Chapter 148 - How?

When Delia walked in and saw Jewel's 'condition' she was shocked. "Jewel! Why didn't you tell us you were pregnant? This is wonderful news. But, we would never have left the kids with you. We could have had Corrie watch them! How far along are you?"

"Exactly why I didn't tell you. I wanted to take care of my brother and sisters. Cheyenne and Stone love each other and that little Mira is so cute! Our baby is due in 3 months. Just before Angie graduates."

Jewel nervously offered Newt a drink when they came in. She was shocked at his appearance having expected a much older man and couldn't help asking him, "How are you so young? How is that possible? The sleeping spell. That is why isn't it?”

Delia gasped, “How did you know about that?"

Cordell shot a glare at Donnovan, “I told Donnovan why we were going to Moonlight Falls and I suppose he filled in Jewel.”

Jewel glared at her mother, “Donnovan and I don't keep secrets from one another. So, Mom, it was the sleeping spell. Tell me the rest. My grandmother was a fairy. How did she die? Why was Newt under a sleeping spell to begin with?”

Delia started, “Jewel, it's complicated…”

“Stop trying to protect me! I have been lied to my whole life. It's time for the truth.”

Dee spoke up softly. “Let me do this Delia. Jewel, all of this started with me and Niall 200 years ago…” Dee went on to tell Newt and Adele’s story while everyone gathered around the couch.

Jewel looked at her mother. “So Cordell was right, you are almost 200 years old. Mom, have you and Cordell always been together? Of course you haven't. He isn't my real father. God...there is so much more to this.”

Donnovan spoke up and asked, “Why are you really here Newt? It's more than just to meet your family. I can sense the tension in the air. If it was just one big family reunion everyone would be happy and relaxed. This is about Adele isn't it?”

Newt who had been quiet during the exchange jerked his head up and said, “Yes Donnovan. I want the chance to see her again. If it were Jewel, you would do the same.”

Donnovan said, “The binding ritual…shit.”

Dee perked up. “Donnovan, you know how to perform the ritual?”

“Yes, but it isn't that simple. I can't perform the ritual. I am not powerful enough to do it for any other than a blood relative.” Then he looked at Delia, “You have her urn. That is why you are here. The ritual requires a philosopher’s stone and one that has been bewitched. Let me guess, you have that too. Dee, are you going to attempt it? I figure you meet the requirements.”

Dee replied sadly, “I am afraid I am not a powerful enough sorceress. If I were to bind Adele’s ghost, I don't think I would survive. It would be a life for a life, but Delia could probably do it, she is very strong, if Cordell would allow it.”

Jewel gasped and got up and walked over to Donnovan, “Donnovan! I should do this. Dee is not strong enough and Mom is human so she can't do this. You said I am more powerful than you and you are very strong. Couldn't I do this?”

“No!” said Cordell, Delia and Donnovan in unison.

Jewel ignored their comments and looked at Dee, “I could do this couldn't I?”

Delia walked over to her and said, “You will not. You are pregnant. There is no way I am letting you put yourself and your child at risk.”

“What about after the baby is born?”

Once again there was a chorus of ‘No’.

Newt stood up and spoke again, “I want to tell Adele I am sorry but it isn't just about conjuring her ghost for us to apologize. I would never put anyone in harms way to ease my conscience. Jewel, Delia has the power to resurrect Adele should we be able conjure her ghost via the binding ritual. So you see it is more than a chance to just say we are sorry. It is to right a wrong that was done 200 years ago. Donnovan, Cordell, Delia if it was the one you loved wouldn't you do the same?”

Delia spoke, “Newt, I do love my mother and I want to help you but not at the risk of my daughter’s life.”

Dee then said, “I am sure that Jewel can do this with no risk. But not until her child is born. We will wait and that will give us time to prepare. Donnovan, I know your bloodline is strong. And you are sure Jewel has even greater power than you?”

“It doesn't matter Dee. She isn't doing this…” replied Donnovan.

Jewel put her hand on Donnovan’s arm looking at how defeated Newt looked. “Baby, wait. Let's not make that decision yet. We have a couple of months to figure it out.” Then looking at her mother, she continued, “And now is a good time as any to let go of another secret. Who is my real father?”

