I laughed and followed him inside then stopped dead in my tracks. I saw a stuffed cat in the hat running around and literal things one and two running around. The food was all thing one and thing two themed.

I gulped, “She changed my carpet? I have blue carpet!” Alpha Eric laughed, “Temporarily. She assures me it will look like it did prior to her arrival when we leave.” I asked my next question, “How are there living thing one and two’s in my home?” Alpha Eric answered, “Fairy magic.” I said, “Naturally.” He told me, “The rest of the guys are outside.”

I followed him and found my dad, Cameron, Matt, Derrick, Heath, and Alpha Jackson around my fire pit. My dad asked me, “You see that shit in there?” I answered, “I did. I’m assured we will not have blue carpet later today.” Everyone laughed.

More men slowly trickled to us. Jim from Eric’s pack showed up. I was wondering where Beta Dylan was until a penguin started assaulting Alpha Eric. It was pecking his legs with its beak. Alpha Eric said, “I sense fairy hijinks and Beta Dylan fuckery.” Beta Dylan came around the corner skipping, “OHHHH GAP I see have been reunited my childhood best friend Pengy. My Luna brought him to life for me.”

Alpha Eric rolled his eyes. Dylan prattled on, “Why? That’s such a good question GAP, and I’m so glad you asked. Later, she’s going to make him talk, but for now I figured he can annoy you. I gave him explicit instructions.”

Alpha Eric picked up the penguin and chucked it. He warned, “Dylan, if that comes near me again, I’ll rip it’s head off.” Beta Dylan gasped, “Such violence GAP.” He ran after the penguin. He picked it up, dusted it off, and cradled it like it was his very own pup.

He consoled it, “It’s ok, Pengy. I won’t let the mean GAP destroy you. You can leave him alone now. He doesn’t play nice, and he called my bluff.” We all laughed. I handed Alpha Lucas a beer. After a while I saw Hood members flying from the party.

Heath and I jumped up ready to fight. James stopped to explain, “Some of those from your Shroud stopped by. We thought we should scatter.” I frowned. Heath said, “Or stay to see who loses their mind and who doesn’t.” I agreed, “That’s not a bad plan.” James laughed, “It would’ve been. I guess that’s why you’re the leader, and I’m just the loveable, fun cousin.” Heath rolled his eyes.

James took off but stopped when he saw Kayla. I snorted, “Your cousin has a death wish flirting with her.” Heath shrugged saying, “He’s just a flirt, it’s harmless.” Alpha Eric laughed, “If I was her brother, I’d kick his ass.”

Beta Dylan scoffed, “You’d kick anyone’s ass GAP. You LOOK for reasons to kick ass. It’s part of why we all love you. It would be unsettling if you didn’t threaten to kill or punch anyone in any given meeting. I myself would be worried about body snatchers and start planning to save you.” Alpha Eric argued, “And yet I’ve never kicked your ass.” Beta Dylan smiled saying, “Which proves you love me.” Alpha Eric sighed and lifted his beer to his lips.

We spent several hours outside. Eventually Allie slipped out to join us. Heath asked, “Is the shower over, kitten?” Her cheeks turned red, “Yes and I need to tell you something.” Heath said, “Go ahead.” Allie blushed harder. She whispered, “At home.” He grabbed her and they ran off.

Beta Dylan yelled, “OH COME ON! Now I have to wonder what she had to tell him.” Oscar spoke, “I’m sure she’s going to tell him she’s pregnant. She is glowing after all.” I gasped, “WHAT?” Oscar nodded.

Alpha Eric said, “Haley would’ve told her.” Beta Dylan bowed and reverently said, “Bless you, Oscar. This pack is unworthy of you. Come join us in Blue Moon I’m your biggest fan.” Matt growled, “He’s not going anywhere.” Oscar smirked, “I knew you cared about me, Beta Mattie.”

Beta Dylan smirked, “Yeah…. Beta Mattie. Your brother-in-law love is adorable.” Matt growled at Dylan, who shrugged, “I don’t make up all the nicknames, Beta Mattie. I just follow protocol for them.” Matt huffed, “Oscar, you’re my brother in law. You don’t need to use my damn title.” Oscar grinned, “Ok.” I would consider it a win he didn’t add Mattie.

