Reflections End (Reflections Series Book 5)

Chapter 1

Kale

It happened at a normal dinner one night. I went from accepting my differences to hating them. Nothing unusual started it; I was in the middle of laughing at Xander and Matilda's antics when it struck me. I was different, I didn't fit in here, and I never had.

Sure, I’ve always known it, but it wasn't until that moment that it affected me. I wondered what had changed but glancing around at my family it seemed that nothing had, only me. Dad’s brow furrowed as if he sensed the change but I shrugged.

Kale, come in here for a minute. Dad called to me as I went to walk past his office after the fateful dinner. I tried to act casual as I walked through the door but my dad knew me too well for that.

Hey, Dad, what's wrong? I asked as I plastered a fake grin on my face.

Don't try that, Kale, Dad’s probing look was one I swear he learnt off mum. It mesmerised you into telling him everything, yet it didn't even require a spell. Tell me what happened.

I haven't got a clue. One second everything was fine and then it wasn't. I told him with the confusion evident in my voice.

That's all it was?

Pretty much.

Is everything okay in here, my boys? Mum poked her head in with a smile.

I'm not sure, Leena. Dad answered as he gestured for her to enter.

Tell me what's bothering you? she said as she sat next to dad and looked at me with eyes identical to mine.

Something changed in me at dinner. I know that I'm not supposed to be here anymore. I replied while still trying to pinpoint the problem in my own mind.

Not supposed to be where? Dad asked with a frown.

Here, I waved my hand at his obliviousness. In Argonia. I told him, which made him pinch his brow.

Kale, you can't live on earth permanently, you never spent enough time there when you were younger. Mum sounded sad.

Do you think I don't know that already? I replied in exasperation.

Back up for one moment and explain how you know you're not supposed to be here anymore? Dad asked his face serious.

I don't know but I never fit here that well anyway. I looked around the room as I admitted it, not daring to look at either of their faces.

What do you mean, Kale? Mum asked with concern etched in her voice.

You must be able to see it. I'm different, and I've always been different. I'm not like Tilda or Xander. I don't belong here. I finished on a whisper, afraid to hear what my parents would say.

You believe that don't you, Kale? Dad asked his voice low and a bit intimidating. I forced myself to look at him, not wanting to see the disappointment on his face.

Yes, I do. I went with honesty. He sighed, pinched his brow and stared at me.

Then come to work for me on earth. You will have to make your timings perfect so you don't get earth sickness. Dad offered me.

At his simple offer, my heart almost burst out of my chest. This was what I needed. I had to escape the confines of Argonia. I would be free.

Yes, I will work out the timings. That would be great, Dad, thanks. I stood up with excitement buzzing through me and ran from the room.

Do you think that's a good idea, Hayden? I heard mum ask from as far as my bedroom.

I don't know, love. He's struggled for a while now and I have watched him worsening. Perhaps this will be what he needs. Dad answered and I sighed with relief that he wasn't changing his mind.

Sometimes super hearing was such an awesome talent! That was until I heard my sister and Xander going at it all the way from across the ambassador complex. Then I groaned and tried to drown the pair of them out.

I was jealous. I had wanted what they had my whole life. They have had each other from the day they were born and then there was me. I always tagged along and tried to include myself but the bond those two had always left me on the outside.

I made the executive decision to step back and try not to be so in their faces. That was of course the moment I knew I wasn't like any other Argonian’s. I can't even explain the how or why of it, but I knew it was the truth.

Mum and dad don't understand everything. I've never told them about knowing I was different until today.

I remember when Tilda came back to life; it seems like so long ago now. She said things to me, while she was still a growing child that baffled me at the time but seemed right. She told me the Goddess was not the reason I existed. I have always questioned that with why am I here. If the Goddess thought I wasn't supposed to be here then I shouldn't be. The question that followed of course was if I didn't belong here then where was I supposed to belong.

