Proper introduction to the Coven

Thursday went by in a flash. Minh and Mother were busy and unavailable, preparing things for my introduction. I simply kept playing Irene's role, working during the day and taking care of Liam afterwards. The two of us bonded more, playing some games together during the evening before going to bed.

Today was Friday, the day I was supposed to be introduced to the rest of the coven. I already knew Mother, Minh, Ashley, and Matthew, but there were three more skinwalkers I hadn't met yet.

When I woke up, I noticed that Mother had sent me a text with the time and the address of the meeting. Searching the location online, it seemed to be at a house in the suburbs.

I wasn't sure what to wear for such an occasion, so I decided to go for something a bit more classy: a tight beige skirt, a white buttoned blouse, and a beige blazer, with matching boots and sheer pantyhose to complete the outfit. I then took the time to apply some makeup, putting on a red lip gloss, eyeshadow, and even a line of eyeliner. I knew I would be leaving Irene's skin this evening, but I still wanted to look good for my last day as her.

"Ah, this time as you has been really fun, Irene~" I said, giving my reflection a satisfied smile. "Let's enjoy one last day together~"

I went downstairs, greeting Liam who was preparing breakfast. My appearance surprised him a little, it seemed.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing. I just... didn't expect you to dress so formally. Should I do the same?"

I giggled. "I don't think you need to. It's something I decided this morning. I wanted to make a good first impression."

He chuckled softly. "You do seem to enjoy dressing up, too."

My cheeks reddened. "Maybe, yeah... Anyway, it's the last breakfast we're spending together for a while, so let's enjoy it." I then added, taking a seat.

Liam smiled while bringing me a plate. "Right. What are your plans afterwards?"

I sighed. "I'm still not sure, to be honest... A part of me wants to live as myself for a while longer, but another is already looking forward to the next skin I'll slip into... Ashley and Minh both have suggestions for me, so I don't know yet..."

"I'm curious about how you look like..." Liam admitted while we were eating.

"Oh right, you haven't seen my real self yet." I realised before grabbing my phone and showing it to him. "Here's a photo of me and my sister."

Liam looked at the photo, surprised. His cheeks became a bit red. "You are really handsome..."

I chuckled. "That's what I've been told a few times recently, so I'll take your word for it."

"It's so weird to imagine your real appearance underneath my mother's skin. It's such a contrast."

"I get you. It's part of what scared me about this curse at first. But well, I think we both still have a lot to learn about skinwalkers."

He simply nodded, finishing his meal. I did the same, not wanting to be late, and then drove him to college. I would return after work to pick him and Minh up and drive to the meeting.

Work went quite well. I still had to deal with the flirty coworker, politely refusing his advance, but it otherwise was a nice sendoff to my time as Irene. I did a quick stop at a clothing store to buy some suitable clothes for myself, and then drove to the campus, parking near the front gates while waiting for Liam and Minh.

I was slightly nervous, I couldn't deny it. I was about to be introduced to this coven Mother and Minh mentioned so much. I'd be able to see what exactly this coven was about, meet the humans who willingly joined and see how they were being treated, and meet the other skinwalkers as well.

"Hey Irene~ Ready for tonight~?" I heard a familiar voice ask in a sultry tone.

Minh was next to the car's window, smiling at me. Liam was behind him, and he seemed to share some of my nervousness now that it was finally time for our introductions.

I took a deep breath and smiled back. "As ready as I can be. Get in, you two."

Minh and Liam both sat in the back, and I started to drive towards our evening destination.

"So, how was this week as Irene, Edward?" Minh asked.

"Enjoyable, and fairly relaxing, weirdly enough." I honestly answered. "Despite doing Irene's job, it didn't feel like a chore."

He giggled. "Glad to see you had fun~ I also heard from Ashley that you two got closer yesterday~?"

I blushed. "We have..."

"She needed a bit of a push, but she became a lot bolder than I expected." He commented, amused.

I was taken aback. "You mean what we did was just to encourage her to confess?"

He gave me his usual flirty smirk, licking his lips seductively. "Well, not entirely. I did enjoy the moment we shared together quite a lot too~ I wouldn't mind having another round with you someday~"

Liam seemed quite awkward, while my blush deepened. Minh really had no shame whatsoever when it came to talking about sex.

After about half an hour of driving, we reached the address Mother sent me, at the edge of the city. It was a fancy and isolated two-story house, with a well-maintained garden and a swimming pool I spotted in the back. Multiple cars were parked in front of it, and the lights were on.

"Seems like everyone's here already." Minh said as he got out, before taking Liam's hand. "Come with me, pumpkin. Edward will be introduced first, then it will be your turn."

I approached the front door, hearing a piano inside. I rang the bell and waited for a bit before the door opened, revealing Mother.

"Welcome, my child." She said, smiling warmly at me. "Minh warned me of your arrival. How are you feeling?"

