Ch. 501..510

Chapter 0501

Everyone dispersed for a little while. I did take pity on Sam and mindlinked him that Sierra was here, though. I think I am just as excited to see them together as he is, because it wasn't five minutes before he was banging through the front door, thundering down the hallway to the kitchen. He actually hit the glass door and bounced off onto his ass because he couldn't stop his momentum before he could open up the door.

The look on his face was priceless. I don't think he felt the hit from the door or the floor, once again, he only had eyes for my friend. The rest of the world doesn't exist for him when she's around.

He clambered up from the floor and opened the door slowly and walked to her. He seems shy for some reason. I still don't know what happened the night she left, just that she left with no explanation. "You're here?! How...Why...Where did you go?"

"It was an emergency. Would it make you feel better to know that I accomplished everything I needed and I am here to stay, if you want me to?" She looks down and fiddles with her fingers and her new bracelet. I have never seen either of them act shy, not even pretending. This is so weird and yet, Jena, Lil and I aren't making a move to leave either.

"You're here for good? No more leaving in the middle of the night?" She shakes her head. "And you are going to explain the disappearing act?" She nods. He walks to her and wraps her up in a hug, lifts her up and walks back into the house, her face tucked into his neck.

"Well, we are clearly not going to hear her story anytime soon." Lil laughs. "We should actually go see if Elena is settled. I'm interested to know if she can help us find that damn pentagram. You can't sense it's magic, but maybe she can, or you guys can together."

We both nod, then we all get up. As we walk back into the kitchen Alpha Reggie and Osiston come in.

"Anne is up with Ava and Brett. She's taking this hard and doesn't want to be a destruction for the boys, but Brett is keeping her fed and hydrated. Hopefully Anne will help her process this too. As much as she says she doesn't want people around, she really needs it. You should go visit her, Little One, she would like that."

I just shake my head 'no.' I haven't wanted to see her face after I took the life of her mate. No matter what he did to me, he was just laying there, helpless and I took his life from him. She must hate me for real now. He wraps me in a hug, but doesn't say anything else on the topic.

"Why don't you show us this war room of yours, I'm interested in the surveillance you have set up. And you said you don't have any idea where this spell is originating from?" Osiston breaks the short silence. "No. That's probably the most frustrating part. We are going to check the school again today. We did a quick sweep of it along with the Cunningham's house and the packhouse, but something still feels like it's just off and I'm missing something staring me right in the face. And I know the guys don't want us to, but I need to run the border. My wolf has been asking for days. The one thing Elena told me was to trust my instincts, and that thought won't go away, I need to run today. So I was thinking maybe if Osiston and Nikolas join us, the guys won't get super angry." I raise my eyebrows at them.

"Does anyone actually tell you 'no' Little One?" Nikolas asks, laughing.

"Not usually, except for Sierra, she tells me no and tells me what I'm going to do all the time."

"Alright point me toward Nathaniel and go do your run, calm your wolf and then we can all make the trip to the high school."

"Thank you, Alpha Reggie."

"It's 'uncle' here, Little One." He just smiles at me, then gestures for me to lead the way.

***" You gonna explain that one?"***

***"Not a lot to explain, Jena. Mateo and I are distant relatives of his from our mom, but the 'greats' and 'grands' and 'twice removed' is too complicated. So he said to call him uncle. I just don't when I'm in a warrior capacity."***

***"Uh, huh. That simple?"***

***"Yep, he found out when they brought me to the Royal pack originally. That's what Doc Sylvia kept testing for."***

***"And you never thought to mention you're royalty?"***

"Seriously, Lil? How would that conversation have gone down? I don't even call myself a Beta here, why in the world would I be like, 'hey I'm Skylar and I'm fifth in line to the throne.""*** I pin her with a look. He only response is rolling her eyes.

"Nathaniel, I brought you some friends." I open the door the the office he's posted up in.

"Perfect timing. We have movement and we are going to need all hands."

"What do you mean?" I rushed over to him.

"There was a group that came into view about an hour ago."He points to the screen it's an area just outside the mainland entrance to our peninsula. "Nothing hostile in appearance and they aren't carrying anything. Wyatt and a group of guys were notified and they are hidden but on sight. But about five minutes ago ten more people showed up. They clearly know that I have cameras, their faces are covered, but this time they were carrying something. It was big, like the size of a person." He looks at me.

"We got confirmation that all of our people made it to the Royal Pack, though, so who could it be?"

"No idea, but we haven't heard from all of the Elite Warrior groups that have been outside this stupid bubble we are in."

I don't even hesitate, I run out the

door, Lil and Jena hot on my heels. I

shift to get my full speed as I link all the warriors telling them to be on alert. All patrols are to slow and really take in all the details of their surroundings. Anyone not ompatrol is now on call and should be geared up and ready to deploy abany moment. I send the same message to pack members.

We slow as we approach the area. We are currently down wind and I want to keep it that way. We may not be able to scent them, but I'm so used to not being able to scent the enemy, I don't even look for it any more. I can see another team about forty feet from us closer to the center of the entrance.

I open my link to everyone.

***"We have a visual. There are twenty two and there is something in the middle of the group, but I don't have a clear visual. Does anyone else?"***

***"Got you covered, Midge. The way they flopped it around it's a body that is either unconscious or dead. They have been moving in a circle for a few minutes now. Looks like they might be starting some kind of casting, but no one has said anything."***

 

Chapter 0502

I shift to my wolf again. I can't smell them, naturally, so I can't tell if they are all wolves or if some of them are casters or something else entirely. Wyatt and Jorge make a wide arc and double back to try and trap them in.

***"Midge, this feels like a trap, but we haven't come across anything yet. What the hell is going on?"***

***"No idea, but if it's Mike, who the f*ck knows what he is thinking."

"***

We all stop as one of the group approaches the lump that is Gentry. They sit her up and pull the cloth off of her head, she looks around, but it isn't wild or frightened. She is slow and confused. ***"She's probably drugged like Jena and I were. Oliver, we need Elena here now."***

***"Where's 'here' Bitty and when did Elena get here?"***

***"No time for talk. Elena is here. Came in with Reggie and the whole crew. We are on the mainland border. A group has Gentry, we have eyes on her and I need Elena. Move your ass."*** ***"I thought we said no more patrols for you, target! Why weren't we notified of a threat?"***

***"Bite me Dakota, and get up here to help or stay the f*ck out of my way. THere's your notification."***

***"We're coming, but you shouldn't be on patrol. Please tell me you weren't dumb enough to go alone at least.”***

I cut them both off, I will not be lectured.

