Beta Dylan came back to my tan, and wanting to know where it came from. I linked Cameron, “Is he serious?” Cameron replied, “I do believe he is.” I told him I went somewhere sunny. Dylan asked me who I went with. I ignored him and told Alpha Lucas again I’d have men on the borders.

Alpha Lucas pointedly ignored his Beta who was like a damn dog with a bone about my trip. Cameron said, “Maybe you should lie to Beta Dylan about being with someone, so he drops it.” I studied Beta Dylan. I replied, “He won’t drop it no matter what I say.”

Beta Dylan asked if I was the Flash or if I was with Cameron when he called me. Cameron asked, “Didn’t we already say we were together?” I replied, “I think we did.” Cameron told Dylan he was with me when he called me. Beta Dylan’s eyes lit up. He shouted that he knew things.

I looked at Cameron in confusion. He linked me, “I have no idea what you and I being together could possibly mean to him. We are brothers.” I stared at Beta Dylan with eyebrows raised. I answered, “I have no clue.”

Alpha Eric linked me, “I have just the distraction for you. By the time all is said and done, you are going to owe me so much.” I raised my eyebrows as Alpha Eric handed Dylan a piece of paper. Cameron and I both tried to keep in our laughter as Dylan realized Haley had bought him a popcorn company named after his wolf.

I linked Alpha Eric, “How is it possible that of all people Beta Dylan is out of the loop on the fact that I have a little sister?” Alpha Eric answered, “They’ve had a lot going on. He’ll catch on soon.” Dylan joked about kissing Haley. Cameron said, “Oh god.”

I followed his gaze to the Hackura. Their eyes were hard. They told Dylan not to ever do that. I linked Cameron, “In case Alpha Eric wasn’t enough of a deterrent, there’s that.” Alpha Lucas pointed out she turned green after Asher Harden licked her face.

I linked Cameron, “God that’s creepy.” Cameron commented, “I would’ve cut out his tongue. That’s just gross. Asher is lucky Alpha Eric was charmed at the time, or that would’ve been a moment for the books.”

My eyes widened and I grabbed Cameron’s arm stepping back when all of Haley’s brother’s eyes went gold. Cameron asked, “Is someone about to die?” I answered, “Possibly.” One of her brothers spoke saying she normally has a breakdown if a male touches her, unless it was Alpha Eric or a family member of Haley’s.

Cameron linked me, “That poor woman.” I agreed, “She’s stronger than most people we know.” Dylan got back to joking about his show and his popcorn. We walked back to the main house with their group. We excused ourselves to get ready for the wedding.

We made it to the hotel where we quickly showered. Reagan asked, “So, goblins?” Cameron laughed as we put on our suits. He explained, “Yeah Ray, Goblins. The Fairy Army and the Hackura will be there. We have men on our borders, but I doubt they will see anything.” I snorted as I did my tie, “With the Hackura there? Our men will see nothing.”

I checked my phone. Kevin had texted they were following Lexi from a distance. All seemed good. I texted back letting him know to keep me updated. We quickly walked out the door and got into the SUV. I drove us back to Alpha Lucas’ house.

I pulled in and glanced to the left. Sophia and Alfred had just arrived. I groaned, “For the love of the Moon Goddess.” Bolt was furious. He felt angrier with Sophia than he ever had. Reagan worriedly asked, “Chase?” I sighed, “Bolt is furious with Sophia. More so since we marked Lexi. I don’t know if I can keep him contained.” Cameron groaned, “Goodie. What could possibly go wrong now?”

We all got out of the car. Sophia reached out and touched my arm. Bolt took over and snarled at her. Alfred immediately growled at me. Cameron pushed him away. Reagan hissed, “Not here guys!” Alpha Kyle and his son were staring at our group in shock. Peter Kyle’s pregnant mate was worriedly glancing between us.

Sophia asked, “Chase?” She went to touch me again. Bolt took over and grabbed her hand, “I’m not Chase. Don’t you EVER touch me.” Sophia looked very hurt. Alfred was growling. Alpha Kyle walked over with his Beta, “Is everything alright over here?” I took back over and let go of Sophia’s hand. I said, “It’s fine.” Peter Kyle snorted, “It looks fine.”

I turned and walked away. I told Bolt, “We need to be in control here.” Bolt growled, “No female touches us except mate. Especially the one that kept us from marking her. I HATE her right now.” I agreed, “Fine.” I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned, “Alpha Kyle.” He nodded to a spot outside the barn that Alpha Lucas was getting married in.

