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I stared at the tip. It was vague. It just said ‘someone.’ Not even a clue as to who. If it was true, it would be clear. It would be the person tied up. I left and met up with Caine and Addison. Caine announced, “It’s a lighter time of day, but the best time to do this would be in the morning.”

I sighed, “Well, my tip says it has to be done by tonight.” Addison hummed, “Then in the next thirty minutes would be the best time.” I instructed, “Try and keep more people from coming inside.” I’d already looked at the schematics. I was going to go in through the roof.

If there was someone there… I’d have to fight for them to get out. Technically speaking. I’d just get whoever it was out and come back tonight for the fight. I’d get punished because the coven leader would cry to Edward when I kicked their butts. Happy day to me. I’d been on such a good streak.

I went around the back and up the ladder, then in through the skylight and dropped to the ground. Thankfully, Witches didn’t have superior hearing. I slowly started clearing the rooms. I was fairly certain I knew where they would keep someone here.

I used the heat signatures on my watch to determine if people were in rooms. I was close to having it the way I wanted to give to the team, but for now it was still just me.

My readings so far, only showed people that were standing up.

Someone who had been taken would likely be sitting tied up or laying down with other people standing up.

I got to the room where I suspected they would keep someone against their will.

I wanted to curse. There was someone seated in the middle of the room, with ten people around them.

Why ten? How powerful was the person sitting there?

Was this a trap? Ten Warlocks or Witches seemed excessive. I had to know though.

I pulled out my lock picking kit and quickly got to work.

When I heard the lock click, I took out my tranquilizer gun.

I’d rather kick their butts, but I needed to think about the prisoner.

I opened the door and entered the room. I had four people down before everyone caught on.

Someone came up behind me. I turned and used more force than I intended with my kick.

I quickly shot the warlock with a tranquilizer.

I’d feel bad that I broke his leg, but he was clearly a jerk, so…

it wasn’t that bad when you thought about it.

People started chanting. I turned, “I hope you guys are better than the other people in this coven I’ve come up against.” Nothing happened when they finished their chant.

I sighed, “You guys kind of suck at magic. Maybe give up… or practice more… both of those seem to be valid options.” I shot them all quickly and pulled out my knife. I turned to see a girl sitting in a chair, staring at me with wide eyes.

I frowned, “How does a Witch get ten guards when they did something to your magic?” The girl snorted, “I’m way better than them.

How did you know something was wrong with my magic?

” I admitted, “I don’t know, I just do….

but gosh, I hope you’re better than them.

These guys really suck. What did they do to your magic? ”

She winced, “It’s bound for another seven hours.” My jaw dropped. I said, “But… but doesn’t that hurt you? Like a lot?” She nodded answering, “Yes. It does.” I frowned, cut her loose, and took out a piece of paper and wrote a note that I’d be back to fight them for… Crap.

I didn’t know her name. She whispered, “Paige… I’m Paige.” I quickly wrote her name and took her back towards the room I’d entered in. She was moving really slowly, which told me she must really be in a lot of pain.

I threw her over my shoulder. She gasped as I lifted her with ease. I got back to the room with the skylight and got us out. I climbed down the ladder with her. She snickered, “How much do you work out? Jeez. Werewolf strength is no joke.” I nearly faltered.

I was stunned because she knew I was a Werewolf without her powers. She really was a powerful Witch then. I reached where Addison was waiting. She told me, “Caine has a car. Let’s go.” Paige commented, “I can walk.”

I disagreed, “You are in pain, and I’m guessing you need food… so… you don’t get to walk.” I felt such an intense need to take care of her it didn’t make sense. If I was back home, I’d say she should meet Dalton. They’d be cute together.

I called Sierra. She answered, “Hey.” I asked, “Can you grab some soup and bread and meet me at Valetina’s place?” Sierra agreed, “I’m on it.” We reached the SUV Caine was sitting in. Addison got in the front. She handed Paige a Gatorade and some water, which she opened and sipped slowly.

Paige asked, “Who are you guys?” I answered, “My name is Melanie McAlister. People around here often call me Ashley Griffen.” Paige snorted and laughed, spitting out some water. Well, it wasn’t that funny.

She asked, “Really?” I nodded. She commented wryly, “They really don’t like you back there.