I was determined to let go of my impossible thoughts. Instead, I tried to focus on what tomorrow might bring me. Tomorrow was my chance to let Argonia go and embrace a whole new world. To me that was an exciting prospect.

Crossing through the Gate that day and into the old cottage in Dundoon seemed to take forever. I was impatient for my new life to begin. When we finally arrived, I was almost bouncing with excitement.

I saw Mary as soon as we walked through, so I waved at her and smiled. It surprised me when all she did was frown. Mary was the friendliest and the oldest person known to exist on Argonia. When a strange gong went off, dad and I looked around while Mary sighed, her face drooping with sadness. She directed her gaze at me and apprehension crept along my spine.

I should have guessed it would be a Johnson. She said on another sigh.

Is something wrong, Mary? Dad asked as the woman continued to stare at me.

It depends. It could be right or it could be wrong. Who knows? she muttered to herself. Right, you two, stay here, I have to go and retrieve something.

She disappeared making dad and I look at each other. When we had waited five minutes, I wondered what was taking so long. Once it reached a good half hour, I pondered if it was that important. Roger tottered in with a tray of tea and scrumptious looking biscuits.

Mary sends her apologies. She seems to have misplaced what she was after. Roger said as he gestured for us to sit, which we did.

I hope she won't be too much longer. I did have meetings planned today. Dad said into the quiet.

Hayden, this may not seem a big deal yet, but I can assure you that it’s far more important than any meeting you have planned. Roger said and dad’s eyes widened in surprise.

In that case I am happy to wait. Dad answered.

I pondered over Roger's words as they continued to talk. What could be more important than Dad’s meeting? So a gong went off that was different to the normal one, what could that mean? The look that Mary gave me still made me want to shiver. She knew something about me that I had no clue of, I was sure of that.

I found it at last, my lovelies! Sorry it took so long. Mary walked back into the room triumphant with water dripping from every inch of her.

See I told you it was in the sea dragon’s pool. Roger sounded smug while Mary’s look of loving disdain faced him.

Yes, of course it was, Mary told Roger before she turned to me. I hate to put this burden on you, lad. As it was foretold... so I must obey.

I don't understand. I murmured.

You will, all in good time and then you may regret this turn of events. Mary’s riddle left me frowning as she handed me a chain with a round, ugly jewel hanging from it.

What do I do with this? I asked.

As I touched the jewel, a gong once again echoed around the room. This one was loud enough to make my ears ring. Mary and Roger both looked sad, their grim expressions not boding well for me at all.

It is you, lad. Mary said letting out a long breath.

What about me? I don't think I understand.

I had hoped never to have to pass this on but it seems I cannot change the events, Mary said as she clasped her bony hands around my cheeks. Calm lad. She told me but that didn't help. All of this had me wanting to panic.

What is going on? I muttered looking up into her warm but resolute eyes.

Look into my eyes and see the truth. She told me.

I did as she asked and the world tipped upside down around me. Nausea engulfed me as I heard her say words that I couldn't understand in ancient Argonian. Colours flared, as I seemed to flow from side to side before becoming upright.

Oh Goddess, what was that? I groaned as I clamped my hands over my ringing ears.

The truth is now instilled in you. Mary patted me on the back before standing.

I don't get it. I told her, which made her appear sadder.

That jewel I gave you is important.

I looked down expecting to see an ugly jewel and a disgusting old chain. I gasped at the beauty of the jewellery in my hands. It was exquisite. The chain was now bright gold, while the hanging pendant’s pure white seemed to glow.

How? I murmured.

Kale, focus, Mary demanded, so I turned to her. You must wear the jewel at all times. When that jewel turns pink, you must come and see me straight away. You must bring whoever is in the room with you as well. Do you understand?

I’m not sure? I mumbled still puzzled by everything.

Kale, repeat what I said. Mary snapped her fingers in front of my face.

Must wear jewel. Jewel goes pink must see you and bring whoever is with me. My voice came out in a hypnotic daze as I dropped the chain around my neck.

