Haley said, “Good. Because I’d kick anyone’s fucking ass who tried. I’m moderately annoyed that my bolt of lightning didn’t kill the stupid fucking Troll. Bjourn couldn’t have even argued that I broke my promise. I didn’t know I could hit people with my lightning.”

She cursed, “Damn it! I have to call Aiden. I need to read more about this, and he has the books. He will be ALL too amused. There are going to be jokes about how I call Eric Thor, and now I control lightning.”

I told her, “I’m glad Aiden’s coming around too. He is lucky. I’ve got a few Iron arrows that I had made and ready to use for six years.” Haley laughed, “We really are like sisters, aren’t we? I went from no sisters to basically ten. My brother’s mates and you. Well Katie and I are friends right now, but technically she is my sister since she’s Logan’s mate.”

I smiled, “I’m really happy for you Haley. I’m thrilled Logan finally found his mate. He’s been waiting a long time. I’m also happy I can tell Ted we are not on lockdown mode anymore.” Haley said, “Tell TeleTed I said hi.” I agreed, “Will do.”

We hung up and I ordered Alpha Chase some dark chocolates with a note of thanks. I included an apology for not realizing it was their pack that helped us. I made the poor person on the phone re-do the note at least ten times before I was satisfied with the message. I had no idea why it was so important to me to get it completely perfect, but it really was.

I hung up with them and turned my real phone back on. Heath had called me over one hundred times and sent texts. I rolled my eyes and called Ted. He answered, “Uhh Hello? Did you forget we are going dark? Hey!” He giggled. I knew that giggle. That was a I’m having someone do sexy things to me giggle.

I rushed, “I’ll say this quickly since I’m interrupting. Haley used one of her IOU’s for us. She says hi. We don’t have to hide. They are going to leave us alone, and your wolf works fast. Word already hit that Alpha Kyle killed Henrick.”

Ted asked, “How did you even do that wolfie? I’ve been with you the whole time.” I heard Matt seductively say, “I can talk to my Alpha through my mind link. I told him while you were on the phone with Lex.” I slid in, “You can do that with him too now, Ted.” Ted shrieked, “I CAN?” I laughed, “I’m pretty sure you can because Haley said she can do it with Eric.” Ted cooed, “Ohhh I gotta test that out. Thanks for the heads up. Bye, Lex.” We hung up.

I stared at my phone for a long time. I decided I was tired of talking on the phone.

Me:Meet me at our place.

Heath:When?

Me:Now.

Heath:On my way.

I grabbed some athletic running shorts with a blank tank top. I stepped outside and took off running. I stopped when I heard something behind me. I shrugged because I didn’t see anything. I kept running only stopping when I reached my parents' graves.

I knelt down and whispered, “Hi Mom and Dad.” My brother greeted, “Hi, Lex.” I turned, “Heath.” Heath came up and hugged me. He pulled back looking at our parents’ graves, “I know our people weren’t happy we didn’t bury mom and dad with us in the Shroud, but this is what they wanted. Only family knowing where they are.”

I smiled agreeing, “A secluded beautiful place.” Haley had conjured a meadow and waterfall for us a few years back. She was asleep for hours afterwards. Something told me that now she would be just fine. She really was growing into her powers.

I admonished my brother, “You can’t just keep trying to hide me.” Heath ran a hand through his hair, “I… you used your SOS. When I heard Henrick was in town, all I could think about was you. How he could hurt you.” I pointed out, “You trained me, and I’m good at what I do.”

Heath emphatically stated, “I can’t lose you. I WON’T lose you. If that means sometimes, I lose my head then I’ll lose my head. You are my baby sister. You have no idea what that SOS did to me. Nothing mattered but getting to you. I knew the Hackura would come for me, but I didn’t care. Noah told me they could kill me, and I told him as long as you were safe; I’d let them.”

I gasped, “Heath, no! That’s not fair! I can’t lose you either!” I also knew they wouldn’t kill him. Bjourn was his friend. Heath changed the subject, “I have a lead on mom and dad’s murder.” I hissed, “Change the subject ALL you want, but I have lost people too. You are just as important to me as I am to you. I need you. Do you understand?” Heath nodded, “I understand.”

