"Gran, you have to tell me right now." I was really scared, I could feel something was wrong.

"One of the wolves was killed. Actually, it was Paul's brother." Gran looked...older, exhausted, and tears were spilling over her eyes. I jumped from the couch and wrapped my arms around her small body. It seemed kind of odd that she was crying so hard for one wolf. I mean, I knew she would be upset, but she seemed really...broken. It felt weird to be comforting my Gran, she was always the one to comfort me. I knew she really needed me right now.

"It wasn't just any wolf...it was Elijah." I didn't know what so say. What could I say? Right then I knew Gran had loved him with everything she had. Wait! That meant Paul was the brother to Elijah, in the story Gran told me earlier! I couldn't believe it. Whoever the killer was would have to had known Gran loved Elijah. He wasn't even the leader of the clan. The king...Damien, or Patrick. Gran was right, and I realized how bad of a position I had put myself in by being in my house alone with him. I had to avoid him at all costs, but I had school with him! I knew he would follow me around and watch me. Maybe I could call in sick tomorrow. I was a pretty food faker.

"Gran I'm so sorry. Let's just go have another cup of tea. But you loved him, didn't you." I asked, although I already knew the answer. Maybe she would tell me something new, something to piece together the story. Gran seemed to be in a trance, just moving along, as if all reason for living had been taken from her. I wondered what happened to Elijah's wife. There was something bigger going on here, and I was determined to find out. There was no way Gran could take care of the wolves at a time like this. I would have to help her, get her back to functioning and being my sweet but tough little Gran.

"Yes, I loved him. I've never really admitted it until just now. At first Paul was unsure about our relationship and me taking care of the wolves, but he warmed up to the idea after he got hurt and I nursed him back to health. I knew Elijah and his wife had just gotten married for convenience, they were best friends, and knew they wouldn't find one better, or that understood the lifestyle. Lilly was pregnant and gave birth, but the baby didn't make it. They hadn't called me. I always felt slightly betrayed that they hadn't called on my help. The baby would still could be alive. I think deep down Elijah really did love her, and he was never really the same after their baby died. We did see each other when he was human, and we did love each other." Gran was in a trance, and her words didn't hold any tone. She was just reliving the past, trying to cling to any memory she had left of Elijah. I didn't know the last time they had seen each other. Then she started crying again.

"Red, I don't know how I'm going to take care of them, how I can bear their looks of sadness and loss. I know they realized me and Elijah were seeing each other. He cheated on me with Lilly! They're going to hate me. I can't face them." Sobs wracked her frail body and I poured her a new cup of tea and wrapped her in a blanket. I ran to the front door.

"PAUL!" I yelled into the wind, knowing he would be close by, or some wolf would that would understand my cry for help. I knew my voice sounded desperate, and I was on the verge of tears myself. A wolf came tearing through the forest, then phased as it approached the house. I didn't think the regular wolves could do that. I looked away as soon as I realized he was naked. I was probably going to have to get used to that.

"What is it? First, let me put some clothes on." He let himself into the house and went into the spare bedroom and came out fully clothed. So there were clothes and whatever else in the spare bedroom. I would have to make sure the resources were stocked.

"Gran can't handle it. She's in a fragile state...um, I need someone to watch over her, to make sure she's okay. In the meantime...I'm going to take over. I think I know enough to help with the wolves. I'm a part of this battle too. I'm sure she told you the prince, Patrick, chose me. I can't run away now." Paul nodded solemnly, understanding.

"I knew the news of Elijah's death would hit her hard. I have just the person for the job. I think we need to call a clan meeting. You're a very responsible young woman. I've heard so much about you, and I know you won't let us down Regina." Paul said, placing a hand on my shoulder. I tried to smile, but I started crying. He embraced me as if he had known me all of his life. In a way, I'm sure he did. By the way it sounded, she talked about me non stop. When I finally quit sobbing, he told me he was going to bring someone back, then it was time for the meeting. I nodded and went back to sit with Gran, who had drifted into a crying-induced nap. I waited until Paul came back with whoever he trusted enough to look after Gran. The door opened slowly and I watched as a woman walked through, looking as if she were unwelcome. Then she turned to me and she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Her skin was dark and her hair was black and short, but it fit her oval face. I knew as soon as our eyes met that this was Lilly, Elijah's wife. Paul was right behind her and I motioned Gran was asleep.

"I can understand if she wouldn't want me here. We're practically strangers." Lilly told me. I shook me head.

"I know there is no one else my Gran would want right now. You both suffered a great loss today. I know you will both be a great comfort to each other right now." I spoke, my words and voice sounded much wiser than my sixteen years. Lilly smiled, and I could tell she was holding back tears. Paul nodded at me, and I knew it was time for the clan meeting.

"Is there somewhere safe we can meet. I don't think it would be wise for us to have it in the forest, and Gran's house is too small." I was thinking really hard about where we could meet where the King wouldn't have spies. My phone started ringing in my pocket and I picked it up.

"Regina Anne Perrault! Where are you!" I cringed as my mother's voice boomed through the phone.

"Oh shoot. I forgot to leave a note didn't I. I honestly didn't think I'd be that long. I wanted to know if I could spend the night with Gran. I'm in the middle of my homework, Gran already said it was alright with her." What my mom didn't know wouldn't kill her.

"Alright. But don't ever pull something like this again Regina. You had me seriously worried. I've heard some rumors around town." Little did she know, Gran had already told me those "rumors" and I was playing a serious part in them right now...aaaand I was soon going to be surrounded by shifters. If she found out, I think she would be seriously angry. Paul mouthed we should get going.

"Okay mom. Love you." Then I hung up, might as well make her even more mad! I walked up to Lilly and gave her a hug.

"Thank you so much for doing this." I whispered so only she could hear.

"I've always respected your grandmother. I know she loved Elijah, and I hope to get to know the woman that he loved as well." Her eyes shone, and there was no anger or resentment. So she had known. Poor Gran was going to be so confused when she woke up, but I hoped she would be proud of me, and get to know Lilly. I just had a feeling they would become really close friends and bring comfort to each other during their time of grief. Now it was time for the counsel.

"They might not greet you warmly at first, but they will see your determination and that you are extremely wise beyond your years." Paul reassured me as we stepped out of the cottage. "And don't worry, they will all be clothed too." He chuckled and my cheeks flushed. I hadn't realized how much time had passed, it was already dusk and growing darker by the second.

"Well, let's get the party started, and let's hope there aren't any spies around." I said as I followed Paul into the forest.