Good it worked, you won't forget. That is all, you may continue with your day. She swished us away but I had so many questions that I didn't move.

No, I need answers. I told her and she sighed.

You will get them with time, Kale, I can promise you that. You will find out things you wish you never knew. Mary replied as she once again swished at us.

I let her this time. My mind was full of everything that had occurred and I needed to process it. Dad shook my arm snapping me from my daze. He looked worried over everything as he stared between the jewel around my neck and my eyes.

Do you want for talk about that? he asked me when we entered the Ambassador complex on Earth.

Not yet, I'm not sure what to say, I told him as I fingered the jewel around my neck. I know I'm supposed to come here to help you work but would you mind if I go for a walk? I asked needing fresh air in my lungs.

No, Kale, I understand. Would you go and get a coffee for me? There's a place near here. He handed me a picture of a park with a big city at its back.

Do you want me to blink and zap there? I asked him with a frown and he nodded.

Walk through the park to clear your head. After that find the coffee shop, and bring me back an espresso. Here is what earth people exchange for goods and services. He handed me strange looking discs and pieces of paper.

I see, and you want an expressooo? I asked my moth jumbling up the strange word. Dad smiled at me.

Espresso, Kale, and put that money in your pocket or you'll get yourself mugged.

Dad, what the hell is espresso, money or mugged? That made no sense to me at all. I asked in exasperation.

It seemed these humans were a lot more complicated than I had thought. I know I should have paid more attention in my earth studies class but it was so damn boring that I had trouble staying awake. Plus, I thought I'd never need it. Argonia was my home and I was happy there, at least until last night.

Dad grinned at me but outlined the words he had meant. I frowned still not understanding. So far, my morning had been full of that.

For the Goddess's sake, Kale, don't use your magic unless you are in a heap of trouble. Dad’s last warning bothered me but I nodded as if I knew what he meant.

I guess I hadn't spent enough time on earth. I'd forgotten they had no magic. They were similar to what Teturia used to be before Matilda died and made their magic reappear with her rebirth. So no magic, weird things to use for purchasing an espresso, and see the park. That doesn't sound too hard.

I zapped to the park and made my first mistake, I had zapped into the open. A few people noticed me, their mouths gaping open as they stared at me. Awkward moment number two came when I realised they were staring at my eyes. Yep, a guy with violet eyes isn't common on earth, I guessed. I walked straight past the people as I muttered a quick spell to adjust my eyes to be the same as my dad’s brown.

These people were odd, I realised. I saw people running because they wanted to, not to get somewhere. Some were walking fluffy looking creatures who smelled bad and panted a lot. Give me a Corn any day; at least you could get a conversation out of them.

The buildings, they had me shocked with their strange, rectangular shapes. Then there was a tiny building that someone pushed around that smelt like food but looked like nothing I had ever seen before.

I stared around me in amazement as someone walked by with music coming from his ears. Then another talked into what looked like a flat piece of metal. Whom in Goddesses name were they talking too? Everything going on in this place baffled me. It didn't help that my super hearing made every noise deafening.

Then amongst all that other human stuff going on I heard it, I heard her. The voice was sweet, melodious and beautiful. It had my heart racing and my nerves thrumming. I knew I had to find this woman.

At the last minute, I found out that cars, which are huge rumbling things, drive on those black strips of what they call road. The man in the car abused me but I had much bigger things that needed my attention. I had to find her. Trying to focus on her voice became harder so I figured I was walking in the wrong direction. I turned and bumped into a woman with children scurrying around her.

Goddess, I'm so sorry. I said as I retrieved the parcels that I had made her drop.

Not from around here? the woman smiled at me and I nodded. May I ask what you're looking for?

Um, the coffee shop?

Oh, go and see Ellie dear, she makes the best coffee. The woman gushed while a strange sensation swirled in my chest at the name she mentioned.

May I ask where that is? I asked and she gave me directions.