Delia spoke up, “Jewel, it doesn't matter…”

Donnovan interrupted, “Oh, but it does matter Delia...My wife - your daughter - is extremely powerful. It would be helpful to know the source of her power. I get that it is partly because she has fairy blood flowing through her veins, but Cheyenne is exhibiting signs of being even stronger than Jewel. She will one day lead a Coven. We need answers Delia, especially since Jewel is having another baby. We need to know what we are dealing with. Who is it?”

Delia looked at Cordell apologetically and said, “Troy Reynolds.”

Dee and Donnovan both gasped.

Delia was shocked at their reaction. “You know him?”

Dee said, “I know of him and his coven. He disappeared 30 years ago. Just fell off the face of the Earth. No one knew he had sired a child or Cheyenne would not be safe. They would never agree to a union between the Lucky Palms and Riverview covens. Troy was supposed to become the leader of the coven in Riverview. He had been groomed for a long time holding a powerful position in the town’s political system. They planned to own the town. They are one of the most powerful covens around. Even stronger than Donnovan's family. Everyone figured Troy decided he didn't want to be their leader and went underground.

No wonder Jewel is so strong and your children…they will be among the most powerful witches around. Jewel and Donnovan, this is a secret you must both keep. No one should ever know that Troy Reynolds is your father. He doesn't know does he … that he has a child? If so, Jewel and Donnovan's children will be at risk from the Riverview coven. They would stop at nothing to kidnap them to keep them for themselves. And Jewel and Donnovan, your lives would be in danger. I am sorry Jewel but your parents inadvertently protected you by keeping that secret.”

Jewel spoke up again, “Mother, do you know where my father is? Or, is he dead?”

“Jewel, baby, not now…can we save this for another time?” pleaded Delia.

“How, how did he die Mother?”

Cordell tried to comfort his wife and answered Jewel, “It was an accident. When your mother told him she was pregnant he thought she was just trying to trap him. He didn't believe you were his. Not until you were born but by then your Mom had already moved on, given up on a life with Troy. After you were born, he tried to take you away from your Mother. He was afraid of her, thought she was evil so he didn't even try to share custody. Of course that is the way of witches. Any children must be raised to learn to use their powers and be protected. Troy and his boyfriend kidnapped you when you were only 3 months old. Your mother asked me to help her find you. The police were doing nothing because Troy pulled strings. It took me 3 months to locate where Troy and his lover were holed up. I went to rescue you. Troy was asleep but woke up as I was leaving with you in my arms. He tried to kill me with a fire spell. Genies are immune to fire so his spell bounced off me and hit him instead. He killed himself accidentally trying to kill me. He must have never told his coven about you or they would have stopped at nothing to find you. I vowed right then I would do everything in my power to protect the child I held in my arms. I fell in love with you instantly. It took a little longer to make your mother love me. She had been hurt and I was partially responsible.”

In the corner they heard Cheyenne make a noise and everyone got quiet and looked at her. “Mom, what is going on? What are you all talking about. You are scaring me.”

Jewel ran over to hug her daughter. “Cheyenne! It's nothing. Let's get you back to bed. We can talk in the morning”

“I am not a baby anymore. Tell me,” demanded Cheyenne.

Donnovan went to help his wife with Cheyenne, "Tomorrow we will talk Chy, now off to bed. No arguments."

Cheyenne smirked but obeyed her father.

Then Donnovan said to the larger group, “The party’s over. It's time you should leave.”

Delia walked over to Jewel after Cheyenne left the room, “Baby, please understand. We didn't mean any harm. Please forgive me."

"Mother, then let me help with this," she whispered. "I am in this now. Just please never hide the truth from me again. And, Mom, I didn't tell anyone else about the 200 year thing. As far as I am concerned, Newt was asleep for 30 years. I am not sure it would make any difference to them but now that I know the danger it poses to my children I can understand your motives. We will keep my father's identity a secret.”

Donnovan put a protective arm around his wife, "Come on. You need to rest." then to the rest of the group, "I am sure you can find your way out."

Cordell put his hand on his wife's shoulder pulling her gently away from her daughter and said, "Come on Delia, we need to go. We have given them a lot to think about and Jewel does need to rest. Goodbye sweetheart. We will talk soon."

The foursome walked out quietly.

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Chapter 147 - Meet the Family

Today would be a day of introductions for Newt and Dee. First on the agenda were Delia and Cordell's three youngest children. Dee, who had already met the three of them, was shocked at how much they had grown in just the few months since they had seen them. She picked up right up where they left off before and began to tell Mira and Stone all about her tree house while Newt talked to Angie about her upcoming graduation.