***"When you three finally kiss and make up, remind me to be in the next pack over."***

***"Shut up, Lillian."***

***"I can't wait to put a face with those flaming red cheeks."***

***"Oscar, no."***

***More than one as I recall."***

***"Oscar, mission, focus."***

The three of them keep laughing as we stalk forward. It has to be some kind of twisted, broken part of our brains that we can joke about s*x as we are heading into a hostage rescue mission. ***"Details will be needed, and if you don't give them freely, I will enlist the help of Sierra. Nevermind, I'm going to just have her ask anyway, it will be way more fun."***

***"I hate you, you know that?"***

***"Not a chance, you are stuck with me, Midge."***

***"We are in position, check in."***

I get confirmation from everyone else. I can feel Oliver and the twins close now, one of them must have carried Elena, they are coming in fast.

***"Nathaniel, any signs of movement outside of this group?"***

***"No boss, you look clear from where I'm sitting. Be careful on your approach, it looks like they might be waiting for you."***

I look at Nikolas and he starts to run. We all follow. The masked group only puts up half a fight though. They take swings, but I can tell no one is really trying.

"Stop!" I shout and there isn't any hesitation from my group or theirs. I take a look around and see a familiar build. What the hell is going on? I walk over and rip off the hood. "Robbie! What the hell are you doing?"

"It's the only way, no more talk, get her out of here. She won't survive for much longer and I know she is important to you. Take them with you too." He nods at the group around him. "What the f*ck is going on?" Osiston is right behind me. Damn I forgot how fast and quiet he is.

I ignore him of course. "Are they trapped by the binding spell?"

Robbie hangs his head. "Yes, but there has to be a way to free them. You have to find a way.

"No offense, but no. You may have let Jena and I go, but you have had plenty of time to reach out. I don't trust you."

"And you shouldn't, but I told you I am trying to make this right. Mike is getting worse and you are the only thing he is focused on. He's even cut off communication with the Rogue King."

"How do you know that?"

"We don't have time for this. He

knows a small group came out to do recon on your border. He doesn't know I took her." He points to Gentry in Nikolas arms. "Or brought more people. So either kill me or let me go back before he decides to search. They are here to be freed, but they can be tracked because of the spell, they need to be released completely. Figure it out or don't but now it's on your head if they die."

"What the f*ck did you just say to her?" Cam slides in behind me. "Don't lay out threats when you can't handle the consequences."

"None of your business, baby Alpha."

He doesn't take his focus off of me.

Cam growls and tries to push forward. I shoot my hand out and feel Osiston move next to me, most likely holding him back. Cam stays right behind me and places a hand on my shoulder. "Mike is obviously close enough and I can't take him down alone. I can't get out until he dies. You and your pack won't be free until he dies." Dakota walks up and places a hand on my other shoulder, letting a soft grumble out. Robbie looks at their hands on my shoulder then back to my face. "Figures." He shakes his head and then smiles and leans so close our

noses touch, takes a deep breath

and whispers. "See you around baby Luna."

Then he just turns and takes off. I blink and look over to Elena, leaning over Gentry. She's in good hands, but she needs a hospital.

"Hey boss, do we follow?" Wyatt asks and I look at Osiston, I am so out of my depth here. I took the lead because it's my pack, but it's hard not to relinquish that lead to people I have been taking orders from for two years now. They have more experience at this than I do.

"Do you trust him, Little One?"

"No, there is always something more going on, but he has also had way too many chances to hurt me, so I don't think that's his thing. He still needs me alive, for now." This brought on growls from behind me. I know it's the twins, but there are more too. I just don't care enough to look. I feel so overwhelmed all of a sudden.

"Let him go. Round these folks up and let's take care of Gentry. We are more than likely being watched so take them as prisoners for now and we can figure out what this kid's game is."

"We need to see if they all have

trackers, before we leave this spot. Mike may know we have them, he may not, but we are not leading him straight to where we will keep them." I look around for Sierra. I'm hoping that her time away was spent figuring out some of this shwith her parents. I know she's here somewhere. Neither her or Sam would miss this. "Sierra?! Where are you?" I yell over the crowd. Some of these people look scared and malnourished.

Her and Sam walk up to me ready to work. "Please tell me your mom told you how to locate and remove the trackers that Mike puts in his people."

 

 

Chapter 0503

"Uh, yeah, but it will take time. Don't you think we are exposed out here?"

"Yes, but I don't want to move them until all the trackers are out. That we can at least control. We'll just dump them here or see if Nathaniel can hijack these too and make it look like they took off as deserters. That would be best."

"Okay," She says to me and then looks at the group. "Does anyone else have medical training? It would be helpful to get this done quickly." A few people raise their hands, including Jena and Lil. They are both rubbing absently at their warrior brands and I make a mental note to watch them, especially after how they looked with the spell from the bracelet. I hope I didn't do anything to harm them

"Do your thing, I will work something out with Osiston for holding them when you're done." She nods and gets to work.

I walk to Osiston and the twins. I guess I should probably include them too. I'm trying to avoid talking to them as much as possible, but whatever.

"We can't leave them here, but I also think they very well could be a plant for something else. Like a Trojan horse. I want to really check them over, but we need to get them out of here and cared for. Mike is a d*ck and no one deserves to be treated like this. Even if they chose to follow him, they didn't sign up for this abuse. Where should we put them for now?" I look at the twins. They are the Alphas now and should be making this decision.

"Why don't we put them at the school? The nurses office has basic first aid stuff and the kitchen can supply meals for a lot of people. We should probably expect more if this kid thinks he can just drop captives off to you." Dakota growls. "What's that story anyway?"

"Not now, it goes along with the eyes in the box Jena and I received. I'm going to help get Gentry loaded and then Osiston, Alpha Reggie and you guys can go over some kind of plan now that we know Mike's close enough to drag unconscious bodies around."

Nickolas was able to carry her to a truck one of the warriors drove up in order to take her to the pack hospital. She's conscious at least, but that's about all the good news. Jena made quick work of locating the trackers and teaching two other warriors how to get them out. While Jena and Lil helped patch them up after. Apparently Mike's doctors were not super original and they were all in the back of the neck like Jena's and mine. I did mention to Nickolas to have our docs do a full scan to make sure they were the only trackers placed.

We managed to get the twelve people left loaded into three vehicles and taken to the school. Nathaniel set up a security alarm system for the doors so we could lock them in the gym. I swear that boy has tech growing off of him. Cameron and Dakota figured that would be the best since the locker rooms are attached so they could shower and use the bathroom without having a ton of warriors on duty escorting them around.

It also gave us a chance to do a quick sweep of the school for the pentagram. It's like trying to find Waldo in a 'Where's Waldo' picture. We know it's here, right in front of us, but no one can see it yet.

