all that decided before I was nine years old. Kayla's age – granted our circumstances were wildly different – but she had a purpose, one greater than she could probably imagine.

I didn't want to think it, or even consider the fact that she had been too greatly hurt to do more than survive – not be someone that could help anyone else. But, with my own history, I couldn't bring myself to think of her that way, put her down before I even gave her a fighting chance. Because that was what she needed among so many other things, she needed people in her corner.

Yes she had family there but there was something about having someone outside of that, someone that would cheer you on when you needed it, or even the person that just sat with you silently when you needed that. I looked at Ben watching her shyly with wide impressed eyes, looking away when he noticed me with my eyes on him. I didn't know what to do, I knew I was no picnic mate but Gabriel loved me regardless of my problems, could Ben be that for Kayla? He was so young and while I saw the way he loved Oakley, would he want to even be Kayla's friend? I shook my head, stepping back leaving him, Ava, the twins and Kayla on the floor in the small clearing. Heading to the porch, Rainy came out surprised to see me. why does she have so many scars on her face? Her lip? Even on her hands... Ben noted but didn't ask Kayla.

Her small smile dropped, her eyes darkened underneath, a sign of sleepless night, something I was acutely aware of, "How are you?" I asked her stupidly, "Sorry that's a stupid question; I just – I wanted to come see how you were doing? I had meant to come sooner you know – Logan explained that we're cousins and all but then-"

Her eyes widened the faster I spoke, "I'm okay... one day at a time, no tantrums or breakdowns yet today," she smiled brilliantly – and I could understand why – at such a minor thing. Her eyes focusing behind me, widening, the boy... hope Kayla is okay... looks just like her... She thought eyeing Ava and myself. I bit my lip.

"I don't think you have anything to worry about where Ben is concerned," why does Kayla like that clearing so much? Rainy cocked her head to the side.

"Because she's an Earth Elemental – actually I take that back, she's the Earth Elemental," I answered her question but that only confused her. I can hear you Rainy...you were wondering why she liked the clearing. It's because out there she's making flowers grow in her hand, the twins love it, and they're even helping her, her eyes widened further. Why didn't she say anything? She bit her lip questioning is she angry with me? Pulling away from me – I listen to the thoughts a wave of sadness hitting me but as she hears the giggle of all the children, there is a change, she wants to be helpful Rainy, Kayla isn't pulling away from you, she doesn't love you less, she just wants to be helpful. Chris her mate tried to ease her worry but her inability to hear Kayla's thoughts for herself, that kept her doubt spiking at times.

Then it dons on her, can you hear Kayla's thoughts? She asks me prying but still unsure, battling between wanting to know, wanting Kayla to come to her on her own and hoping everything is all right. Wait why won't I have anything to worry about where Ben is concerned?She questions but her eyes before less focused on me and more on the children, turning slightly I see Ben had put his soccer ball down, and was sitting on it a good three feet away from Kayla. We watch – Rainy on baited breath – as Kayla glances at Ben from the corner of her eye, tilting her head slightly but focusing her attention back to Ava, Quinn and Fiona when she see's Ben gazing at her.

Exhaling, they are mates? She asks her nose scrunched up, yes I replied still nodding as well, "Aren't you hot?" Ben asks her innocently enough, thinking, a sweater but its burning hot outside, Kayla doesn't look at him, but she shakes her head. Despite the over ninety degrees, Kayla wearing a long knitted sweater rolled up to her elbows, over a white shirt and blue jeans. The twins dressed more weather appropriate – shorts and sleeveless tops.

"She has been such a big help," I say trying to distract Rainy's chaotic mind, "I mean with what she pointed out for us, we had no idea..." I slow down realizing just how Kayla was able to give us that help. "What's your name?" Kayla asks, "Ava Gwavino," I smile then snort, "And I'm Benjamin, but you can call me Ben, Oakley calls me Benny."

"Gan – gan Wala," one of the girls chirp, "She can really grow plants..." Rainy says after watching from our spot, yeah, she's a very special girl...

"I'm not too sure if I'll have a gift like yours..." Rainy just settles down on the outdoor furniture, a small smile on her face listening, "Gabriel – that's my sister's mate – I asked him if he could order me a boat kit. I had been saving for a really long time – since I was like five years old so I could build one of my own..." what's a boat? Kayla thought listening to him, "Bot? wawer?" one twin who actually understood what Ben was talking about looked around, confused. I watched as Ben laughed, "it's going to be down at the beach..." he pointed where he thought the beach was.

"Do you... want to help... it's going to come in pieces..." Rainy turned to look at me, but I kept my face neutral. Ben, Kayla doesn't know what a boat is... try explaining it to her, I offered him. Even from my seat I could see his face scrunch up and he turned to look at me, how could she not know what a boat is? I sighed softly, Ben she doesn't understand what it is or what you use it for, if you want her to help you, explain, he nodded and proceeded to do just that.