After her story, Mira went off to play chess with her father and Dee and Stone spent time together discussing what it meant to be a fairy.

Dee began to demonstrate. Delia watched their interaction with trepidation. She wasn't sure this was such a great idea. But then he did need to understand his powers and learn to control them and neither she nor Cordell was equipped to provide the direction.

Soon Stone was floating in the air with just a little direction from Dee and doing amazing tricks without even thinking about it.

Stone and Dee were bonding. It made Delia a little sad and she felt guilty that she couldn't provide what her son needed.

Meanwhile Angie had become best buddies with her grandfather. She took him down to the basement to show him their workout room. Newt was thrilled with the equipment and asked if he could try it out. It was good for him to get a little exercise after being immobile for so long.

Delia busied herself preparing lunch for the group. They all sat down and ate together, the kids chattering on about magic, tree houses and graduation. It was actually quite pleasant, a good change from the last dinner she and Cordell had with her father and grandparents in Moonlight Falls.

After lunch, Delia and Cordell took Newt and Dee to the first stop to see her werewolf daughter, Alia and her husband Jaycen and their twins Randi and Elliot.

Alia was due anytime with her second set of twins. Dee was thrilled to get to feel them move. Alia was happy to meet her great-grandmother as well. "Maybe we can name one of the girls after you and Mom!" exclaimed Alia.

While Dee and Alia were bonding over baby names, Delia scooped up her granddaughter, little Randi to introduce her to Newt.

"Her eyes glow!" said Newt.

"It helps with night time vision Newt, she IS a werewolf," replied Delia. "Her father, Jaycen was a werewolf and Turned Alia before they got married. So now all of their children will also be werewolves. It's a little overwhelming for someone like us to be around so many different supernatural species. But Alia is VERY happy and Jaycen loves her very much."

Newt made his way over to Alia to visit with her. She was very welcoming much as Delia's younger children had been.

"I am so happy that Mom has found her family. I think because she had no family is the reason she and Daddy had so many children. Of course Joy and I being twins, well, that was unexpected. I think Jaycen and are doomed to produce litters! I am having twins again. And now I don't feel like the black sheep of the family. I have found out where Jewel and my black hair came from and where Mom got her gorgeous blue eyes."

Newt replied, "Well, it is quite lovely on you. Congratulations on your babies!"

While everyone was getting acquainted, Cordell found little Elliot scratching at the couch and picked him up and snuggled him saying, "Elliot, my man, your mom is going to tan your hide if you destroy her furniture! I have some old stuff you can play on at Pawpaw's house. Make Alia bring you over some time and we can get down and dirty together!"

As they were getting ready to leave, Jaycen came home from the gym.  Delia introduced them and then it was time for the next meet-n-greet at Joy and Sahan's.

They piled in Delia's old car and drove to Joy's little house.

Joy and Sahan met with Dee and Newt outside. It was rather sunny and being vampires, wasn't very pleasant for them so they quickly invited them inside to meet their son Jerald who was in his room playing.

"Delia said you were expecting, but you don't look pregnant, not like your sister, Alia. She is about to pop!" said Dee.

"Yes, she is having twins, again. I am only 3 months and only have one baby growing in there," explained Joy.

While Dee and Newt were talking to Joy, Delia explained to Sahan that Newt had been under a sleeping spell and that was why he and hadn't aged, but he was human, not a fairy. That was the reason he looked young.

"That makes sense," said Sahan, I don't smell fairy on him like I do you and a little with Joy before she asked me to Turn her.

Once inside they went into Jerald's room and met with the little blonde headed vampire child.  He was busy playing king of the castle before stopping to meet his great-great grandmother.

"Look at my doggie! Daddy got him for me, but now I am going to get a baby brother too!" said Jerald.

"Now Jerry," reprimanded Sahan, "you don't know that you will be getting a brother. It might be a sister."

"Ewww, girls are stupid!" snarled Jerald and went back to playing.

In the other room, Newt apologized for taking so long outside noticing how it had made Joy and Sahan uncomfortable.

"Oh, it's okay. That is the one thing I do miss about being a vampire. Being outside in the sunlight. There are some potions that are supposed to help but they are hard to come by. But the alternative was growing old while my husband and child stayed young. After Jerry was born, I asked Sahan to Turn me. It was the right thing to do and I don't regret my decision."