By the time we are done with all of the newcomers and the second sweep, then checking on Gentry, who is fast asleep with Nickolas by her side. It is almost midnight as we are pulling into the driveway. The truck is overflowing between my pack friends and my warrior friends. I am so tired, that I didn't even complain when Dakota pút me in the front seat between him and Cameron. I just want to sleep and shower, possibly in that order.

As we all step out ready to trudge up to bed, we hear a voice from the porch."

"Oh my Goddess! Look at you. You look so tired and worn out, let me take you upstairs and help you relax after your hard day." Kaley runs up to Cam, I now realize he is her go-to. Then it hits me, she can tell them apart because they dressed

differently today. I didn't see the net.

this morning, because I don't do patrols and they were out early working on whatever it is that they do when I'm not around. I can always tell them apart so I don't usually look at their clothes for clues. They are both wearing black basketball shorts, but Cameron has a blue t-shirt on and Dakota is

wearing a green shirt with the

sleeves cut off.

"Not now Kaley, we have things to deal with, the day's not done. Go home." He holds his hand up for her to keep her distance and walks past her, the rest of us follow. She just stands there mouth open. I wonder if he's ever told her no or just dismissed her before.

MY

We head in and follow Cam to the kitchen where he surprisingly fishes out beers for everyone and then we silently follow him out the back door and to the side of the pool where there is a brick fire pit set up surrounded by adirondack chairs. I sit between Lil and Jena, who are both still rubbing at their brands. Sam has Sierra in his lap as usual next to Jena. Wyatt drags Nathaniel out to sit with us. He is obsessed with finding this pentagram. I think he takes it as a personal insult that every tech thing he's tried hasn't worked yet. But he's never let us down before. Oliver, Mateo, Cam and Kota are across from me.

Someone lit the fire pit for us, so it is glowing and warm. Everyone relaxes back in their seats, my feet don't touch the ground when I do that and Jena and Lil laugh at the look,. It's surreal to be here though. This is where the Alpha and Luna would entertain their friends while we preferred the clearing in the woods.

"We never got to celebrate Oliver's birthday and Mateo has about ten minutes. Sh*t is going to hit the fan soon. So I think we should celebrate the good things while we can. Sam, we'll get to you later." He laughs and we all join in. It's light and fun and breaks the bubble of tension that has surrounded us since we found Gentry.

We start to talk about the new people and what that might mean and of course Dakota brings back the conversation of Robbie, just as Mina, Xander and Oscar join us.

"Isn't it past your bedtime, prego?"

"Not on your guys' birthday. But I probably won't last super long." She giggles and sits on Xander's lap while maintaining a hand hold on Oscar. That just seems overwhelming to have to entertain two all the time.

I break that train of thought looking at my phone. "It's time. Happy eighteenth birthday Mateo." I hold up my beer and the rest do the same. I hope it's enough to distract everyone, but of course luck would not be on my side.

 

 

Chapter 0504

"Yes, Happy Birthday Mateo. I hope your mate is strong enough to put up with you and smart enough to team up with your sister against you." Mina laughs and Mateo smiles, then she looks back at me. "So what is this I hear about Robbie dropping off random people?"

I groan a little at her. "That is it, literally. He got our attention, by carrying Gentry in like a dead body and then he told me to keep her and the dozen extra people he brought. He told us to figure out how to free them from the binding spell, then just left."

"That is not all he did." Dakota growls. "He was way too comfortable with you, and if he ever gets in your face like that again, I will rip his head off."

"Stop, he wasn't in my face. He just got close enough to tell me something he didn't want anyone else to hear."

"What did he say to you?" Mina asks suspiciously. "He wasn't overly talkative."

"Nothing relevant to this situation." I know this conversation is not over by a long shot.

"What I want to know is why did he bring those captives to you? How did he know you wouldtake them in?" Mateo asks.

"Once they had me with Jena, they spent a lot of time figuring out who and how powerful we were. They found out I was a Beta's kid, so Robbie probably thought I had some pull in the pack to bring in outsiders. He helped get us out and as a former captive, he probably assumed I would help others." I shrug.

"So it's safe to assume he'll be coming back then?" Oliver sounds irritated now. I need these boys to find their mates and give me a break already.

"Nope, we are not doing the pissing match thing again. There is no interest there and yes if he asks for my help and we know the request is legit, I will help. I'm not dumb enough to think this is one hundred percent innocent, but like so many times before, you guys weren't there, so you don't get to be angry on my behalf for the situation now."

"That's not fair and you know it. Had you kept any kind of communication going and told us what the plan was, none of us would have let you..." Cameron stops, closes his eyes and takes a breath. "This is not about you being weak and not being able to handle hard situations. Clearly you can, you've apparently been designed specifically for them." He opens his eyes. "This is about you putting yourself in harm's way and how gut wrenching it is to witness. Or to hear about after the fact and not being able to do what we're designed for, to protect our pack members. Which you are one of huge importance."

I roll my eyes, but let it go. He had a decent save catching his misogynistic comment. I am tired and just want to hang with my friends a little longer in this kind of comfort.

Jena stands next to me, "I'm going to grab one more, do you want one?" She looks at me then Lil.

"I'll take one." Lil says as I shake my head. I never really got the appeal of beer.

Jena grabs both of our bottles and starts to head between Mateo and Oliver's chairs. Somehow she manages to trip, toss the bottles onto the grass behind them and land with a hand on each of their shoulders.

Mateo's growl rips through the backyard. "DO NOT TOUCH MY MATE!"

"What are you..." She starts, but then grabs her arm. "SKYLAR! IT BURNS!" She turns to me, shaking her arm.

"Oh sh*t! Sierra, it's just like Mina! Do you remember what your mom did? Wyatt, go get Elena, we need help. Her brand is burning off." I run for Jena and kind of throw her in Mateo's lap. As far as I'm concerned that's the best place for her. He should be calm-ish and his presence will help her.

"What do you mean burning off?" Mateo yells at me, but wraps an arm around her waist and the other is tilting her head back to his shoulder, stroking her hair.

"This is what happened to Mina when she felt her bond to Xander and Oscar."

"Yeah, but I passed out." That garnered another growl from Mateo.

"You have two mates, double the sensation. Jena, breathe for me okay. I'm right here, Mateo is here. At least Mina was right," I try to joke, "Mateo got a mate who would side with me in a fight."

She smiles a small smile and then her whole face falls and she tries to get up, but her body breaks out into shivers and she's sweating as she shakes her head. Mateo's grip tightens.