Finally after him stumbling over stories and explanations, "How do you make one?" Kayla asked planting a few of the flowers with Ava.

"Well there's a book you can read-"

Looking away from Ben, she shook her head and whispered, "I can't read." The pain I see on Rainy's face eats away at me, hey don't do that... don't you are acting like you've got some reason to be ashamed... I wasn't very good at reading when I was Kayla's age. The man that had me never sent me to school Rainy, people thought I was a lost cause... Kayla she can't read now, but that doesn't mean she will never learn. It's going to take time; no one expects that she be where all other kids her age are. She isn't even where other kids are, she's out there growing flowers in her palm, show me another kid her age that can do that! Rainy released a half sob – half snort.

"But ... Chelsea said you're almost... did you never learn? Do you know the alphabet?" Ben asked in a shocked tone.

"Yes," Kayla murmured.

"If you want to help or even just watch, you don't need to know how to read to help us..." despite how odd for her that a boat didn't sink, Kayla didn't respond, and honestly I'm thankful when Ben just lets it go. Door opening behind me pulls our attention and I see Chris, though he only had eyes for Rainy, "it's nap time for Quinn and Fiona," he says to Rainy, but more so I notice he's examining her every feature. Her eyes, her skin, her lips, trying to gage how she may feel, happy he hopes, and a small smile from her, calms his thoughts. Bounding down he stumbles when he sees Ben, albeit not close to Kayla but watching his girls intently.

With two fidgety little girls in either arm, Chris heads back inside, "If you need anything just call me okay Love?" he waits for her to reply, then quickly disappears.

Without the buffer of Quinn and Fiona, Kayla begins to fidget, then it's worse when Ava wanders over to me, finally spying the pool, "Momma Ava swim?" she asks but is already on the ground removing her sandals and cotton dress, swimsuit underneath. Running up the two steps pointing to her hair, "Braid please," I just roll my eyes, doing as she says.

"She can swim?"

"Like a fish," I answer sitting so that Ava is in my line of sight at all times now that she's in the pool. The water splash catches Ben's attention, standing he takes three steps from Kayla, "You wanna swim?" she shakes her head no – less clothes means hurt. Even though the idea of cooling off in the water is higher than any other activity Ben drops it. "Okay... you wanna play soccer?" he holds out his ball.

Is – does she – is Kayla afraid of him? Rainy asks me stumbling over her question, again in that place of utter limbo. She doesn't know what soccer is... I answer truthfully. This time her face gives away her thoughts to Ben, "you kick it, but you can't use your hands... I used to play on a team back home... well I guess you can use your hands so that you can stop the ball so the other person doesn't score a goal," her blue eyes confused more than when he just asked to play. "I'll just show you," he leaves her in the meadow running towards me, drops the ball, "can I use these?" he points to the five other chairs, smiling at Rainy, a twinkle in his blue eyes. Kayla follows coming near Rainy and I, sitting on the steps.

His exuberance taking her off guard she just nods and we sit watching him set up goals, in the backyard, before picking up the ball and coming over to Kayla. "Okay so you block that end," he points to his left, "and I'll block this side, we stand between the space and we try to see if we can score goals..." again something so simple to Ben didn't make much sense to Kayla, but since they were at opposites sides she was willing to try. Especially with how happy and smiling Ben was, "Here you ladies go," Chris said from behind us startling me. Something that never happens, as he lowers a tray with five glasses of lemonade, "Mom made it," he said and I wondered for a moment if someone else made it, why didn't they bring it out for us, until I saw the care in his eyes for Rainy.

This time when he left, "He really cares for you," I noted, Rainy nodded, then shrugged as she reached for a glass, "I don't know why... I'm not normal..." stumped momentarily I lean back watching as Ava leaves the pool, jumping in again, enjoying the splash she creates, waving at me when she come up, tendrils of hair framing her happy face.

When I turned back to Rainy, she gazes at me, her eyes darting over to Kayla and Ben, I know that finding your mate is supposed to be a good thing – but I don't think finding her mate now is the right thing. She shakes her head sadly, "Okay, I'm going to kick, you just try to either stop it with your hands or your feet or kick it back at me," I purse my lips eyeing Kayla. "Wha – what happens if I can't stop it?" she whispers eyes wide leaving Ben confused, "Nothing, then it's your turn to kick it back to me?" he means to say but her answer throws him off, and it comes out as a question. "We don't have to play if you don't want too..." Ben offers. I rest back with a smile on my face.