As I followed what she had told me, the voice became clearer. The voice laughed and it was light, wonderful and made me giddy. I rounded another corner to find a quaint little cake store. It looked so welcoming that I wanted to walk right in.

I stopped, because there she was. The world halted around me and all I saw was her. Chestnut curls bounced against a delicate face that made my heart stutter. Her slim but curvy figure had a rather Argonian dress on with a frilly apron too. What took me was the intense blue of those eyes.

I knew that I was in deep trouble. Deeper than magic could ever save me from. I had found my life bond. She stood on the other side of the window seeming a world away. Smiling and laughing at something someone had said.

My heart clenched, my body warmed and responded to her presence. Life for me became a hundred times more complicated with seeing her and realising that my life bond was a human.

Chapter 2

Ellie

I sensed someone watching me as I spoke to one of my regular customers. Glancing up, the world stopped around me. I’ve heard so many times that seeing my mate would be love at first sight but I had never believed it until that moment. My heart raced, my stomach fluttered with uncontrollable butterflies, and the sweetest feeling shivered through me.

He was tall and more handsome than any male I had ever seen, except he looked young enough as to be still in his teens. His blonde hair fell around his face, his lips were full begging me to kiss them, but his eyes, I knew there was something wrong with his eyes. I couldn’t place what it was but I knew that wasn’t his natural eye colour.

I had no idea how long I stared at him, or we stared at each other. Ruby, my patron made a comment I missed and then she giggled. I dragged my eyes away from him and looked towards her.

He certainly is a looker, Ellie, maybe a bit young. Ruby winked at me and I realised how unprofessional I had acted.

Oh, sorry, Ruby! What was I saying? I asked as I tried to avoid where she wanted to take the conversation.

I don’t think it matters now. Ruby said as she waved me away with a grin.

He walked into my shop with a confident swagger. It took everything within me not to stop and stare. My sister came out from the back with a tray of tarts and almost dropped them when she saw him. Her flirty face came on and anger flashed through me.

I rushed behind the counter, caught her eye and shook my head. She pouted at me so I narrowed my eyes and glared. I could never understand why she persisted in her flirting ways. She had her mate, had known him since childhood and yet she was all over any male specimen who walked through the door.

"No, Abigail." I snapped in my mind at her.

"Oh, why not? He is young but he’s still such a cutie." She did that little giggle thing that I hated.

"He’s mine." The words were a threatening growl and she looked at me in shock.

"Do you mean….." She trailed off as said person approached the counter.

Hello, what can I get you? I asked with a smile but it came out far more suggestive than I liked.

Good morning! I need a… hmmm, his face frowned and he looked adorable. Dear Goddess, I forgot the stupid name, something like express? he finished seeming confused.

Do you mean espresso? Abigail blurted from behind me until I turned and glared at her so she retreated to the back room.

Yes, that’s it! What a weird word, he said with a shake of his head. I’m Kale, by the way. He turned a full watt smile on me, making my stomach dip with a pleasant twist.

I’m Ellie. I shook his outstretched hand, which created an intense and delightful sensation.

Kale? As in the lettuce? my sister stuck her head out again to look at us so I puffed out a breath and frowned, wishing she would go away.

Um, no, I’m not sure what lettuce is. He answered and a chuckle escaped me at the way he said the word.

There were so many questions I wanted to ask him. He intrigued me from the second I saw him. The fact that he didn’t know what lettuce or an espresso was only made him that much more fascinating to me. I did wonder how old he was because he seemed so young.

An espresso and nothing else? I asked and my voice once again turned suggestive.

I have no idea how much any of this is. He pulled a wad of notes out from his pocket and stared at them as if having no idea what they represented.

Not from around here? I asked and he laughed. I stared at him for a moment caught up in that deep but joyous sound that seemed more wonderful than any other I had heard.

You guessed it! I’m about a world away from here. He replied with another laugh. I turned away to make his coffee, too afraid that I might keep staring at him all day.

If you don’t know what an espresso is, can I ask why you are buying one of them? I glanced back at him only to find him staring at me.