"I don't want a mate. I can't be

someone's mate. You know I can't,

this isn't fair to him." She's looking at

me, pleading, like we are the only two people here. I know what she's talking about, we have had this conversation so many times. It's her

biggest fear after ever mes. It's her

she

went through with Mike.

"Yes, you can, breathe." She takes a deep breath in and I know my brother's scent is helping her as Elena walks out.

"Well, you and your friends certainly

have no idea of what downtime means do you? Let me see." She pulls Jena's arm towards her and she whispers a few words I don't

understand and then Jena's body is calm, but she is still very upset.

She covers her face and I know she is crying, but it's silent. Mateo buries his face in her hair. She has been so afraid of finding her mate and she probably thought the warrior brand would give her more time. "I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say what the hell was that?" Oliver asks. I didn't realize they had all gotten up to surround us.

"We have partial brands. They were only designed to last until the end of this summer. That was the deal I made with Osiston when he let me have mine. Mina and Jena were the same. The Warrior leaders wanted us branded for missions, but we hadn't completed training yet. Mina's broke the night of the Alpha Games and she was basically in a coma for almost three days. We all have thoughts on why, but they've never done parital branding before or anything like that so it's only

theories." I shrug.

I look at Elena. "Will she be okay now?"

"She should stick close to her mate until the brand wound heals completely, but yes."

I nod. "Jena, I'm going to head up. Mateo will take care of you okay. Get some rest."

"No! I don't want this. You know why I don't want this." She's angry and sad all at the same time.

"This is out of my control. Give it the night, sleep on it and we can talk in the morning." I look around for any kind of help and I see that I have been left alone with my brother and his reluctant mate. Bunch of traitors.

"I will just reject..." Mateo claps his hand over her mouth.

"Stop talking, mate. You will not be rejecting anything, I won't accept it. You are mine." He growls, and I see the fire in my friend's eye reignite.

 

 

Chapter 0505

I am so out of here. This fight and more than likely make-up session is not something I want to be a part of. I head in through the patio door looking over my shoulder at them and smile. She is up in his face pointing a finger into his chest looking back to her normal Alpha self. I'll hand it to my brother though, he's taking her Alpha aura pretty well and gesturing just as wildly fighting her on whatever excuse she's giving him.

I don't make it two steps in the door when I run right into a hard chest. "Ompf. The hell?" I catch myself on the door frame.

"Is that what will happen to you, Smalls?"

I roll my eyes. I can't help thinking 'oh, now they care if something hurts me.' I still don't know if they are aware of what their parents think about me possibly being their mate. I can't bring myself to ask though. don't want to know right now. I'm still not done being angry with them and if they don't know, I don't want to put the idea in their head only for it to backfire later. I also want them to want to try and mend our friendship because they want to, not because they have to. I have at least gotten that far with how I feel about this whole damn thing.

"I hope not. We were only supposed to have our warrior brands until the end of this summer, like I said before. They are both over eighteen, which is my guess as to why the mate bond was able to override the partial brand. The brand was already weakening, they seem to itch like a montherf*cker, like a bad interaction with a wolfsbane plant. The mate bond probably speeds up the process. I will have a full almost ter months after my brand fades before I can even sense my mate. I should be fine."

I go to move past Dakota and see Cameron standing not far behind him. "Why does she not want a mate?"

I take a deep breath and roll my eyes, then look behind me. They are still standing close, but they don't seem to be shouting anymore. "This isn't my story to tell, but I don't think she really wants to tell it either. Come on."

I lead them back to the Luna's office and walk in to see Wyatt manning the controls. "I need the room for a few minutes. Don't go far though."

"Yes, boss." I roll my eyes again.

"I'm not your boss, idiot." He chuckles and pats me on the shoulder.

"You keep telling yourself that Midge, whatever makes you sleep at night."I slam the door on his laughing face.

"Why not use our office, Smalls? You wouldn't have to kick him out."

This time I do let my anger show. "Are you f*cking kidding me?"

"Uh, no. What did we do this time? The list is getting kind of long and I'm losing track." Dakota actually looks sad, not like he's making a joke.

I close my eyes a laugh a bit to

myself and then move to sit behind the desk, putting some space between us and fiddling with buttons to give my hands something productive to do. "I will probably never step foot in that office again in my life. You called me a traitor accused me of betraying my pack, took Kaley's side without even asking me for mine. The one person who literally wants me dead, but can't seem to do the job correctly. I don't owe either of you anything. It's the last place I had a conversation with the only people who treated me like parents should and when real lines were drawn, even they chose to believe lies. That is all that office will be to me."

"We're sorry Tiny. That's all I can say right now. That night is kind of a blur and the more we talk to Nathaniel and Wyatt and the rest of your team, the more we are beginning to understand why. We will be apologizing for the rest of our lives I'm pretty sure." Cameron scrubs his face, then looks at me again. "At the risk of sounding like a d*ck once again though, can we talk about this after you tell us how to help Mateo and Jena? Our Beta needs his mate."

I just nod, because this is how it has always been. I am never at the forefront of anyone's mind except Oliver, who according to Lucas and Ava, is bound by the Moon Goddess to do so. My sadness and anger is growing again. Why can't someone just want me for me? Not because I have a talent or skill that they need. I clear my throat and go into business mode.

"Alright, let's make this quick. These

are not my details to share, so I will only tell you what I think you need to know as the Alphas of this pack. Jena was r*ped repeatedly the whole time she was being held, I have told you this, but I don't know if you have the mental capacity to remember. Yes, I had to witness her daily attacks while I was there. It's not something either of us care to talk about. Please don't ask." I can feel their anger radiating, but they show no other signs of losing control. "She had an IUD in before she was taken and no one thought to look, even when she never got pregnant. Mike was very rough and did some damage to her internally. When Doc Sylvia removed the IUD, she said there might be a possibility that Jena can't have kids. It's why she didn't want to be the Alpha of her pack or have a mate. It wouldn't be right if she couldn't produce an heir."

I am proud of myself for making it through that.

"We are going to circle back to some of that story, Tiny. What can we do to help Mateo? He needs his mate and Jena is perfect for him. He needs her to accept him."

"I don't know. I was kind of hoping when she found her mate it would help her heal. There is nothing normal about any of us, so I couldn't even begin to guess at what to do. She needs time. We both do. Patience from all of you would be helpful."

They both look at each other and then nod their heads.

"I'm going to ask another question, and I know we don't deserve an answer, but we really need and want to know. I'm sure you've already told Oliver," He grumbles jealously, "but I want you to choose to talk to us too." I raise an eyebrow in question. He takes a deep breath. I'm not sure if I've ever heard Cam ramble before, but I'm pretty sure I know what's coming. "You seemed friendly with that Robbie guy. Like there was more with him and Tyler and Mike." He runs his fingers through his raven black hair. "Did he... or Mike... Did any of them touch you? Were you with any of them as a part of your mission or when you were captured." He's vibrating with anger just at the thought, same as Oliver and Mateo.