"You don't agree with me," Rainy hedges. I shake my head slowly, sipping on my lemonade, Ava has a mate, I point at her with my chin, he's over one hundred years old, and a grown man –despite how childish he behaves – I tack on truthfully. It's not romantic and she's in no danger. She doesn't feel intimated by him. Now if we were to substitute Ava with Kayla in that scenario – with her history – I bet it would be a struggle. Ben is a boy, like her brothers, she isn't afraid to be around him, he's new and that's what is making her nervous.

Rainy nodded, still worried for what this meant for Kayla, worried that she would get hurt emotionally, Maybe it's easier to find him this young, build a friendship, and be around him so she isn't afraid. We don't know why mates find each other the way they do, or when they do. But maybe... she needs a friend... I may be biased but the amount of love I've seen Ben shower Oakley with, wanting to protect her and let her know she isn't alone...

"If you hadn't know Chris before... when you came back do you think that-" I didn't get to finish before she was shaking her head from side to side sharply, "No..." looking at Kayla for a minute, then back to me, "Sometimes I panic but what makes me calm is that I remember that he never hurt me when I was young. I know his heart," she whispered. I just smiled.

"Hey Rainy, can I ask you a question?" she turns to me wary eyed.

I just shake my head and hold up a palm, "it's nothing bad, I just wanted to discuss what you did last night, I mean your hair was turning purple," even I couldn't figure out what was happening.

She sets her glass down, "What color wolf are you?" I blurt out in question, then my eyes fly over to Kayla, "We are both Silver wolves," she says. I control the emotions on my face, not giving much away but my mind is racing back to Wolf and his words, the stories about the silver and white wolves. "I'm not sure how to explain it, but when I'm feeling something deeply, like one emotion so concentrated... it – my vision changes, everything takes on a different color almost and almost on instinct – I don't even know how it happens. Chris and Logan both said that when my hair turns purple I also freeze them, it's not cold but it feels like they are being made solid and they can't breathe right either," she offers me.

"What emotions?" I asked despite knowing that it was probably rage. "I – I don't mean to hurt them," she is quick to say, the idea of hurting either Logan or Chris pains her, "But I get so frustrated, and my skin tightens, my mind focuses on just that one thing, and I don't mean to send it to anyone, I'm not even sure how I've done it before." Hot then so cold.

"What do you mean hot then cold?"

She holds the glass in her hands focusing on that for a while, thinking until she gets a way to explain, "you know how we are normally warmer?" I nodded, "when that happens, it's like the hotter I get, the colder I feel, and – and-" she looks around, her mind at a lost for words.

"It's like a cycle... you get angry and hot, then you get cold and that burns and you get colder." Rainy nods, thankful. "Would you mind if Jack, he's my Beta, he's been with me since I shifted. Do you mind if he tests your blood?"

"No... that... that'll be okay..." she says but her eyes fly over to Kayla then back at me, I can only snort, "She grows plants... I'm not sure testing her blood would make it any simpler... you on the other hand..." my relaxed answer calming her I see Chris poke his head out, glancing at Rainy first, "Hey Kayla..." he waits until she looks at him, Bens soccer ball in her hand, "You ready for some lunch?" I bit my lip when she shakes her head, "Hey Chris... why don't you join us," I offer and the relief on his face would make one think I offered him water after being in the desert waterless for days.

Oakley POV

I didn't need to go to study with Kiley and Tera but once I was invited I figured that this was my new start, I shouldn't stay by myself, they weren't just like me, but they were my age. Back home most of the people I spoke to were older, I had study groups but everyone was practically 20 years older than me in them, so this was new for me in some ways. Once Kiley arrived Mrs. Ryan left the kitchen after the tense conversation that just occurred.

I knew with her hearing, with all of theirs in fact that whatever I asked would be heard but I just didn't understand what was wrong with Connor, "Hey... Tera..." she looked up from her work, waiting for me to continue, "What did your brother Connor mean that I'm not the first person that Kieran hurt?" Kiley stopped writing, her eyes darting between Tera and I, "I – I thought you said you fell?" she asked confused.

Nodding I didn't look away from Tera, "No... I did... Connor said that Kieran pushed me, though."

"He wasn't there," she said point blank, but I was waiting on Tera.

"Kieran... I don't remember much from when we were younger before he was taken but when we came home he could already shift; he doesn't speak about what happened, no one does really. We know that they probably ran tests on him, but he doesn't like to be touched, remember I told you?" I nodded, "well he attacked us when we touched him, but then we stopped. We realized he didn't like it, so we stopped," she said biting her lip after. From the look Kiley was giving though, waiting for the rest, told me there was more, "and?"

She looked behind her, then straight up at the ceiling, "When we came here on the island..." she tapped her pen on her worksheet, "Do you remember the day you and Ben came down on the beach?" I nodded again. "Well do you remember seeing two twins? The two girls? Blonde hair, brown eyes? They were wearing identical top and shorts?" I rested back thinking of everyone I had seen, until the two she described came back to me. They hadn't spoken much to me, they seemed older as well.

