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Oden told me, “Their wolves are annoyed and say their humans are too. Chey likes certain accommodations and only fights you in the gym which throws off our schedule.” I’m sure they just didn’t see her fighting other people. She loved sparring.

We got to the pizza place and filed out. I walked in and waved to the workers. Our waiter came by. He asked, “The usual?” I agreed, “Yup!” Cheyenne chimed in, “But make sure the black olives aren’t on one side of the pizza. Last time they were.” The waiter nodded and left.

He came back with beers and Cheyenne’s wine. She asked, “So, what’s new?” I replied, “I’m a squadron leader in the Hackura realm.” Lomax whistled, “Damn, man. That’s awesome.” Cheyenne looked sad.

I asked, “What’s wrong?” She shrugged, “I can’t believe you didn’t tell us that.” I told her, “I kind of thought my mom sent an announcement about it.” Lomax snorted, “I linked my dad, and he said the Alpha got the announcement.”

Cheyenne gasped, “I can’t believe they didn’t say anything. You could’ve texted us though.” I agreed, “You’re right.” It just hadn’t occurred to me, but they were my friends. I replied, “It was a while ago and I did it to be closer to Cass.”

She nodded, “I heard she got hurt. I’m sorry, I know that must be hard on you.

” That was a massive understatement. Oden growled, “I still want to know what the HELL that wench was thinking.” He meant Cora and she was thinking something insane and psychotic.

She thought she could have Cayden if something happened to Cassie and that was the definition of insanity.

Our pizza came and they caught me up on their lives.

When we got back to the pack I spotted my cousin, Kade and knew something was wrong.

I waved, “Hey, guys I’ll catch up with you at the gym.

” Cheyenne huffed, “Oh come on. We need to work off that pizza.” I said, “I’ll be right there.

Probably.” She groaned and Lomax dragged her off.

I jogged over to Kade. I asked, “What’s wrong?” He looked up, “I have a problem, but I told Aunt Haley about it. She’s helping.” I pointed out, “That didn’t tell me what was wrong.” He looked around then opened a portal and took me through it.

We were now in a secluded area in the Hackura realm. I admitted, “Ok, I’m officially worried.” He ran a hand through his hair, “I think I spotted someone I don’t want near a specific person, but I can’t be sure.” I asked, “Who?”

He stared at me and I realized I wasn’t specific enough. I clarified, “Who is the person you don’t want near the person we aren’t talking about?” Oden told me, “I have a headache from the riddles you are speaking in right now.” Well, my cousin was clearly keeping things close to the vest.

He admitted, “I think…” He trailed off. I prodded, “Yes?” He sighed, “I think I saw Ariena.” My eyes widened. I said, “We need whoever it is you’re not talking about in a safe house, right fucking now.” He sighed, “She’s stubborn and fiery.” My jaw dropped seeing the stupid dopey smile on his face.

I whispered, “You love her.” He replied, “Aunt Haley went to talk to her.” I hummed, “Alright. Let’s go see where you think you saw Ariena then.” He nodded, “That’s a good call.” I snorted, “I know that. I’m an enforcer.” He asked, “What about your friends?” I replied, “I’ll see them later.”

I linked EJ, “I need you to let Cheyenne and Lomax know something came up. I’ll be back as soon as I can.

” He asked, “What’s going on?” I replied, “I’m helping out Kade.

” He questioned, “Do you guys need anything else? His bond is weird.” He’d have pulled on it the second I mentioned his name.

I assured him, “I’ll let you know if we do. Right now, we are good.”

I asked Kade, “Does the woman you’re in love with have Fairy blood?” He answered, “Not a drop.” I frowned, “Then what the fuck would Ariena be doing around her? God, I’m so sick of her bullshit.” He took me to a downtown area.

I asked, “Are we in Milwaukee?” He answered, “Yes. That’s the building my woman works in.” He paused and I felt in the bond that there was more he wanted to say. I shifted through his feelings and decided to ease his fears.

I told him, “I won’t tell anyone about this unless you are in danger, but Ariena wouldn’t have anything to do with you.” It would be something about that woman. I asked, “What does your woman do?” He answered, “She works in marketing at a lingerie company.”

I laughed, “And do you get to help her with customer research on new designs?” He shoved me and laughed. He admitted, “Maybe.” I asked, “Do we have the customer list?” He handed it to me and dread filled me.

I asked, “And your woman has access to this list?” He nodded, “Yeah, why?” I answered, “There are a lot of partial Fairies on this goddamn list.” He ran a hand through his hair.

He winced, “I should’ve noticed.” I replied, “You wouldn’t but I’ve met them.