He ruffled my hair and I let him for a moment before slapping his hand away. I asked him, “What’s your lead?” Heath answered, “I tracked down a demon who said he heard rumors of the contract out on them. He gave me a headhunter to follow up with. I’ll be out of town tomorrow. Do you think you can stay out of trouble while I’m gone?”

I yelled, “ME? I was never IN trouble.” Heath laughed, “So you didn’t break a man’s hand last night?” I rolled my eyes, “Hey, he grabbed me. How did you know that?” Heath winked, “I have eyes all over the place. We had an undercover in the club on a date. She saw you.” I clapped my hands, “Susanna! I KNEW that was her. I thought I was crazy because I only saw her for a split second.” Heath confirmed, “Yes, Susanna.”

We let silence fall over us for a moment. Heath said, “You know I love you.” I said, “Yes, I have noticed that big brother. You’re obnoxious about it sometimes.” Heath continued, “I know you are keeping things from me.” I looked away.

Heath sighed, “When you are ready to tell me, I am here for you.” I whispered, “You wouldn’t believe some of the things I had to say.” Heath grabbed my shoulders, “Look at me, Lex.” I looked up. He said, “I will ALWAYS believe the things that you tell me. I know when you are lying and when you are not. I know something else happened with Noah. I have respected both of your privacy on this matter, but it’s getting to the point where I NEED to know. When that time comes if I ask you, I need you to tell me the truth.”

I brushed him off, “I don’t lie to you anymore. We promised each other, and I have not broken that promise since the day we made it. I have never said something to you that was untrue.” Heath raised an eyebrow, “Nor have I, but I haven’t told you things that happen. Just as you haven’t told me. I respect that, but moves are being made. I don’t see all the players. If I ask you to tell me the whole truth, you have to give it to me. I will believe you. If you need to come to me before that time comes, then my door is always open for you.” I nodded, “Thank you.”

Heath nudged my shoulder, “And none of this nonsense that I wouldn’t believe you. I don’t care if it’s about Noah. He is not my blood, you are.” Tears filled my eyes, “Thank you. I know what he means to you. Your saying that means a lot to me.” Heath evaluated me, “This bothered you. That you thought I wouldn’t believe you.” I said, “Of course it did. You’re my brother, but he’s your best friend and Lieutenant.”

Heath studied me then pulled me into a crushing hug, “I should’ve made it clearer to you. My door is always open, my ears are always yours to bend. I will always be on your side. I don’t even care if you’re wrong. Your side is where I will always be, no matter who is on the other. I love you, and I’m somewhat sorry I’m panicking about you being in danger right now. I just can’t help it. I won’t lose you. If that means you are mad at me for a period of time for putting you on lockdown, then so be it. As long as you are safe.”

I rolled my eyes, “So long as you realize I’d return the favor if you are in danger.” Heath snorted, “I’m afraid I won’t be able to manage locking you down until Haley runs out of favors that I owe her. She truly sees you as the sister you’ve seen her as all along.” I smiled, “I know.’”

Heath’s lips twitched as he tried not to smile when he told me, “She electrocuted Noah with lightning.” I snickered, “She said she didn’t mean to, that she didn’t know she could do that.” Heath laughed, “I know she didn’t know she could do it. It’s a good thing Noah was passed out, or he would’ve heard my laugh at her bewildered expression. He’s fine by the way. Sally has him under close watch. He’s getting her chicken noodle soup. She made me some too.”

I groaned, “Damn it! Now I want Sally’s chicken noodle soup.” Heath asked, “She’s been talking to you, hasn’t she?” I nodded. Heath frowned, “I know that must be hard for you. She’s been much more herself these last few months since you’ve been home. Your bringing her into the business side of things has made all the difference. Having her own catering business really put the bounce back in her step.”

I smiled, “I’m glad. Sally Quaid deserves the world.” Heath said, “Noah thinks you told her to press pause on the baby stuff.” I angrily spat back, “I did no such thing.” Heath smiled, “Good. I told him you didn’t.” If the Lieutenant wanted to play, he was messing with the wrong person. I had all the dirt here.