"It has been weird for me to be around so many different occults. Your sister is a werewolf, your father a Genie, your great grandmother a fairy and your oldest sister a witch. Such an amazing family. I am proud of your mother."

"I am proud of her too Newt, or grandfather. I am not sure what to call you! It seems weird to say grandfather because you certainly don't LOOK like one!"

Newt laughed. "Yes, I went to sleep and woke up no older with a grown daughter and grandchildren. You can call me Newt. That is fine. That is what Delia calls me. I think it is hard for her to call me Dad. Maybe in time as we get to know each other better. Thanks again for having us in your home."

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Across town, Jewel and Donnovan were preparing for Dee and Newt's visit. "Cheyenne, your grandmother and grandfather are coming to visit and bringing some guests. We have some adult conversations we need to have and you need to stay in your room. Do your homework or something. Okay?"

"Mooomm! I am 12 years old - almost a teenager. Why do you treat me like a baby?"

"Cheyenne. No arguments! This is important. Okay?"

"Fine!" she said and went to her room.

"What was that about?" asked Donnovan as he watched his daughter storm off to her room.

"I told her she couldn't come in here when our 'guests' arrive, that we had adult things to discuss. And frankly I am a little nervous."

"Don't worry. I am here. We will get answers baby. Cordell already began to confide in me. It will be okay."

"I am just getting a book!" called out Cheyenne as she walked back into the room.


When Cheyenne walked in the couple abruptly stopped talking. Then Donnovan bent down to talk to the little baby growing inside his wife. "Little one, make sure your mommy is good and doesn't get herself upset. We don't want you to come out before your done."

"Donnovan! Shhh, Cheyenne..you will upset her," whispered Jewel as the doorbell rang.

Donnovan stood up and said, "Show time!" then went to let his guests in while Jewel shooed Cheyenne back to her room once more.

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Chapter 146 - Welcome to Lucky Palms

Delia woke early the next morning unable to sleep well even though she and Cordell made up the night before. She kept thinking about bringing her mother back. She went to the kitchen to grab some coffee and her father was sitting there as well.

"Morning Newt," said Delia as she grabbed a cup of coffee, "Can't sleep either?" she asked as she sat down at the table with him.

"No. A bit nervous about how your family is going to react to me....and well...and that we might be able to talk to Adele's spirit."

"You shouldn't worry about my children. They will love you. But you should know, as much as I want to help bring my mother back, I am not sure it's going to happen. Cordell is dead set against me using the Philosopher's Stone to bind Mother's ghost. He simply won't agree to it and well, I can't go against him. I simply can't. I hope you understand."

His expression told her everything - he was furious with Cordell.

Dee walked in as they were talking and sat down. "I see you found the coffee. We have a big day ahead of us. I am excited to meet the rest of your children and grandchildren Delia. How about you Newt?" said Dee as she tried to lighten the heavy mood that hung in the air.

"Of course Dee," replied Newt.

"Ah, here comes the rest of the crew!" exclaimed Dee as Niall and Cordell came in to the kitchen, "Time for pancakes before we set off."  Everyone sat down and began to eat in silence each lost in their own thoughts.

Niall, Dee and Newt were hoping that Delia would be able to bring back Adele, Delia hoping that she wouldn't disappoint and trying to figure out how to get Cordell to be okay with her doing it and Cordell trying to figure out to stop Delia from using the Philosopher's Stone without alienating her. He could use mind control on her, but then she would leave him and that wasn't acceptable either. He wished he had never searched for Delia's family. Finally Niall spoke up. "I am going to miss you Dee. How long do you think you will be gone?"

"I would expect at least a month. Maybe longer," replied Dee.

Delia looked up and said, "Niall, if it is longer, you are welcome to come visit. I know that is a long time to be separated from someone you love..." Delia gasped as everyone stopped eating and Newt glared at her. "Oh, Newt, I... I am sorry."

Cordell couldn't listen to anymore.  He got up without looking back, "I am going to get the bags. Are you through packing Delia?"

"Yes," she said without looking at her husband, not taking her gaze from her father. She felt horrible for her insensitive comments.

Niall began to clear the table and Dee just glared at Cordell as he left the room. The flight to Lucky Palms isn't going to be pleasant, she thought.