 

Chapter 0506

"Yes, I did tell Oliver and my brother and your dad, some of the details. Some I'll take to my grave." I let that just sit there. He's right, they don't deserve any answers from me. "I'm tired, I need to sleep and hopefully Jena doesn't need me in the middle of the night. Big changes like this set off her nightmares."

"Let Mateo handle it, that's his responsibility now."

"Oh, so you would have me turn my back on people I care about, just because someone else is capable of doing the job too? Great leadership skills." I don't even care that I am being a b*tch, they deserve so much more.

I walk past them into the hallway where Wyatt is leaning against the wall. "You good boss?"

"Yeah. Who's on after you? You've been up far longer than necessary."

"It was supposed to be Jena, but for obvious reasons, we covered her shift. I'm good Midge, Nathaniel will adjust the rounds for the next couple days. Go get some sleep, we need you on point for this magic sh*t. You now have both your witches here and once Gentry's all healed up, assuming Nikolas will let her, the three of you can figure out this pentagram bullsh*t so we can take on Mike. That asshole has a beating coming his way."

"Get in line warrior. There are several of us who have dibs on that beatdown." Dakota says from far too close behind me.

"With all due respect, Alpha, handled your Barbie b*tch problem yet? No? Good to know. Just so we're clear, Midge's whole team is aware of the things she went through before arriving at Warrior camp. And obviously the bullsh*t that is still going on, because that skank is still here f*cking with her. Neither of you were there when we found Midge and Jena after THEY SAVED THEMSELVES. If anyone has dibs on Mike's beatdown it's them. Handle your pack first." He shoved past the twins.

I'm surprised they let him. I just walked forward, Wyatt could handle himself and he started that fight. Clearly lines are being drawn again, and it shouldn't make me happy, but it does.

"MATEO! PUT ME DOWN!!" Jena screams. I get to the end of the hallway, just in time to see my brother start up the stairs with Jena over his shoulder. "Skylar! Help me with this. Your brother is being an asshole!"

"Skylar, if you come anywhere near her, I will forcefully mark her right here. You are coming with me woman, stop fighting."

"WHAT!! Get your f*cking hands off me." She thrashes more.

"You are going to get us both killed if you don't stop moving." My brother is so calm.

"Sky!?" She looks down at me, propping herself with her hands on his butt.

"No, I don't think I'm going to help you out of this one. You are safe and need to hear him out at least."

"Some friend you are. Lil!!"

"She is not going to help you either. None of them are."

We all make it to the second floor landing. I turn to go to the room I share with just Lil now. Mateo grabs me with his free hand. "Thank you." He whispers and then kisses me on the forehead.

"I am not going to side with you in any arguments, jackass." She grumbles at me.

"Perfect! That means you'll side with me." Mateo laughs and I smile at her indignation.

"Goodnight you two." I ignore the

twins as I walk away and I can smell Oliver in the hallway, but for some reason I'm a little irritated at him too after the conversation in the Luna's office. He doesn't deserve my own insecurities lashing out at him so I head in and close the door quickly.

"Well, that was an interesting end to the night." Lil laughs at me. "What did the twins want?"

I walked over to grab clean clothes so I could shower. "They wanted to know what could be done to make Jena accept my brother."

Lil laughs hard at that. "Have they met her? No one really 'makes' Jena do anything, or you for that matter."

"Shut up." I laugh at her. "We'll see how tonight goes. He had to haul her upstairs and I refused to save her so she won't be super happy with me tomorrow."

"We can worry about that tomorrow. I think her mate will help her, she's just scared. At least it's your brother and not some rando. She can stay here when this is all done. She has a place to call home now. I think when all of that sinks in she will be okay."

"I know she doesn't want to disappoint him if she can't have kids though. Mike really messed her head up with that."

"F*ck Mike. Better yet, let your brother f*ck Mike right out of her." She laughs again.

"Seriously? You had to put that thought in my head? I don't want to think about my brother like that."

"It's better than the alternative." I just groan and head for the bathroom.

I slept okay considering Jena was on another floor of the house. I got up early despite going to bed super late and decided to help Lenny with getting stuff ready to take to the school for the wolves Robbie brought over. Lil is already gone, I assume either on surveillance duty or running a patrol.

Three scents hit me as I approach my door. "Are you all going to shadow me now?" I ask irritated, opening it.

"Hey, to my knowledge I didn't do anything wrong, so explain or relax, Bitty." Oliver crosses his massive arms, tattoos flexing making him look like the scary protector he is.

"It's nothing. I'm not in a great mood this morning, sorry." It's the best he's going to get right now, because I still feel the unhelpful sensation that he is only here with me by force.

"We wanted to tell you that we finalized everything for our dad's celebration. We didn't want to do it on Mateo's birthday. Reggie agrees." Cam starts.

"We are going to do it in the morning and want you to sit with us and mom. I think other than mom, you were his favorite person and you should help us send him back to the Goddess." Kota finishes the statement.

I had the very dark thought 'I already did' float through my mind, but I am keeping that to myself. I don't want them to have more ammo for thinking a traitor now. Instead, said "Sure." Then walked past them, down the stairs and headed toward the kitchen. Elena is there helping to get things ready to take over to the school. She said she could add some things to their food to counter some basic spells that were probably cast on them.

"Here's some breakfast Skylar, eat up. No more losing weight for you." Lenny scolds me and I roll my eyes playfully at her.

"Okay! I'm here to help!" I groan as the screech filters in from the front door. I head over to Elena and Lenny packing up totes full of supplies as far from the hallway entrance as I could be. "What can your future Luna help with today?" She asks, walking in the room like we aren't in the middle of preparing for war.

 

Chapter 0507

"You aren't the future Luna and you can help Lenny carry supplies to the school. Our new residents need them." Oliver says not looking at her.

"That's Omega stuff. I was thinking more along the lines of signing documents or planning for the party after the Alpha's celebration." She smiles as if she is brilliant.

"We are about to be under attack. There are no Omega's here to help and all pack members should be willing to participate in giving aid to people who come to us in need anyway." Cameron looks at her like he's never seen her before.

"The only people who are here are warriors who stayed to fight and protect the pack. If you weren't planning on fighting, I don't know why you chose to stay instead of evacuating." Dakota shook his head. "No one said anything about a party either, we don't have time or supplies for that."

"What about the ball?" She actually sounded horrified. "We're still having the ball after the trials right?"

