I closed my eyes asking, “Why couldn’t I remember who was there that night?” Denise winced, “I... I didn’t know if you saw Hanson…. Edgar, he knows who my brother used to be. I had to promise him I’d left that life behind. If he found out that Hanson had been seen in the Shroud, he’d know I let him in. He’d blame me for your parents’ death.”

I angrily asked, “What did you do to me?” She said, “A healer gave you something. It was some potion to lock up your memories.” I sneered, “When did you get plastic surgery?” Denise looked ashamed, “Allison took me. It’s some type of magic with plastic surgery. I told her I didn’t want to be associated with Hanson anymore. That I wanted a clean start.”

I shook my head saying, “She was like that. She always wanted to help people. When did you start betraying her and talking to your brother again?” Denise looked up, “You don’t understand. He’s just…. He’s my brother. You said it yourself, it’s always you and Heath.”

I argued, “Heath isn't a sycophant sadistic monster who wants people’s babies. Did you know Noah has tried to kill my son? He told me he’d make me watch him die.” Denise shook her head, “No, he promised me. Hanson and Noah promised me that your son would be given to the pack.”

I angrily spat out, “The pack, right. Because you intended to have my children’s father killed. Why can’t you Calvert’s just let me be happy?” Denise shouted, “You could be happy with Noah! You were once. It’s just your string that’s in the way. Noah assured me he’s your second chance. I’d do anything for my son to be happy. You’d be sad for a time, but then you’d find happiness again with Noah.”

I told her, “Noah isn’t my second chance, and Chase isn’t going to die. The knife is going to be destroyed. Do you know what happens to you when that happens?” Denise said, “Noah told me we’d do a ceremony to transfer my soul back.”

Noel Calvert stepped forward tears streaming down his face, his words dripping with disdain, “The golden boy lies to mom again. You can’t be this dumb. You’ll die when the knife is destroyed. I figured that out from the pittance of information I’ve heard.” Denise gasped.

Noel asked, “What do I even call you? Not mom. You’re not even my mother! You lied to Lexi. You said you loved me as your own, but you loved Noah more. Dad loved me the most, but with you it was always about Noah. GOD! How sad is that? Dad loves me the most, and I’m not even his son.”

Denise cried out, “You followed me here? NO! Noel, you are MY son!” Noel grabbed her arm. He said, “I want to meet Lizzy, my REAL mom. Take me to her.” Denise reached up and touched his face. Noel said, “If you ever loved me, if you want me to believe that you love me; you’ll tell me where she is. You’ll bring me to her.”

Denise, “I can’t. I don’t know where she is. I’ve begged Hanson to let you meet her. All he lets me do is send pictures of you with a note to her.” Noel backed away, “Everything makes sense. This is why I never belonged anywhere. It’s because I’m not a Calvert. I’m your nephew not your son. I heard enough to know I want nothing to do with the man who was my sperm donor.” I reached for his hand.

He locked eyes with me and squeezed my hand. Noel said, “My mother though, I want to know her. She never wanted to give me up. Did she? Even though he raped her?” I assured him, “You don’t look like him, Noel. You actually look like our grandfather.” Noel cried.

Denise screamed at me, “YOU! You ruin everything!” She pulled out a knife from under her shirt. Uther appeared and disarmed her in one swift move. He was only moments ahead of Haley. Denise was flung into a tree.

Haley popped to me, “Bitches be psycho. I can’t say I’m surprised since she birthed the fucking Troll. It makes sense why this one isn’t crazy.” Noel managed a laugh. I said gently, “Noel, I just thought you should know. I thought you deserved to hear it from her, but I’m so sorry it comes with so much hurt.”

Uther and Blade had Denise in chains. She was laughing like a lunatic. She told me, “You’ll be Noah’s again, and everything will be fine. Your string just has to die first. Then everything will be as it should.”