"I'm good, Mother. Still a bit confused, and nervous, but a lot better than last Sunday."

She put a hand on my shoulder, gently caressing it. "I'm relieved to hear. Follow me."

As we entered the spacious living room, I saw Chelsea playing the piano. On the main couch were Ashley, still wearing Steven, and three people I didn't know. One was a blonde middle-aged woman, who seemed to have Eastern European origins and was wearing an elegant dress. The second was another middle-aged woman, but this time with auburn hair and glasses and wearing a suit. The last one was a man probably in his fifties and in a formal classy attire.

Further away was a large table, where four people were sitting. One was Melissa, the girl I met during my first day as Irene. She was next to another young woman with long dark hair, a young slightly chubby man with blonde hair and large glasses, and a slightly older red-haired woman, maybe in her late thirties.

Most people were focusing on Chelsea, but a few curious glances were thrown at me when I was spotted next to Mother, Minh, and Liam. Ashley was the only one paying close attention to me, smiling happily.

"Everyone, thank you for coming tonight." Mother said, clapping her hands. "I have a big announcement to make!"

Chelsea stopped playing, waving at me as she sat on the couch, next to the older man. She rested her head on his shoulder affectionately. The man smiled at me, while the two women appeared curious.

"Please welcome my first-born son, Edward!" Mother declared while gently pulling me closer. "I discovered last Sunday that he's been blessed and returned, and he will now join our coven as our eighth member."

"Oh, the kid became one of us?" The auburn woman commented. "That's unexpected." She then got up and approached me, raising her hand for a handshake. "Nice to hear you joining us, Edward. I'm Nikolai, but you can call me Judith when in this skin."

I hesitantly shook her-his hand. "Nice to meet you, Nikolai."

"Don't be nervous, no one here will bite. Except maybe Minh if you're into that~" He replied with a chuckle.

It was the man's turn to stand up. Mother joined him, her hand holding his. The way she was acting, all affectionate, made me understand he was someone she really cared about.

"Aga explained your situation to me. I'm glad to finally talk to you face to face. I'm Oliver, and I hope you'll find comfort in the coven, Edward. Know that we have your back and will protect you from danger should it arise. We are a family, one you are now a part of."

"T-thank you, Oliver."

"Aisha, dear, come." Mother said, gesturing at the blonde woman on the couch, blonde woman who's been glaring daggers at me ever since I've been introduced, for some reason.

She stood up, her fists clenched as she walked closer. "I don't trust you. I know how you and your sister are," she proclaimed. "I won't let you cause any harm to our family, and to Mother."

"Mother?" I repeated, confused.

Mother giggled, apparently finding Aisha's reaction amusing. "Aisha, Edward has been through a lot, he isn't the same person he was six years ago. He matured, and he's now one of us. And him being here doesn't mean I'll stop loving you. I want for the two of you to get along."

Aisha scoffed and walked away, not saying anything, while I just stood there, wondering what happened and what she meant.

"She'll come around, don't worry. She's really protective of Aga and the coven." Oliver explained.

"Feel free to chat with the rest. The humans there are most of our willing servants." Mother said while pointing at the table. "You already know Melissa, Minh's new assistant. The one next to her is Kate, my personal assistant. Then there's Anthony and Irina, serving Matthew and Nikolai."

"I see. Thanks."

"Wait, I have an announcement to make too!" Minh then chimed in, holding Liam close to him. "Liam here is joining our coven as well. He's a nice boy, kind and hardworking. The skin Edward is currently wearing is actually his mother, another person I made join our coven."

Liam timidly spoke, all eyes in the room on him. "H-hi, nice to meet you, everyone. I-I'm Liam, I... uhh, study sociology at college, I like music and novels, and... I'm... gay."

At the mention of his sexuality, Chelsea perked up. She came to him, a gentle smile on her face.

"Don't worry, Liam, no one is gonna judge you for that here." She said, holding one of his hands. "You can be yourself with us."

Chelsea's warm smile apparently helped Liam slightly. "Y-yeah, I know... I-I'm just... overwhelmed..."

"It's understandable. Do you have someone to take care of you already?"

"Me. He's my assistant, and friend." I replied.

Chelsea gave me a wink. "He's in good hands, then." She took a step back. "I hope you'll both enjoy our company. After the food arrives, I will play another tune to celebrate your introduction."

"In the meantime, you can use one of the bedrooms on the first floor if you wish to remove Irene." Mother said, pointing at the staircase.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before nodding. "Thanks, Mother."

She smiled. "You know you don't have to if you don't want to, right? Nothing is forcing you to live as yourself again. We aren't made to live without another skin, even hatchlings like you, and it's clear as day from your reaction that you loved your time as Irene. I mean, look at you, all dressed up. You didn't have to go that far, but you did anyway, because you enjoyed it. Or am I wrong~?"