I had to step in here, she's an idiot and I feel dumber being in the same room. "No, the trials were bullsh*t to begin with and we lost our Alpha due to equipment that was sabotaged." I pin her with a glare. "All focus is making sure our warriors and lands survive the fight coming at us. So either be helpful or lock yourself in your house until it's all over so no one trips on your being in the way."

She growls at me and starts to say something. "She's right Kaley. If you aren't going to fight you will get yourself and or someone else hurt trying to protect you. Go home." Cameron repeated his words from last night.

"If it is that dangerous, I should be here in the packhouse where I will be the most protected and the safest. I will just go grab some things and be right back."

"No! Go home and stay there. You will be in the way here. We are trying to save this pack, there is no room for you here." Oliver starts to raise his voice. "Didn't Mateo just find his mate? I will just take her room since she doesn't need it." She shrugs and smiles, thinking she found a work around.

"First, where did you get your information? Second, there isn't a room available." I responded.

"Everyone in the pack talks when someone gets their mate." She looks guilty.

"Were you stalking the twins?" I ask, a knowing smile forming on my face looking at both of them. They really thought she was harmless.

"No, of course not. I forgot something and came back to get it and I heard voices in the back and overheard Mateo say he found his mate."

Bullsh*t, but I'm not arguing with her anymore. "There is no room and I think you have done enough damage to the people who do live here. Go home." I growled at the last part and thankfully no one stopped me or corrected me.

Before she could spout anymore stupidity we were joined by Alpha Reggie, Kyle, and my dad. The three of them looked around the room and I'm sure felt the tension.

"We completed our rounds of patrol this morning. You are doing a great job Little One. The warriors have only been able to praise your work."

"Thank you Uncle Reggie." I looked at Kaley and winked. Her jaw dropped.

"We should have everything ready for Lucas' celebration by the end of the day. Will you kids be done with all of your shifts by dinner? I think the Luna wants to see you tonight." Kyle asks.

"I could go see her now if she needs company."

"No, girl. Did you not hear? We are preparing for Alpha Lucas' celebration, she won't be available until tonight." I think my eyebrows shot off my face. My dad just told Kaley off. Something has got to be in the water right now. He doesn't look at me though, which I shouldn't be surprised about.

"Have you heard how Gentry is?" Cameron, always the peacekeeper, is trying to take the focus off of the unwanted person in the room.

"She is healing well, but that is due to the combined work of our healers and Elena here." Reggie pointed to the witch standing next to me.

"Like any of your packmates would do for you, I am just taking care of my coven leader, your highness."

My dad's head whipped around to stare at her, his eyes glazed over and a rumble sounding in his chest. Then he pushed past Kaley and took off. "What the hell?!" She screeched. "F*cking rude!"

"Oh my." Elena said behind me. I turn to look at her holding her chest.

"Are you okay?" I moved closer to steady her a bit. I don't think I have ever seen her unnerved before.

"I think so, we need to go. There are things we need to do for tomorrow as well." She grabbed a tote, Lenny followed her lead, giving me a wary look as she passed. I grabbed a tote as well. As anyone of us predicted, Kaley did not follow. But we didn't make it too far outside before Cam, Kota and Oliver caught up with us and snatched the totes out of our hands and put them in the back of the truck offering to drive us over there.

I guess they are planning to give me three shadows today. The refugees were mostly women and a couple of men. They ranged in ages close to mine all the way to a woman who coil not have been much older than forty, but she looked so tired and weak. One was a witch the rest were wolves. Mike is affecting so much more than just our pack to get to

me.

Elena must have sensed my inner guilt, I know the guys did, but they've been smart enough to keep their distance. The twins must have told Oliver about our conversation, because he is sticking to them and giving me my space. And by giving me space they have made a ten food radius around me the whole time we have been here.

"Don't you for one second feel bad about this situation. The Rogue King and this Mike kid may have been looking for you. Don't argue, it's you they want. She holds her hand up "But, they started this process a long time ago, long before you started showing signs of power. You are helping to set them and many others free. This is not always a pretty process." She gives me a side hug, which is rare, she's not one for affection.

"SKY!!! We need you! I think we found something, but I need your help to confirm it!!" Sierra Comes running in like the tornado she is, Sam close behind with a couple other Elite warriors.

I look at Elena. "Go child, Lenny and I can handle this."

"What is it, Sierra?"

"We need to get to the packhouse, I need Nathaniel.”

"Why didn't you just go to him first?" I ask but we are all running out to the truck with her.

 

 

Chapter 0508

“Like I said, I need you too.” We all hop in and Cameron takes off. “I have been doing research with my dad since I have been gone. My mom has been trying to figure out your abilities and what has been happening with the warrior brands breaking. But, when I told them about what I was noticing in your pack my dad started looking into magic from the practical side. Totems, plants, stones, crystals, all of that stuff. He was helping to look for Gentry when he came across herbs that can be used for mind control and make people susceptible to suggestion.”

She stops to take a breath. “Okay, I think I’m following you, but what has you so excited now?”

“Well we came across a spell that sounds like the one that Mike was using on his warriors. There’s this star and each point is made up of different plants and then a spell is cast,” She waves her hand dismissively like that part doesn’t matter. “Then a candle is lit and another spell is said to keep it burning in the center of the star.”

“Well, that sounds an awful lot like this f*cking pentagram we have been looking for. Did you and your dad figure out where it is or what plants were used?” Oliver asks next to her.

“That’s the thing, you guys have looked everywhere, for this candle and pentagram, even used Nathaniel’s heat sensors, but what if the pentagram isn’t small at all, what if it is so large it’s easy to miss?”

“What do you mean? How does something big go unnoticed?”

“If it’s literally a part of the pack lands.” Her eyes widen and sparkle.

We pull up to the packhouse and she literally pushes everyone out. Then we are all running toward the Luna’s office.

“NATHANIEL!” She yells his name down the hallway like she did mine. He comes blasting out of his office ready for a fight. “I need you! Can you get me eyes on the pack borders in very specific locations?”

He looks at her with a ‘duh’ expression.

And I need a paper map of the pack grounds.” She looks around at all of us. I move to one of the side tables to grab the most recent one we have.

“Okay, can you get me eyes on this spot here?” She points to a spot on the map that is the Easternmost edge of the island. Nathaniel pulls it up easily. “YES!! I knew it.” She circles the spot on the map. “Okay, now this spot. She points to another spot. He repeated the process again and again until there were five circles on the map evenly spaced. We all just keep watching her as she progresses through whatever it is that she is doing with Nathaniel and the search through the pack.

She looks up expectantly. “This is what my dad found, it’s why I had to get out when I did. We couldn’t guarantee that I wouldn’t be affected by the magic.”

