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I had a fight for the Undergrounds. I remember flashes of light.

There was clearly a car accident. Why couldn’t I remember the rest of the day?

It had to be there. I couldn’t possibly be in two bad accidents and not remember the details.

The odds were astronomically bad for even getting in two bad accidents lets alone not remembering the aftermath.

I told him, “I know there was a fight... maybe two. I don’t remember them though. I remember there was a car accident… or was that when I was younger? I was in a car accident with my mom once. Gosh... I need to stop getting in cars.”

“Maybe I should just run everywhere. Some people go their whole lives without getting into car accidents. Now, I’m fairly certain I've been in two pretty serious car accidents. That’s exceptionally bad luck if you think about it, which makes sense.”

Brody laughed questioning, “Why do you say that?” I answered, “Because the Moon Goddess is evil and turned her back on me a long time ago.” Brody raised an eyebrow, “Hmmm, I see. I did wonder if you were bitter about your lack of wolf.”

I rubbed my temples admitting, “I swear I heard my wolf that night… No, that’s crazy... right?” Brody asked, “What do you remember from that night?” I winced answering, “Not much. I remember being in pain then waking up in the Alpha’s office… but sometimes I think I heard her telling me to fight.”

Brody asked, “What about the people with you? It’s my understanding wolf less are not in pain on their birthdays. They just don’t get a wolf, so there is no pain.” I definitely remembered the pain. I shrugged, “I was alone.” Brody’s jaw dropped.

Eventually he offered, “That’s dangerous.” I shrugged explaining, “Edward and Jean sent everyone who would’ve been there for me away. I didn’t have anyone. I was hoping… .my brother would come... but he didn’t.”

Cayden said, “Because he’s an ass. I did not know you were alone that night, Ashley. I would’ve come.” Right... Ashley… they thought that was my name. Be Ashley. I turned greeting, “Hi Cayden and Micah.”

Cayden said, “You must still be out of it. We’ve been here the whole time.” He was right then. Micah asked, “Why didn’t you call me on your sixteenth birthday? I would’ve come for your shift.” I probably would have just to have someone there.

I clarified, “I didn’t know they weren’t there.

I went to the meadow I wanted to shift in to meet everyone.

Buck told me they’d all been sent elsewhere then left.

It was one minute until midnight when I was told.

He was Alpha Ordered to tell me that and leave so he couldn’t stay…

he did look like he felt bad about it though…

I collapsed in pain in the next second. I didn’t have time to call anyone. ”

Cayden studied me. Was there a test I didn’t know I needed to pass? He surmised, “You really don’t know what happened that landed you here?” I closed my eyes, trying to remember. I knew what had to have happened but… I had nothing.

Brody spoke, “It’s normal, Cayden. She suffered serious trauma. She had a bleed on her brain. I’d be more surprised if she did remember.” Cayden groaned, “Great.” I asked, “Was I in a car accident? Or was that when I was little?”

Robert’s face flashed in my mind. I swore he was there, but he’d been at EJ and Elise’s mating ceremony. He couldn’t have been there. Or here. Because that was back then. Two bad accidents. Gosh, I was a poster child for bad luck.

Cayden sighed, “So I was told. Yet you had canine marks on your hand and sides.” I gasped and checked my neck.

Cayden assured me, “Not on your neck. If you’d let me tell my father in law you were almost marked against your will, whipped, and you were beaten to hell; then my father in law would protect you. ”

I whispered, “You looked at my back?” Brody answered, “No, it was already treated.” That was a relief, and it made sense because their eyes weren’t blazing gold.

I knew that Cayden thought he was right about Alpha Eric, but he couldn’t protect me.

He would have to put me in his dungeons since he was allied with Red Run.

Jason, Everly, and Kai needed Black Mountain to remain their allies. No matter what. Maybe I could file a complaint as Ashley. That had merit. If I never saw Alpha Eric... he’d never piece it together. If he saw me though… it was all over.

I asked, “If I asked my friends… and Trevor did try to mark me… what would happen?” Micah answered, “The Werewolf Council would come down here and collect evidence and deliver a judgement.” I whispered, “All of them?” Peter was on the council now.

One look at me, and he’d know the name I’d chosen down here.

Cayden said, “Yes, all of them.” I sighed, “I don’t even know what happened. They’d question me... I’d have to say I have no clue. Trevor would say he didn’t do anything. They’d believe him and leave. He’s a Gamma with Alpha blood… supposedly. I’m a wolf less girl, that they won’t care about.”

Micah argued, “That’s not true.” It was absolutely true.