My dad, I’m starting work for him today.

The coffee is for your father? I asked making him grin and nod.

I envied the relationship he had with his parents. The problem was mine would be fine with me if I accepted one of the men they kept throwing my way. I was holding out for my mate and it looked like I had found him. I smiled to myself, glad that I had waited for his arrival. It was worth all the loneliness and arguments with my parents to have found him.

I couldn’t wait to show him off to my parents. Glancing back at him again, I realised that would be throwing my poor Kale to the wolves in the worst sense. Geez, I had to slow my thoughts down some, we had just met. He might have no idea of the importance of us together.

Here you go and take these, they are on the house. I handed him the coffee and a box of cupcakes.

What is on the house? he asked in confusion and I laughed. He had to be the most adorable, but clueless guy I had ever met.

The cupcakes, it means you don’t have to pay for them. I patted the box and his eyes brightened with understanding.

You humans sure have weird ideas. He muttered under his breath as he sorted through the notes he had.

Here let me.

I pulled his hand towards me and he stilled. I looked up into his eyes that seemed wrong to me somehow. Fire burned in them for me. I shivered a little wanting everything those eyes offered me. Taking in a deep breath, I focused on the notes in his hand. I pulled out the required amount and handed him change. He seemed disappointed as he took the change and his items.

Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow? he sounded hopeful and my insides fluttered with the thought that he wanted to see me.

I’m always here. I replied with a smile.

Excellent! See you later, Ellie.

He turned and walked out of my shop. I watched him until he disappeared into the crowd. My life had changed from the moment our eyes met. I had found my mate. He was a little strange but so adorable and all mine.

You think a guy that young and named after lettuce is your mate? Abigail asked from behind me.

He’s not named after lettuce and, yes, I do. I told her, hoping she would drop the subject.

Wait until Mum and Dad find out. She sang out and anger infused me.

Please don’t tell them! I turned on her and she backed away.

They will find out.

I know that, but let me get to know him first and then I’ll introduce them. I promised her and she nodded her head.

Fine, but don’t think you can take forever. She pointed a finger at me so I huffed out a breath.

The rest of the day was a blur. I hoped that Kale would come back. Every time the bell rang heralding another customer, my hopes dwindled. By closing time, my anxiety that I may never see him again fought with the elation that I had found him.

I couldn’t sleep that night in my small one bedroom apartment. Abigail thought I was nuts to live in such a tiny place when I could afford better, but I liked the cosiness of it. This was my space and nobody’ else’s.

I didn’t want to live at home, as she did. She had always had the perfect mate who had my parent’s approval. She was the perfect poster child while I was a bit of a black wolf. Nobody had ever understood me, or my motives in life.

I opened the store the next morning with a dancing eagerness. I bounced on my feet as I placed cakes in the oven, or iced cooled ones. Abigail’s mouth popped open at how much I had completed by the time she arrived

Wow, finding your mate makes you keen. She said with a laugh.

Really, Abi? I asked as I stirred another batch of icing.

The violet colour of this sang to me for reason unknown to me. In an odd way, it made me think of Kale as I continued to stir the mixture.

Yes, it’s nice to see you like this. Abigail said as she stashed her purse away and came over to assist me.

Like what?

Happy and energised. She finished with a shrug and I couldn’t argue.

All morning I was on edge, waiting for his return. He had said he would. As the hours past, my hopes dwindled. What was I going to do if he never came back? I pushed away those negative thoughts as I stacked more cakes onto their shelves for cooling.

Ellie, you have a visitor. He seems a bit disappointed to see me. Abigail sounded sly as she walked into the baking room.

Kale? I had trouble saying his name through my excitement.

Who else? Abigail smirked at me as I tried to tidy myself. Get out there already.

She shoved me in the back so I stumbled into the customer area. He stood there looking happy to see me as I flushed bright at his unexpected appearance. I was back to staring at him but I couldn’t stop myself.

Morning, Ellie. He said disrupting my crazed staring.