Our group headed back inside. Thankfully, Haley snapped the living room back to normal. Themed parties were Haley Conners bread and butter. She had to plan our pups’ parties with Lexi. They would have the best birthdays. Alpha Eric had Haley pop their group home. They left and I carried Lexi upstairs. She fell asleep quickly. I answered several emails before going to sleep myself.

I woke up before Lexi and answered some emails. When she woke up, she got on top. Apparently, this is how she preferred to get herself going instead of coffee. I was onboard with that plan. We spent hours in bed.

Matt linked me, “You set up a meeting with Carry.” I replied, “I’m on the way.” I walked into my office. Carry and Kincade were both there waiting. I nodded to them. Carry nervously asked, “Did I do something wrong?” I laughed, “No, I wanted to let you know that I think you should participate in the lead female warrior tournament we will have. I’m thinking ours will be after the twins are born. Nothing stops a tournament like the Luna going into labor.”

Carry startled, “Me?” I said, “I heard you’ve got fighting skills. You don’t have to I just thought I’d float the idea so you could think about it.” Carry agreed, “I’ll definitely think about it.” I said, “I have your file from Alpha Eric. Regardless of your choice, you’ll be our lead tracker when you graduate.” She smiled, “Really?” I nodded.

Once they left, we handled pack disputes until we heard a scream. Lexi’s scream. I vaulted over my desk. I heard my dad shouting, “Lexi! What happened? What is this?” I ran into the office and grabbed Lexi. Her breathing was shallow.

I linked the pack OB, “Dr. April get over to the main house.” I read the shirts and the notes. How the fuck did this happen?! Dr April came in. She took Lexi’s blood pressure and frowned. She told her, “Luna, we need to get your blood pressure way down. I need her to come with me, Alpha.” I nodded. I tilted my mate’s head towards me. I said, “Lexi, I will be right there.” I assured her, “I will figure this out. Kincade is going to take you with Nadine to get checked out. It’s going to be ok.” She whimpered but managed to stand.

Kincade was in the doorway. I linked him, “Guard her.” I linked Nadine, “Get down here and go with Lexi please.” Nadine replied, “Susie and I are outside, we will meet her.” I called Heath. He answered, “Chase?” I ordered, “Get to my house. I think we just narrowed down who Betty Newcome is.” Heath asked, “What? How?”

I didn’t have time for these questions. I demanded, “Get a list of everyone from your Shroud that came to the pup shower. Someone left a present and notes in Lexi’s office from Hanson and Noah.” I hung up and turned to Matt.

I instructed, “Get me everything there is to have on this.” I turned and left to go check on Lexi. She was my priority. I linked my dad, “You’re in charge until I get back.” My dad responded, “Understood.” I was so fucking sick of Noah and Hanson. They had to die.

Running a Play

Lexi managed to stop screaming. I was so sick of this. Noah was turning me into that scared girl again. The one whose skin he gets under all the damn time. I was NOT her anymore, and it was time to change the game. Chase was not going to like this, but I was pretty sure of several things now. The main one being the identity of Betty Newcome. Even though it physically pained me, I was pretty sure I knew.

I was also certain where I’d seen my Aunt Lizzy’s eyes before. Dr. April came in and said we needed to get my blood pressure down. Yeah, well you figure out someone you’ve known your entire life has been betraying your family since before you were born. I’d just BET her blood pressure would be high too.

Chase tilted my chin, so I’d meet his eyes. I hated the worry reflected in his. He told me he’d be right there. Right where? Where was I going? I managed to swallow and nod. It was best he be busy so that he couldn’t freak out about the next move I was going to make. It was time to be BA. Noah was taking away my cocoon of love, and I had to get it back.

I had to do this for my children. I shakily walked with Dr. April. Kincade, Kevin, Kyler, and Ken were flanking me as we left the house. Nadine, Susie, Ted, and Sally were waiting outside. I rolled my eyes at myself. This is what screaming like a banshee gets you. Watched.

Susie looked at me worriedly questioning, “Are you ok Lexi? Are the babies, ok?” I assured them, “We are fine, don’t worry. I just had a scare. Did your brothers ever jump out and scare you?” Susie nodded. I said, “Well, the guy jumping out and scaring me is not someone who loves me like they love you.” Susie nodded, “I understand.” She would, she was very smart.

Dr April brought me into the hospital where a bed was waiting. She hooked me up to all kinds of monitors. She confirmed both Emma and Emmett were doing fine. I looked at Nadine and Susie. I needed them somewhere safe.