Ariena is going after partials. I’ll assume your woman is high up in this company?

” He nodded, “Yes, and she’s one of the few with the actual names. ”

I admitted, “I’m convinced you saw her. Did she see you?” He snorted, “Don’t insult me.” I replied, “Might I suggest letting her and letting your eyes blaze.” He jolted and looked at me. He reasoned, “She’ll rabbit, and you want to catch her.”

I agreed, “I do but not at the cost of your heart or woman. You’re clearly not ready to tell everyone about her. If she gets taken, we come for her. No questions asked.” He admitted, “I don’t know if the whole family would.” He really didn’t based on the bond.

I punched his shoulder, “We would come.” He replied, “Your family, the Conners would. I’m not sure about the rest.” I asked, “What the fuck is going on? Why wouldn’t they?” He sighed, “It’s a long story.” I replied, “I have a fuck ton of time at the moment.” He didn’t say anything.

I asked, “Oden?” He replied, “He doesn’t have a wolf or counterpart for me to talk to. I know what you do.” His phone rang. He answered, “Aunt Haley.” He sighed in relief, “Thank you.” He hung up.

I surmised, “Mom got her to agree on the safehouse.” He chuckled, “Aunt Haley went a step further and got her job to agree to remote work for now. She presented a credible threat and the money my woman brings in is worth keeping her.”

I could feel how relieved and happy he was in the bond. I told him, “No matter what, I will always come if you ask. Ok?” He nodded, “I know that.” Then why the fuck didn’t he believe his parents, brothers, cousins, Aunt’s, Uncle’s, and our grandparents wouldn’t?

He warned, “You won’t figure it out.” I replied, “Then just tell me.” He wasn’t going to, and his face and our bond told me that. What the hell was going on? Our family was very understanding and always came for those we loved. Kane knew that.

I sighed, “Let’s see what we can do tracking wise.

Which direction did she go?” He inclined his head, “She got in a car and tried to follow us.” I laughed, “That’s hilarious.

I hope your woman didn’t freak out about your evasive driving.

” He sighed, “She said I’m paranoid and watch too many movies. ”

I asked, “Does she not know what you are?” He replied, “She knows.” Ok then.

I asked, “Where did you lose Ariena?” He got into a car, and I did too.

He drove off and we drove into an alley.

He said, “She got dropped off here. I came out and peeled left right around onto the other side and turned off the car. When she came out, they stopped and then drove back through this alley. I had to get my woman out of there.”

I replied, “I understand. Just pull me next time, I’ll come follow Ariena while you get your woman to safety.

” I got out and looked all around. I knelt on the ground and found a pulsing piece of jewelry.

Kade asked, “What’s that?” I conjured it to myself.

I answered, “Something…” I trailed off when a couple walking by ran up to us.

I asked, “Can we help you?” The woman blushed, “Uhh no. I just had to come see this.” I covered it up and they looked at each other confused then left.

Kade admitted, “Ariena was wearing that.” I hummed, “She was going to use it to get your woman to come to her. I must not be drawn to it because I’m a Fairy.

It’s not a charm so she’s working with other people. ”

I linked my mom, “Has Ariena been trying to get your database of partial Fairies?” She asked, “Are you with Kade?” I answered, “I am.” She replied, “Ariena can’t break into my goddamn fucking database because your Uncle coded the shit out of it and I charmed it.”

I hummed, “So, she has tried.” Mom answered, “Yes because she’s a fucking bitch.” I said, “Well, she’s now targeting businesses that have pretty things partial Fairies would be drawn too.” She admitted, “I thought as much. Aiden and I will work on this.”

I said, “Then I’ll conjure this to my Uncle Aiden.” I conjured the jewelry piece away. She replied, “Thanks. Tell Kade it’s under fucking control.” I hummed, “Will do.” I stopped linking her and stared at my cousin.

I asked, “Do you need me to ask the local pack to look out for your woman?” He replied, “Your dad already did.” I asked, “And when can I meet her?” He sighed, “It’s complicated.” I snorted, “I got that, but if she needs to be guarded let me know.” He hugged me, “Thanks, man.”

I assured him, “Ariena isn’t going to get your woman.” He snorted, “No, she won’t because I’ll kill her if she tries.” I asked, “Is there any way this could be about more than partial Fairies?” He stiffened, “You mean me? It would be crazy of her to go after my woman.”

I agreed, “I know that, but Ariena isn’t exactly stable.” He nodded, “I’ll make sure my woman is safe.” I reiterated, “You call me if you need anything.” He asked, “What are you thinking?” I admitted, “That there’s something more here.” He questioned, “Why?”