Hi, Kale. My voice came out all breathy.

Dad said to pay you for the cakes. Kale said as he once again pulled money from his pocket. I could only wonder why he didn’t carry a wallet.

No, Kale it’s fine, I swished my hands at him. Do you want another espresso for him?

Yeah, well that and something else. He scrubbed at the back of his neck looking uncomfortable.

What else? I asked as I leaned over the counter.

Would you like to go and have lunch? he sounded hopeful and my heart soared.

Yes, that would be nice. I said with a smile.

Turning, I saw my sister grinning and sending me on my way. I untied my apron, hung it on a hook and grabbed my handbag before walking out to him. He stood there in odd pants and a strange shirt but he still looked perfect. All I could do was smile at him.

What do you want to eat? I asked as we headed out into the sunshine.

Whatever you think is good. He answered smiling back at me.

He trapped me for a moment as the sunlight flickered through the golden strands of his hair and his lips beckoned me closer. I couldn’t believe how easy he enthralled me.

Have you got time? I glanced his way and he nodded. I only ask because where I’m thinking is a bit of a walk.

Sure as long as you like. He sounded confident but I sensed an underlying unease coming from him.

Is your dad waiting on that coffee? I teased.

No, it’s not dad. I don’t want to get earth sickness. He muttered the last bit but my acute hearing caught everything.

Earth sickness? I repeated and he sighed.

Yeah, I guess it sounds odd to you but this place makes me sick if I stay here too long. He shrugged his shoulders as if hoping to drop the subject, so I let him.

Fair enough, I answered with a nod. I wanted to ask more but I was determined not to make him uncomfortable. So tell me what you’re doing with your dad? I asked and he seemed to baulk at answering that one too.

Not much, administrative stuff most of the time, he shrugged his shoulders and I frowned at the evasive answers I received. Sorry I ended up late; my sister was being a drama queen. He rolled his eyes and I smiled. I knew what that was like.

Do you only have one sister? I asked and he nodded.

Yeah she’s my twin. He told me as I led him down the crowded street.

Twins hey? How old are you? my mouth kept blurting random questions but he seemed happy to answer.

Fifteen point six, how about you? he replied and I frowned at his peculiar answer.

What does fifteen point six mean? I asked and he slapped his forehead.

Sorry, Matilda and I will be twenty one this year. That’s supposed to mean a lot in this world but it’s not important where I’m from. He answered but the only thing I understood was that he was twenty-one.

You look a lot younger than twenty one. I pointed out and he grinned at me making my stomach dance.

That’s the joy of being Argonian, he pointed to himself before slapping a hand to his forehead. Ignore my blathering. He told me as he pinched his brow.

I happen to find whatever you are telling me quite interesting, even if I don’t understand most of it. I bumped his arm with mine.

That’s because I can’t seem to stop telling you things. He said with a shake of his head.

I’m technically twenty one this year too. I winked as I said it and his brows raised.

He was right about the telling the truth thing. He wasn’t the only one blurting out random stuff. I hadn’t been twenty-one for a long time but I still looked it, so that was the age I went by. He looked much younger than I did, until you looked into his eyes and saw a wisdom that belied his looks.

Technically? he looked at me with those brown eyes that still seemed wrong.

Yeah, I’ll tell you about it one day. Look here’s the place. Have you ever had pizza? I laughed at his confused face. I guess not. I smiled at him.

I think I’ve heard the name, a long time ago but I’ve never had any before, he answered as he took a deep breath. That smells great!

Wait until you try it. I grinned at the enthusiastic look he gave me.

We stood in the queue, until a perky waitress, who eyed Kale up and down seated us. I glared at her, and she shrugged. Kale pulled a chair out for me and the gesture touched me. I took a seat and he pushed the chair in for me

My great grandmother would smack me silly if I didn’t do that, he said as he sat down opposite me. I think my Nanna would too. Then again she is pretty kick arse.

I frowned at him for a moment. Sometimes