I sighed. "No, you're right. But I... need to think about it, as myself. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do next..."

"About that, come to my place tomorrow evening, I'll have a surprise for you~" Minh said in an excited tone while handing me a piece of paper with an address. "You'll have a whole day as yourself to think about things."

"I see. Thanks, Minh. Should I alter Irene's memories before removing her?"

He laughed. "Nah, no need. She's gonna be thrilled to know she's been worn almost a whole week."

"Alright. I'll be right back, then."

With my bag on my shoulder, I walked upstairs, opening the first bedroom I saw. I locked the door and sat on the bed, looking at my borrowed body for what would be the last time... It was hard to find the motivation to remove her skin...

Before I could feel any more regrets, I pulled on my neck and freed my face. I had to be quick. I undressed and tried my best not to glance at my current body as I removed the rest. After a loud moan as I regaining my genitals, I was fully myself again.

I repressed my desires to return inside Irene and got dressed in the jeans, buttoned shirt, and male ankle boots that I bought earlier. Dressing up as myself definitely wasn't as fun as when I was a woman...

I knelt towards Irene's skin, freeing my spines and restoring her. Her body quickly reinflated, and she slowly opened her eyes.

"Irene, how are you feeling?" I asked.

"I'm good, Edward. Wonderful, even." She replied with a loving smile while standing up. "I'm glad you've been enjoying your time as me."

Her eagerness was making me slightly uncomfortable, as I was still not used to Minh's brainwashing. But she did seem truly happy.

As she was getting dressed, I spoke. "What do you think of Liam?"

"Liam?" She repeated, her eyes looking down and betraying sadness. "I know I treated him badly when he came out, Master Minh made me realise that... Now I wish to be a good mother for him."

"I see, Liam will be pleased to hear that." I replied, smiling. "Come, let's return downstairs."

She nodded, following me as we joined the group. Food has arrived and was displayed on the kitchen counter. There were a few pizzas, Chinese takeout, and sushi, as well as some beer and soda. More than enough food for everyone here.

As I arrived, Liam observed me, his cheeks reddening slightly. It seemed I was his type, it was flattering. He then noticed his mother behind me.

"H-hi Mother." He shyly said.

Irene pulled him into a hug. "I'm sorry for what I did, Liam." Liam was stunned, not saying anything, so Irene continued. "Master Minh made me understand the errors of my ways. I won't be like this anymore."

In the distance, sitting next to Melissa, Minh was looking at the scene, a satisfied grin on his face.

I didn't feel like interrupting the mother-son reunion, so I opted to get some food, feeling somewhat hungry. I took a slice of pepperoni pizza and started to eat. Ashley approached me, taking a slice and smiling at me.

"Welcome to the coven, Edward." She said warmly. "What do you think?"

"It's still weird for me, you know? I didn't expect a coven of skinwalkers to be so... normal?" I spoke, observing the crowd.

Chelsea returned to the piano, readying herself before she started to play another song. She truly was skilled. Nikolai and Oliver were on the couch, paying close attention to her.

Mother joined us, leaning against the counter and giggling. "What did you expect? Wardrobes filled with skins and a den of debauchery?"

"I guess? I don't even know what I was expecting..."

"We do try our best to lay low, and having dozens of skins would be counterproductive. It tends to attract a lot of attention from hunters. A few skinwalkers I knew fell due to their uncontrolled greed, so I'm aware we have to be careful. We simply want to enjoy life while sticking together."

I opened a can of soda and gulped it down before replying. "Minh told me about the purpose of your coven. Is it true?"

She plopped a piece of sushi into her mouth, giving me an amused grin. "It's hard to believe, hmm? It was my late mentor and Oliver's goal, at first. It took some time for them to fully convince me. Obviously, helping humans in need is beneficial to us, too, we're not doing this purely for selfless reasons."

"What do you mean?"

"Remember what I told you shortly before you left? True loyalty is earned through kindness and understanding. By taking care of those shunned and abandoned, we earn faithful followers, people we can trust and who won't be as likely to betray us. It's a symbiotic relationship, if you will. We benefit from them and they benefit from us. And those who desire to become more get blessed after some years of loyal service. Two of my skinwalker children were former assistants." She explained, but her tone became slightly more emotional at the end.

Her visible sadness made me believe one of these children was the one murdered seventeen years ago. It was still a sensitive topic, it seemed, but she clearly loved this person deeply.

"Well, I was suspicious and wary at first, I won't lie... But meeting Minh, Ashley, and Matthew made me change my mind. While I'm still not used to being a skinwalker, I'm willing to learn." I said, taking another sip of soda and smiling at her. "And I'd like to learn more about my mother, too."

She let out a soft sigh, her posture relaxing, before eating another piece of sushi. "I'm truly glad to have you back, my child."