After everyone left to get their bags, Niall and Dee had a few minutes alone. Niall asked, "Dee, do you really think you will be able to bring Adele back to us?"

"Yes. I know Delia can do it. It's just Cordell. He is so controlling and afraid that he will lose her. I don't think she will go against him."

"What about her daughter, the one that is a witch? Could she do it?"

"I would need to know more about her, but do you really think Delia would allow her daughter to do something so dangerous?"

"Hmmm. Delia isn't a witch, but a witch could possibly do this with even less risk," suggested Niall.

"Well, even IF she could, not only would Delia object but that stubborn Genie would block us. I just don't know what to do about him."

Niall pulled Dee to him. "Promise me sweetheart that you won't do something stupid. Okay? No risking what we have to try to bring our daughter back as much as we all would like. We may need to accept that she is lost to us forever."

"Niall, now you sound like Cordell! Just stop it. But Delia was right, a month is too long to be apart from someone you love. You will join us if we are going to be longer won't you?"

"Of course," said Niall as Cordell knocked on the door and yelled, "Let's go. The taxi is waiting!" He quickly kissed his wife as she walked out in the rain to join Newt, Delia and Cordell as they hauled their luggage to the waiting taxi.

Dee was the last one to get into the taxi. She hoped the nasty weather wasn't an omen of things to come.

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The flight to Lucky Palms was quiet similar to their breakfast that morning. The cab dropped them off at Delia and Cordell's home. "Welcome to Luck Palms," said Delia. "We are going to put you two up in our rental home. It's only a block away. Corrie just moved out and we haven't had time to rent it again."

She gave them a few minutes to freshen up and then they headed over.

Everyone made themselves at home in the living area of the rental property. Cordell came in. "I checked the pantry and it looks like Corrie left enough food here to at least have a couple of meals. We can have hamburgers this evening."

Dee spoke up, "I am happy to prepare them. It will give me something to do," then got up and made her way over to the kitchen and began to cook.

"So there is only one bathroom," apologized Delia, "so you will need to share. But you do each have your own bedroom."

"What is the plan?" asked Newt.

"I thought we would go back to our house in the morning. The kids that are still living with us will be back home. You will get to meet Stone, Mira and Angie. Stone is a fairy and our only boy. Mira and Angie are both Genies. Mira is our youngest. She is 4 going on 10.  She thinks she can do everything her brother can do. He is 11 going on 16. Why do kids want to grow up so fast. And I can say the same thing about Angie.  17 going on 21! They just grow up way too fast."

"That sounds nice. What about the rest of your family?"

"We can go to each of their homes. I just found out that two of my daughters are pregnant! Joy and Alia, the twins are each expecting their second, well for Alia their third child since she had twins. Alia and Jaycen are the werewolves. I think they must have litters!"


"Come on everyone!" Dee called out as she put the hamburgers on the little table. "Dinner is ready."

"It smells heavenly! I think we are all starved. That tiny bag of peanuts and half a can of soda they served us on the plane didn't exactly hit the spot," complained Cordell.



Newt tried to make nice. "Cordell, I can't thank you and Delia enough for allowing us to stay here. This is so much better than having to sleep in a hotel. And I look forward to meeting your family. They sound lovely."

"What time will you be picking us up tomorrow?" asked Dee.

"Around 10:00. That will give everyone plenty of time to get up, have breakfast and get ready without having to rush."

"Wow. Sleeping in! I haven't done that in a long time...oh...sorry Newt..," said Dee.

Newt laughed, "It's okay Dee. I should probably try to take it slow as well."

After everyone finished, Newt and Cordell cleared the table and did the dishes. "You cooked Dee, let us clean up," said Newt.

 Delia and Cordell said goodbye after the dishes were clear and Newt and Dee sat down and began to talk.

"Newt, how are you holding up?" asked Dee.

"It's a bit overwhelming. We keep avoiding the elephant in the room. Adele."

"I know. But let's meet her family and just relax. We have waited this long, let's give them time to get to know us."

"Do you think Cordell will ever change his mind?" asked Newt.

"I don't know," said Dee, "But Delia may decide to help anyway and then there is her daughter that is a witch. She is Cordell's step-daughter so maybe she might not be as influenced by him. She just might be able to do it as well. Let's play it by ear and not be impatient."

"Okay. I am going to bed. Goodnight Dee. And Dee, thank you."

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