Peter Kyle would make sure they packed up and left as quickly as they could.

Alpha Eric could figure out who I was if he stayed long enough.

I had no doubt of then. Then…. what if my Xander didn’t want me but he wanted me in the dungeons? Where would I go?

I’d be unable to protect the innocent. I shook my head, “I’m fine.” Cayden snorted, “If you look up the definition of not fine it’s your friends calling me to come save you from being marked while you were unconscious.”

I gasped, “They called you?” Cayden nodded, “And they lied to me.” I gulped. I’d never actually lied to Cayden. I never told him my name was Ashley, other people did. I asked, “How long was I out?” Brody answered, “It’s been a few weeks.”

I nearly shrieked, “I have to get back! My friends need me.” Brody laughed, “We’ll see how you’re doing in a few hours.” I questioned, “Where are we?” Cayden answered, “South Dakota.” I blinked back tears. He’d come and taken care of me.

He helped me, of all people. I hope he didn’t regret not letting me die one day when he found out the truth. I whispered, “Thank you Cayden… I’d rather be dead than be marked by Trevor McCann.” I meant that too.

Cayden replied dryly, “He’d be dead if he marked you. He’s not going to touch you again. He’s fully aware of what will happen.” My eyes widened as amusement and a little bit of horror shot through me. I asked, “You went to see Trevor? For me? Oh my gosh Cayden I….”

Micah laughed cutting me off, “Of course we did. We both felt awful. Your friends didn’t tell us what happened, but I know who Trevor’s friends are. They will give you a wide berth now. Unless they want to see us again. Two of them pissed themselves. Your wannabe mate actually shit his pants.”

I snorted, “I’d never be his mate. Ever. Seriously... he could be the last man on earth, and I’d just let us all die off. He makes my skin crawl… and… he smells like a WET dog…so…that’s a…” Micah interrupted asking, “What happened between you two? I heard you have a history.”

I looked away, glad that for some reason none of them looked at my back. I was not discussing what he did to me after I didn’t shift. I evasively answered, “He’s a coward and a user. I hate him and that will never change.”

Cayden sighed, “For the record, that’s not an answer. Sadly, we have to go. Brody, let us know how she is.” Brody agreed, “Of course.” I asked, “Do you by chance have my phone?” Cayden shook his head replying, “Nope. Sorry.” He didn’t really seem sorry. I shrugged, “That’s fine.” They both left.

Brody looked at me teasingly saying, “So, I hear you idolize my cousin.” I flushed, “What? Idolize… I mean… I don’t know… that’s… he’s... I’m… he fights so well... and his cardio is so intense… I bet I could keep up with him now and I…”

Brody laughed, “I like that you knew exactly who I was talking about. Alexander would like you.” I nearly started crying.

I shrugged, “Why would he like me? I’m nobody and he’s.

.. an Alpha Enforcer.” Brody snorted, “My cousin very much wants to meet you. He’s impressed by you.

Well, what he hears of you anyway. I’ll have to keep it a secret if he doesn’t already know that I’ve met you. ”

I blushed asking, “How would he know? I mean... did he know you were here?” Brody coyly answered, “He could’ve figured it out. I’m missing and have been for weeks now. I’m a doctor. Cayden had Alexander on call. If you were dying, he was bringing him to you.”

My mouth was suddenly dry. That was so not how I wanted Xander and I to meet. Of all the ways I’d planned it… I was conscious. Brody shrugged adding, “My cousin is very smart.” I bit my lip hiding my smile because I knew that. I’d always known that my Xander was smart.

Brody and I passed the time by talking about other things.

Eventually he agreed I could go home. He opened a portal to King’s diner.

I waved to him. He told me, “Something tells me I’ll see you again, Ashley Griffen.

Stay safe. Should you not be left alone by those Cayden and Micah threatened, do let whoever tries to hurt you know that they will meet the wrath of a Duke of the Hackura. I find I quite like you.”

I gasped, “Really?” It wasn’t that surprising since I was his cousin’s mate, but people so rarely liked me right away…

these days anyway… they used to. Brody smiled, “Yup. You remind me of my cousin's mates. I’d never let anyone hurt them, and anyone who hurts you will not get away unscathed.” That was his parting line as the portal closed. Holy crap on a cracker.

I walked into the diner. Mason looked up when the bell rang then yelled. He ran out from the kitchen with Hendrick right behind him. They both collided into me. I whispered, “I’m ok.” Paige shrieked, “ASHLEY!” Someone must be here they didn’t know.