She paused then tilted her head, “Noel! When did you get here?” He scoffed. I explained, “She’s losing it because she’s not near her soul.” Noel retorted, “I think she lost it long ago.” Heath and Chase were suddenly beside me.

Chase slammed his lips on mine. I linked him, “I commanded Kincade and Kevin not to tell you. Don’t be mad at them.” He replied, “I am aware.” Eric had Haley by the waist. Jordan, Jasper, and James came out.

Tobias slinked up. He looked at Noel, walked over to him, and clasped him on the shoulder. Noel looked up. Tobias said, “I’m your cousin and I’m so glad to meet you.” Noel latched on Tobias and sobbed. Tobias rubbed his back. Noel sobered and pulled back.

Heath pulled Noel into a hug, and he started to sob again. Heath said, “I always felt close to you, Noel.” Noel agreed, “I always felt drawn to you and Lexi. Noah would yell at me and say you guys didn’t want me around. I knew it wasn’t true though.” Heath assured him, “It wasn’t true.”

Tobias said, “The family would love to meet him.” I snarked back, “The family that abandoned Heath and me? I don’t think so. Noel needs to process. He can decide later if he wants to meet them. Right now, hell no. It’s way too much for him.” Tobias nodded, “I understand.”

Noel looked at me, “What do I do Lexi?” I said, “You come to our home.” I pointed at Chase adding, “You process everything. You get decide how this goes. No one else. If you want to meet them, I’ll arrange it with Heath. If you don’t, we will keep them away. Give yourself time to really think about it.” Noel nodded.

Heath and I held him in a hug. He cried, “I need a sedative.” Haley chimed in, “I can do you one better, and I even understand you being such an ass when we met. It’s hard to feel like you have nowhere to belong and you dealt with that longer than I did.” She stepped forward and spoke in Fealish. Noel’s entire countenance changed. He slunk down and fell asleep.

Haley grabbed Noel and popped away with him then popped back to us in seconds. She told the group, “He’s asleep in a guest room at your home.” I said, “Thank you Haley. Let's all pop back.” Everyone grabbed hands and Haley touched Eric and popped everyone back to my home.

Dr. April was waiting. She glared at me, “Get off your feet this instant.” Haley popped me to the couch. I smiled, “Thanks.” She nodded. Everyone came in there to talk. Matt and Derrick took Denise away.

Chase explained, “I need to question her and see if we can’t get any more out of her.” I took his hand, “I questioned her the way I did because it’s how we would get any answers. She won’t talk to you or me now. She’s going to go into her shell.”

Chase questioned, “Then what’s the rest of your play?” I explained, “Calling Noah and telling him I captured his Queen.” Chase considered my words for several moments. Then he admitted, “It’s a good play.” I smiled briefly, but I knew he was still mad.

I took out my phone and called the number Sally had given me. It beeped. I said, “Noah, the present was a mistake. I captured your mother. Or should I say Betty Newcome. She’s in chains and you’ll never talk to her again.”

I paused then added, “Though I wonder, did you lie to her about the knife? Or did Hanson lie to you? See, as soon as the knife is destroyed, or if it had killed Chase, she dies too. She doesn’t get her soul back. Since you always were such a momma’s boy, I’m banking on the fact that Hanson lied to you.”

I taunted, “He lied right to your face, didn’t he? What else has he lied about? Maybe he doesn’t even want you to have me. Maybe you're as expendable as your mother. Maybe he has plans that have nothing to do with you and yours.” I hung up.

Heath praised me, “That was great, Lex.” He hugged me and whispered, “Thank you for getting Allie out of there.” I assured him, “I wouldn’t have left her with those people. The way these people think….” I trailed off then yelled, “Oh god, Edgar. Edgar is in danger!”

Heath was on the phone immediately. Haley popped away with Eric. She came back seconds later. My eyes widened. Edgar had been stabbed repeatedly in the chest. I gasped. Heath said, “That wasn’t done when you left Noah the message. This was done before.” Haley began to heal Edgar.