“What are you talking about?” Cam asks.

“This is the pentagram that you have been looking for. Look.” She connects the different circles and it makes a star. The thing I notice is that the packhouse is the center.

“Oh sh*t! Are we safe here?” Now the guys are looking at me.

“I think so. I think the spell was tied to the Alpha and the twins. The Alpha died, releasing his attachment and you broke the twins free. I think that was the massive black stain you left on the ceiling of the hospital. I think you ripped the spell out of them, that’s why it was so painful and aggressive, it didn’t want to leave its nest.”

“But the spell’s not gone is it?” I ask, feeling slightly defeated.

“Yes and no. I mean you were strong enough to unintentionally cast out an evil entity living in the twins. For what I understand that is hard to do with a skilled witch and for you it was the side effect of your protection spell on them. She looks at them and they look at their simple little woven bracelets and tattoos. “I do think that since all of the elements are there, the spell can be recast. The problem is, none of you can be touched with Sky’s protection.”

“So talk me through all the things you have circled.” I point to the map.

“Well in many spells herbs and plants are dried and bound for the spell, but live plants can also be used. When I found that out I started looking around the pack for crops of plants that didn’t look quite natural when I got back, and I found them. Oleander is used in love potions.” She points to the eastern point and gives the guys a look, “But it is hallucinogenic. Aconite or wolfsbane we are all familiar with, brings harm to wolves, but is also used in spells to bring harm and it is a paralytic.” She points to the next circle. “Then we have Belladonna, it is used for beautifying glamors, making people see things.” Another pointed look at the twins, pointing to the next circle. “Hemlock is a sedative.” The next circle. “And wormwood is another hallucinogenic.” So you all were susceptible to the suggestions given to you by the caster or casters.”

“Wouldn’t a witch have to cast something this elaborate?” I ask. “And what about this forever burning candle?”

“I think if all the elements were in place the witch who cast it could do that from anywhere probably. Maybe even using a phone on speaker. That’s a theory dad wants to test, but obviously now is not the time. Or if all someone had to do was read words of an incantation, anyone could have set the spell. As far as the candle I have a theory that only came to me this morning when we left for our run. I went out back with my coffee this morning and the firepit was lit. I thought it was a little strange, but then I thought maybe other come out to have their coffee and it was just something nice in the midst of all the bullsh*t. But then I discovered the massive patch of wolfsbane, then the Belladonna, then the Hemlock. After that I kept going and realized that they were roughly evenly spaced around the perimeter of the pack. Now that I’ve seen the map I am convinced that the firepit is the forever burning flame.”

“That’s crazy. There’s no way anyone would put that much effort into a spell to control our dad.”

“But they would, to get to Sky, or to take over a pack that they thought should be theirs. The Cunninghams found common ground with Mike or the Rogue King they would both get what they want out of this whole thing, just by controlling your dad. What no one expected was for the girl in the prophecy to be a badass that could outsmart them, out fight them and use magic willingly against them.”

 

Chapter 0509

I had to sit down. I went to find a chair, but I was so distracted, by everything, I almost missed and hands had to guide me down. Sierra isn't wrong, no matter how far- fetched all of this sounds, those are all elements that are in the book Elena gave me to know well and be aware of. They have healing properties for those who know how to use them, but their evil properties are what they are known for and many are used in spells for controlling the mind. Poor Alpha Lucas didn't stand a chance. And to think he also made a deal he thought he would never have to fulfill to save his mate and pups, not knowing he was betting my life. There are so many signs that all of this is connected, I might actually be their mate and I don't know if I even want to be Luna or to be with them after everything that has gone down. But this witch knew what she was asking Lucas for and my life has been miserable because of it. I need to talk to Elena and Gentry about her, see what they know. I just wonder if this witch is working with the Rogue King or if she is another problem that I have to worry about and they are both coming at me at the same time. 2

Then, I think if I am the twin's mate and I don't accept them, none of us will gain our full powers, which could harm the pack and my wolf only wants her mates. I couldn't do that to them and the pack. Being responsible for putting all of

those lives in danger. I don't know what to do.

"Hey, Bitty. We need you to check in with us here. You went somewhere in your head again and I don't think the Alphas are going to let me get away with kissing you to get you out of it, although it seems to be effective." He gruffly laughs at his own joke. I look at him and smile, only half seeing him, but I get what he's trying to do. My brain is all over the place and I'm struggling to focus on any one thought.

"There is a lot going on and I think I only caught some of it. What are you guys talking about?" Dakota asks, squeezing my shoulder and I laugh a bit, for being the leaders of this pack so many people have left them out of things. I told them about the prophecy Reggie told me. I'm not ready to go down the rabbit hole their parents sent me on a couple days ago, if they haven't already been told that version. I imply there is a witch, most likely, working with the Rogue King and that with my connection to the Royal family and showing signs of multiple extra abilities he thinks I'm the one the Rogue King is after. This much I think they know, or have at least figured out with the little they have been told, but it's worth clarifying.

"The spell that was created on the pack lands, controlling your dad and you guys to different degrees is not just some small thing for us to deal with. It is literally the whole pack. What I am curious about is the fact that we were told not to enter the pentagram or touch it. Well, we walked right in unknowingly, so how come some pack members were

affected, but not all and my team hasn't had any problems? I don't think the spell was completed before we got here. We all saw the change in Lucas and Kyle and even you guys." I look at Cam and Kota. "It was gradual, I don't think I really noticed until the night you all accused me of betraying the pack in the Alpha's office even looking right at concrete evidence to the contrary." They both winced. "And why was Oliver and Sam basically spared from the effects?"

"That's what I can't explain, yet. I do think for you and your team it's your warrior brands. It probably has the same kind of protection the bracelets you made have. You came in protected, same as Alpha Reggie and Warrior Brogen and all the Royal pack members. Elena would have natural protections against curses around or on her all the time. But, somehow the control spell was targeted and used to manipulate the Alpha and the rest of the pack through the Alpha command. And obviously some people were deemed more important to manipulate than others." Sierra is talking at the ceiling. Organizing her thoughts out loud. "Or maybe because Sam and Oliver have always been focused on you as a priority. I mean no one can argue the connection you and Oliver have, that's apparent to anyone with eyes, but you were also able to remove the spell or curse or whatever this is from all of them, which says something about your raw power."

"Well, we know the 'how' and we all suspect the 'who,'

speaking of which has anyone seen Kevin? I haven't seen him since the accident and he doesn't usually leave Kaley to

her own devices for long." Oliver asks, quickly changing the subject hearing the rumble coming from both the twins.