” I shrugged, “The feeling is mutual.” Paige smiled saying, “I think we will be good friends.” I shrugged.

I didn’t really make friends often anymore…

but at the same time, she felt right. I had my close group of friends.

I asked Caine, “Can you come back with me tonight for the fight? Or should I ask Dax to come?” Caine said, “I’ll come.” Paige crossed her arms saying, “I’ll come with you.” I disagreed, “No, without your magic that wouldn’t be a good idea. Do you have any self-defense training?” She shook her head.

I asked, “How did you get here?” She sighed, “My foster family sold me.” I wished that was the worst thing I’d heard. I muttered, “Things like that used to surprise me… I kind of miss those days. Were they going to have a Warlock mark you?” She nodded. Then he’s who I’d be fighting then.

I told her, “You can relax now. I’ll sort everything tonight, and you’ll be free. They won’t bother you again.” She snorted, “I’ll curse the shit out of them once my magic is back.” She had fire. That was good. I sat back and closed my eyes. It was going to be an interesting few days.

I had been correct. I’d fought for Paige been punished and when I got out of the hole and showered, I went to see her. She was in the apartment complex I owned. She opened the door and gasped. She yanked me in.

She asked, “The Warlocks did this to you?” I snorted, “No. I get in a lot of fights…. to be honest… I’m not really popular here… people actually hate me so… Anyway, I handled the Warlocks with ease. That Coven is awful at spell casting.” She raised an eyebrow.

I looked around surmising, “You’re cramped and uncomfortable here.

” She insisted, “I really appreciate you giving me this place. I’m glad you’re here though because I want in.

” I questioned, “In on… what, exactly? Because I mean…” She waved, “You know exactly what. You’re in that circle group.

” I groaned, “The Ring Resistance. The Resistance for short. How is it not obvious?”

She admitted, “Actually now that you say it, it is.” Was I going to have to tell everyone the name for them to get it? She laughed, “Maybe.” Dang it… I hadn’t meant to say that out loud. She asked, “So, what Bravo can I be?”

I shrugged, “Which one do you want to be?” She jolted, “Just like that?” I replied, “You were vetted while I was… umm… detained. I don’t have an alert so you’re fine… and…” She hummed, “I’ll be eight.”

I nodded “That happens to be open so you’re good… and I’ll find you another place.” She told me, “That’s not necessary.” I replied, “I want you to be comfortable. Did they take your spell book? I don’t see one and…”

She winced, “My foster family did. I’m starting a new one.” I asked, “What happened to your biological family?” She answered, “They died.” I’d look into that some more. I went down to a different apartment that had a bunch of my stuff. I needed somewhere bigger, but it was going to do for now.

I stared at the picture, with Slade in the middle. I vowed, “I will get you.” I pinned up more pictures and set up the things I’d taken from the Hunter missions Nate gave me. I’d saved fifteen Omegas so far and sent them away.

For those missions, I was Red One. I ordered, “ILYX, look for properties with a remote location, small cottage type feel for sale in this area.” ILYX answered, “Working.” I heard the door open and turned to see Dax. He stared at the board.

He commented, “One might say you’re collecting names. I heard your fighting name the other day.” I bit my lip and picked at my sleeve, “Umm well… I didn’t pick that one so…” He snorted, “Yeah, I’ve heard rumors of how you got it.”

I looked down. He told me, “You know, they didn’t actually take your name from you.” He hit at the heart of the issue without trying. I disagreed, “They definitely did. They don’t want to hear my name so I made others… ones they will be proud of.”

He growled, “Fuck them and their pride. YOU did NOTHING wrong. You’re out here doing jobs you have no business doing.

You’re teaching how packs should be. You have bigger plans for everyone.

” I agreed, “I do. Did Caine… umm… get my message to other Alpha and Beta heirs?” He answered, “Yes.” He didn’t continue.

I pressed, “And?” He sighed, “They want to meet and train with you. This is dangerous.” I shrugged, “We have two Demons and a Witch on our team now. The risk has significantly decreased. Plus… I think I have a pla if I’m still here when I’m sixteen… ya know after I shift and…”

Dax snorted, “So now there’s an A in your plan. What’s the N?” I shrugged, “I’ll figure it out.” He asked, “What’s the pla?” I explained, “If I’m still here after I shift, then I’ll challenge for the Lead Female Warrior position.”