I followed him and checked my phone. Kevin said everything was still good. Alpha Kyle questioned, “Is something going down in your territory, Alpha Chase?” I answered, “No.” Alpha Kyle commented, “That’s the third time you’ve looked at your phone since you got here, and you almost bit your wife’s head off.”

I growled, “SHE IS NOT MY WIFE!” Alpha Kyle’s eyes widened. Cameron linked me, “Subtle, Chase.” Alpha Kyle said, “Alright. Let’s just remember this is about Alpha Lucas and Luna Emmaline.” I said, “I am aware.” He nodded, “You can talk to me, I’m your ally.”

I closed my eyes admitting, “My wolf can’t stand Sophia right now. It’s making me edgy.” Alpha Kyle warned me, “You realize you’re probably sitting together in the seating chart because of that piece of paper that says you are married to her.” I growled, “Damn piece of paper that’s ruining my fucking life.”

Alpha Kyle’s jaw dropped. Beta McAlister came over. He observed us then said, “We need to get inside, Nick. Are we all calmer? Where is Beta Matt?” I answered, “Guarding the border from Goblin attacks.” Beta McAlister sighed, “That’s not great timing.” I waved, “I’m fine.” Beta McAlister disagreed, “You just shouted... you know what? Never mind. I’m just going to text Beta Matt.” I said, “He’s not coming.” Beta McAlister laughed, “I know that I’m giving him a heads up.”

I walked back over to the group. Sophia was near tears. She said, “Chase, I thought everything was fine with us.” I didn’t speak because I felt something tighten in my chest. I took out my phone and walked away from the group to call Kevin.

Kevin answered immediately, “Alpha.” I asked, “Is everything ok? I felt…” Kevin cut me off, “It’s fine. She just finished up at one place and are onto the next. She gave us the signal that everything is fine.” I frowned, “I don’t know about that. Keep a close eye on things.” Kevin replied, “Yes, Alpha.”

I turned back around and walked into the barn. I discovered I was, in fact, sitting next to Sophia. I sat at the edge of my seat as far away from her as I could get. Cameron linked me, “Are you ok?” I replied, “Lexi feels off. Kevin said she’s fine, but it feels weird in my chest.” Cameron said, “It could just be because you aren’t close to her. I should’ve known you needed her close for a week or two. You just marked her. You’re going to need her close by.”

I tried to pay attention to the ceremony, but I just couldn't. I did see a swirl of water appear around Alpha Lucas and Luna Emmaline. That was different. Once they were married, I stepped outside to call Kevin. Kevin answered, “All good here, Alpha.” I said, “Ok. I'm... I know I’m annoying you.” Kevin said, “You are my Alpha, Chase. You’re not annoying me. I’d do the same in your place.” I sighed, “Thank you Kevin.”

I turned around and saw Alpha Kylee studying me. He asked, “Alpha Chase, is this where you tell me things are still fine?” I replied, “According to my warriors, it is.” I walked back into the barn when the reception started. I kept feeling a tightness in my chest. I didn’t like this. Kevin kept assuring me everything was fine.

Suddenly I felt a burst of fear and panic. That was not fine. I practically sprinted out of the reception. I called Kevin but he didn’t answer. I called Kyler, but he didn’t answer either. So, I called Matt. He answered, “Chase, I heard things are going well.”

I didn’t bother to respond to that. I said, “Lexi is scared. Kyler and Kevin aren’t answering their phones.” A wave of unease hit me. I added, “I feel like I might be sick. It’s her. Get someone there now!” Matt replied, “Ok, I have their location. I’m sending warriors now.”

I ordered, “Call me back when you know something.” Matt asked, “Is everything ok? Beta McAlister said you snapped.” I growled, “Just get me an update!” Matt agreed, “Ok. I’ll call back.” I paced back and forth.

Cameron came outside, “Chase?” I felt sick to my stomach. My phone rang. I answered, “Matt?” Matt said, “We have Kevin and Kyler.” My heart stopped because he was missing someone in that group. I asked, “Where’s Lexi?”

Sophia came outside. I linked Cameron, “I’ll hurt her. Get her out of here.” Matt gently said, “We don’t know. Kevin and Kyler were attacked. They are unconscious.” I demanded, “Matt, what are you saying?” Matt answered, “We don’t have the full picture. Ted said when someone uses their panic button on a mission in the Hood members can take them home. He’s gone to the Shroud to check to see if Lexi is there. We just don’t know right now. We will find her.”