A chorus of 'no's' mumble around the room. "And it still doesn't explain what we need to do now that we are inside the pentagram we aren't supposed to be in, and could possibly be powering, how to get rid of it and set the pack free, all while being ready for Mike and his goons who are close enough to get to us on foot without shifting." I rub my temples. "I need to talk to Elena and Gentry, we need to be ready for a fight and I think I may need to go out as bait, again.

"ABSOLUTELY F*CKING NOT!!" Cam and Kota shout in stereo on either side of me.

"You may not have a choice. I am never alone and if we are implying that Kevin is the link between the pack and the witch or the Rogue King or Mike, if they aren't all the same problem, then someone would know I am never with less than two people at all times. When Mike took me the first time, he waited until I was alone. Mina and I spent tons of time with them, but it wasn't until she appeared to not be able to go that he did anything."

"It's still a hard no, Smalls. If you are as important to the pack and the kingdom as everyone seems to think, you don't get to just wade into danger hoping you can get out on your own or any of us can get to you in time." He holds his hands up. "I know you have gotten yourself out of everything, but

you can't do anything reckless, you are important to all of us. You have to wait until we have at least gotten rid of the f* cking pentagram spell anyway. Please just think through and talk to us before you do anything crazy." It's the most logical I have heard Dakota, ever.

"Yeah, I feel like lots of decisions were made about all of us, for our own good or safety or whatever, but I feel very in the dark and I have a suspicion that you are still holding out on us Tiny. 2

 

 

Chapter 0510

"I think you're right. There are still a lot of pieces missing from our puzzle. But we can focus on the pentagram and the elements that are powering it. We need to know how to blow out the flame and get rid of the plants making the pentagram and I'm sure it's not as easy as throwing some dirt on the fire to snuff it out and dig up the plants."

"You're probably right. Let's see if Mateo and Jena have surfaced and then fill everyone in. Someone might have an idea of what to do before we bother Gentry." Sierra says, and I feel a little better having some knowledge even if we don't have anything to put into action yet. We talk a little more about the plants and what they look like so everyone in the room is aware and on the lookout for them, because Sierra is convinced there are probably protection spells around the patches of plants to keep people from

accidentally destroying them and harming the spell when Lil walks in.

"Hey, I heard there's a team meeting. What did you find out?"

"Who told you there was a team meeting?" Nathaniel asked, laughing. "The three of us are here, Wyatt is running, and Jena is practicing procreation." The three of us laugh at his joke. He doesn't talk a lot and jokes really aren't his thing, but when he does it's usually hilarious and at the expense of

one of us and he will never let us live it down. Everyone else in the room looks at us like we are stupid, but we don't care. We passed a lot of boring, uncomfortable nights like this.

"If you must know, Lenny told me Sierra came into the school raving like a banshee, and it was important."

I let Nathaniel fill her in on the Cliff's notes version of the details.

"Instead of killing the flame and all of that stuff, which

sound like a sh*t ton of work to me. Can we repurpose the

thing into something that could protect the pack? Has anyone asked Elena or Gentry about that?"

We all just stare at her. It didn't even cross my mind to

make the thing work in our favor. That was one of the first things Elena taught me. Magic isn't good or bad, it's the caster and the intention behind the magic that is good or bad.

"You are brilliant! I could kiss you! We absolutely read something about harnessing power used against us for our own purposes, but it looked complicated as hell." Oliver looks from me to her with his full blown, panty dropping smile and eyes brighter than I have ever seen them before.

"Well, if I get the same reaction Sky did, I'm all in, cause we can't feel a thing. Bring it on 'Big Guy." She uses my nickname for him, sticks her arms out and puckers up. I

don't find that it makes me jealous though, like I have been when other girls throw themselves at him. I am actually comforted that all of my friends seem to be really getting along and gelling together.

He scoops her into a hug and they are both laughing as he gives her a kiss on the cheek. "We have to talk to Elena tonight. She is going to be the make or break if we can do any of this." He says setting her down.

"Problem is, I don't know if we will get a chance to talk about it tonight. Mom wants to see us all and we really need to be there for her. I don't know how she is dealing with losing her mate, she hasn't really spoken to anyone but Brett and Lenny." Dakota sighs.

My stomach drops, I have to tell the twins that it was me. They need to know what happened to their dad and that he chose to go his own way. Then I feel irritated with myself because I still care how they feel. If I am being honest I never stopped. Even if they were under a spell, they didn't or couldn't fight hard enough to just choose me when their backs were against the wall and this is what hurts the most. Oliver will always choose me, I never have any doubts. Even Sam was able to side with me at that moment. If they are supposed to be my mates, like their parents think, shouldn't that connection or pull or whatever be enough to override anything? Shouldn't I have zero doubts in them? Ugh! I really don't like all of these emotions. 6

"Well, we celebrate the passing of the Alpha tomorrow, then we celebrate my ascension into adulthood the next day." Sam beats his chest and just like that my negative thoughts vanish into other problems for other days.

We all contribute thoughts to a notebook that Nathaniel has, with every question we could all come up with for Elena and hopefully Gentry, whenever we get the chance to ask. Once we are done we decide we need to have as much information as we can for the witches to work with. We divided up the task of documenting the plants that make up the pentagram tips making sure to note anything unusual along the way. As we are leaving, Mateo and Jena walk down the stairs. I can't read her face, but my brother's tells me I have a new sister and I could not be more excited.

I run up to her and wrap her in a hug. We don't need words right now. I know that she is scared out of her mind and is so unsure of the future that she doesn't want to risk anyone else's. But she is making my brother so happy and I know he will do everything in his power to erase the memory of her time with Mike. I hope she feels that in my arms. She is home, for good.

"I'm so excited to have a sister." I whisper to her. Then I let her go and move to hug my brother.

"Congrats, big brother. You are one lucky man."

"Don't congratulate me yet. I still have to convince her to let

me make it permanent, but for now she isn't rejecting me, so it's a start." He smiles at me.

"What fun would it be if she didn't make you work for it?" I wink at him and move back to my friend. "We have been busy while you have been...well, busy." I fill her in on the day's events and what we are up to now.

Jena doesn't disappoint. She jumps right in. Like me she likes to have something productive to do to take her mind off of the hard, emotional stuff for a little while. It helps to process if we can step away for a bit. She volunteers to help us with the documentation, and it makes me ecstatic when she chooses my brother as her partner. Lil grabs Oliver, who is reluctant to leave me until both twins tell him to pull his head out of his ass and they are actually capable of watching over me. To which he replies it only takes one of him. Sam and Sierra take the fourth point and Nathaniel sends coordinates for the fifth point to Wyatt and tells him what we are up to and then heads back to his surveillance center acting as go between for all of us.