"Yeah... I remember..."

"Well... they were here for four years, but there isn't just two of them, there are three. All identical, Taryn, Meadow and Jade Pascal," she paused. Playing with her pen, I wanted to break it, so she could just tell me, "well they all just turned 16, we had been on the island for about two months and Taryn – well Kieran attacked her. Tore into her real bad," I heard a growl in the house ignoring it I waited for the rest.

"Uhm Dominic, Justine – Kiley's sister – and a few of the other older kids went camping at the lake. Anyways uhm... Kieran scratched her up, and bit her hand, uhm, she lost a finger and he clawed at her stomach real badly, she was almost going to die, didn't think she'd make it but Marlon kept giving her his blood. It's not a cure but since he's sorta the Alpha even though he's really a Beta – I mean before Luna and Gabriel came here," her eyes widened as though I was going to tell Chelsea or think she wasn't loyal to Chelsea.

"Marlon fixed her up, but she was in a coma for about a month or so, when she woke up however she began shifting..." she glanced up at the ceiling again while I just stared at her blankly waiting for how this involved Connor. Then I shot my eyes over to Kiley who had the same turned down lips, and clouded eyes on her face as Tera.

"Taryn and Connor are mates... she has some pretty bad scars..." I rested back, "What did she do? What did Kieran say when-" I stopped realizing they probably never heard his side of things, did they? I heard the growling again; thudding rolling down the stairs, and Tera glanced behind her hand shook slightly around the pen in her hands, even without advanced hearing she knew someone was coming. And quicker than she could answer, Connor was in my face once again, the whole family coming down, "What do you mean what did she do?" Oakley calm down, Byrdie warned me.

"Exactly that... Tera said you touched him and he attacked you. So what did Taryn do to him to make him attack her?" I said in a sort of 'duh,' tone. "I mean I'm sure this girl has common sense enough not to agitate someone... I'm sure others knew better than to poke at Kieran physically... he didn't attack me-"

"Of course he wouldn't-" Connor snapped back, his jaw seemed to snap shut, and instead of speaking, his glare back. "I was on the beach and Tera told me once about Kieran and I went up that mountain and he didn't rip me to pieces. I kept my distance, so does she lack common sense? Or is she one that would go seeking an alligator or poke at a sleeping bear-" his glare turned black.

"Connor! No!" Mr. Ryan shouted, but it was too late. Connor's fist was going to connect with my face, already unsteady with my walking cast I flinched, gripping the table, and my right hand flew forward. Connor couldn't seem to follow through with his fist, but before I could stop myself, the tingling in my arm began, the air around me felt heavy, usable. The gust of energy coming from my hand didn't release as last time, instead it wrapped its self around Connor like a thin film pushing him back as he shook violently. The light sound that accompanies a flickering light bulb, the sparks around me, the Ryan's and Kiley stood arrested. It was quick, seconds, but as soon as Connor went to his knees, I let my hand fall to my side with a gasp, stumbling back, looking at everyone with wide eyes and open mouths. My head spun, and I fell back, thankfully into my chair, as the silence and vibrant colors I seemed to be seeing slowly edged off.

As confusion wore off, anger rolled in full force, "You're as stupid as your mate," I sneered at him still on the floor gasping, twitching. Turning from him, I stood wobbly, Tera actually came to my support, "sorry," I murmured when she touched me and removed her hand quickly at the static-shock. Eyes wide, she nodded, and quickly I packed my things up, flinging my bag on my back I hopped over to get my crutches, making way to leave. In my haste to get out, instead of heading to the front entrance from which I entered, I rounded for the back door, stumbling and knocking into a hard chest. Stunned I looked up, into bluish gray once again, this time however less hostile and more... I would have to guess guarded. "Sorry," I took a step back awkwardly, as he moved aside to let me pass, he threw a look behind me, before his eyes darted back to mine.

Hey – hey – Oakley dear – Kieran?" Mrs. Ryan said shocked whatever she was saying to me long forgotten when she laid eyes on Kieran. It was just the sort of distraction I needed and took, making my way back to the main path and then home. Half way there I noted a step behind me, I sniffed wondering if it was Kieran but came up with nothing. Stopping I glanced over my shoulder and saw Kieran behind me, my brows scrunched up in confusion.

But that went away quickly, the fight back there fresh in my mind, "What did Taryn do to you? You wouldn't just attack unless you felt threatened right? So what did she do?" I asked nearly angry all over again, frustrated as well without knowing why.

"Well?" I asked exasperated.

I lifted a brow, as he cleared his throat, "She jumped on my back while I was getting supplies..." he said matter-of-fact. "Okay," I answered turning around hobbling my way home.

__________________________

© 2015 new_season All Rights Reserved