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"Ah yes," Juliette said. "I think I've heard of her come to think of it. There are very few out there who's goal is to 'teach someone a lesson.' Alex's father had talked to a witch at one point but I am not sure why, he had some dangerous dealings. If you want me to be there when you ask your mother I am willing to provide support."

With the conversation over Alex just stared out the window. He could see the wolves running around them but it took a trained eye to see them. He'd taught them this formation in his wolf form and they believed in protecting the homeland, or rather the forest that they lived in.

"I'm sure it's to protect you," Juliette said in a warm tone. "I know there was a lot of information that Alex's parents didn't tell him because if he knew he'd get in a lot of trouble or his life would be at stake. His mother did that at least..." Her voice seemed to trail off as she recalled what his mother had been like.

Alex was getting uncomfortable in the silence but one of the maids noticed this agitation and began to talk. "Well, I think it's a splendid day out," Fern said with a smile, her name coming from the fact her mother's favorite plant was a fern. "Don't you think, master?"

[[how much time till her 21st birthday??]]

"There is probably a lot you don't know," Juliette said with a smile. "I have kept some secrets from Alex because he would have been killed if he had known it. He would have gone running after this thing for revenge but instead I never told him and it is the reason he's still here."

"It is a nice day," Alex agreed. "I can tell the wildlife are pleased, they seem to be out more than usual." He had observed a hawk above and some other birds in the trees as they were making their way to the castle. As they went along the form of the castle began to take shape through the trees. Alex felt his stomach drop and he order the carriage to stop. When that was done he jumped off and left them to the rest of their journey.

"Well your mother is going to be here any minute now and she'll probably be hungry," Juliette said with a sigh. "I'll get a meal together for you two so you can eat in the dining room. It's just across the great hall and the entrance." She wasn't sure if Haven would be able to find it but it was the only place that Alex almost never went, he didn't really have a need to though.

As Alex was running through the brush again the wind on his face calmed him. Two of his wolf friends had come beside him, panting with excitement. They had agreed to protect him when he'd talked to him in his wolf form. He fed them in return when food grew scarce in winter which kept them energized.

The carriage bearing Beth finally arrived and the gates were opened. The maids were then in a flurry to get her inside because of the cold. When they managed to get her inside they alerted Juliette who then began to cook. "Well darling," Juliette said to Haven. "Your mother is here."

Alex still wasn't back. He had decided to continue roaming the woods to make sure there were no spies or anything that might look suspicious. When he'd made his rounds he started making his way back to the castle in his wolf form. He'd been thinking too much about his father at the moment to be able to suppress the burning rage he had against him.

Alex hadn't found anything besides some tracks of the hunting party that had been going after Haven. He'd smelled it slightly and snorted at the disgusting smell when he'd found it. He was almost back at the castle though, running as fast as he could because he knew that the carriage would be back by now. He would attempt to keep this secret of his from her mother and not talk in his wolf form.

This would probably make Haven look mad and Juliette would have to explain it to her. There were other reasons behind this, it was because this woman, Beth, reminded him of someone he'd seen in his past. He couldn't recall who it was but it gave him the shivers whenever he thought about it.

After a moment Juliette saw the group of maids come in with Haven's mother. She smiled slightly as she continued to cook the meal. "Welcome to the castle," she said warmly.

Alex had managed to get into the castle now, his white fur slightly wet because of a light sprinkle that had started outside. He was panting heavily from the run and now incredibly thirsty. He started towards the kitchen intending to verbally ask Juliette for some water.

Juliette smiled at Beth and Haven. The conversation would take part over the meal. "Well," she said motioning to the maids. "Get her to a room and to get some warmer clothes on and then on down to the dining room." She glanced at Haven for a moment and then over at the maids. "Haven, do you think you could help me cook?"

Alex had come through the kitchen door at this moment still panting. He looked around restlessly for water and noting that Beth wasn't here he sat down, looking up at Haven with a sheepish wolf grin.

"I think you should ask," Juliette said glancing down at Alex. "It would be better to get this off your back rather than worry about it. I will eat with you two tonight if you'd like. Something tells me Alex won't be talking in this form for a while, he needs water."