It was a silent ride home. Everyone got out and Tate flashed away. I grabbed Heath’s arm. He turned to me. I said, “I’m really sorry about Dani. I can’t imagine that type of pain.” Heath shrugged, “You never will because nothing will happen to Lexi. I will have nothing to live for if it does.” I quietly said, “You’ve got a second chance out there.” Heath acknowledged, “I know that. But if Lexi dies, I can’t stay here for her.”

I growled, “Lexi will not die. This cycle stops. Lizzy and Allison are gone, but Lexi is NOT going anywhere. You and I WILL find this Hanson psycho and Noah. Noah is getting sloppy. You know him better than anyone else. That’s where they’ve fucked up, and that’s where we will get them.” Heath agreed, “You’re right.”

We walked away from the car and went inside to Lexi. She still looked deathly pale. I linked the pack doctor, “Why aren’t you here with my mate?” The doctor answered, “I evaluated her. Her blood pressure is high, but I can’t fix a fairy spell. I’m researching the medical information about the Hood. I can’t give her anything for her blood pressure until I know more about them. I won’t experiment here.”

I gritted my teeth. I replied, “I apologize. I wasn’t trying to imply you would act inappropriately. I figured she could’ve refused to see you. I appreciate you doing the research.” He replied, “Anything for the pack, Alpha.” He might need a raise.

I focused and listened to the siblings talk. When Lexi’s hurt slammed into my chest, I was annoyed I didn’t let Bolt rip them apart. I was going to gut her family like fish. Every single one of them. I locked eyes with Heath, he was furious. I hoped he knew that at minimum Jordan and James weren’t embarrassed of them. I actually think they were proud of them.

When both of them admitted they weren’t ok, I had to act. Lexi had me, but Heath was going home to an empty house. I linked my dad, “Talk to Heath before he zooms out of here. He needs someone. They are both hurting. Ask if he can give our pack doctor information on their blood pressure too, but only after you make sure he’s ok.”

My dad replied, “Sure thing. I’ll block the door with two glasses of whiskey.” I laughed, “Don’t get run over.” My dad snorted, “I’ve got this.” When he left, I nearly laughed that Lexi was most worried that people had seen her throw up. Of the many things discussed tonight that didn’t even crack the list.

I heard Heath’s surprised halt as he ran into my dad. I heard my dad groan and say, “Let’s go chat.” I linked him, “He ran into you, didn’t he?” My dad replied, “It was like getting hit by an anvil.” I laughed and Lexi and I went to sleep.

I woke up to Lexi sucking my dick. I jerked in surprise. I didn’t think she was going to feel well enough for this. She came up from under the sheets, and I evaluated her. She still looked a little pale, but much better.

We started Christmas with a bang. When I came, she bit down hard on my marking spot. I howled with joy and saw stars behind my eyes. The whole pack joined me howling. Matt linked me, “Dude, she was just really sick. Give her a break.” I growled, “She’s marking me. I didn’t tell her to. So... SHUT UP! You’re ruining the moment.”

I flipped her over unable to contain my joy. I claimed her for real. We were both claimed now. Nothing could ever tear us apart. She was mine. When we fell apart my dad linked me, “Heath wants to talk to you.” I sighed and left my bed.

Susie was talking to Heath, and he was loving every second of it. I smirked and linked my dad, “Not even the iceman is immune to Susie’s charms.” He was smiling and talking to her. Susie turned to me, “Merry Christmas, Chase!” I picked her up. “Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Susie.” She smiled, “I’m a big now, I’m six.” I agreed, “Yes you are.” She ran off.

Heath said, “Lexi didn’t tell me it was Susie’s birthday.” I admitted, “I don’t know that I told her it was also Susie’s birthday.” Heath laughed, “You’re going to get in trouble for that. She will only have gotten Susie a Christmas present.” I disagreed, “It’s not a big deal.” Heath smirked, “Keep thinking that.”

After several moments he said, “Thank you.” I raised an eyebrow, “For what?” Heath answered, “For having my back yesterday, and for having your dad talk to me last night. I have information you need.” I asked, “How? What information?” Heath told me, “Sophia’s Beta is missing. He was kidnapped.” I felt my draw drop, “How the HELL could she not tell me that? We need to get out and look for him.”

Heath held up his hands, “You can’t. My informant told me he was taken because she was going to give you your annulment because of Lexi. Her Beta was taken so she wouldn’t do it.” I punched a wall. Cameron came in, “Don’t kill him, Chase. He will one day be your brother-in-law.” I ordered, “Open your damn ears, Cameron. The punch wasn’t about him.”

Heath laughed and said, “My people are looking for Beta Alfred.” Cameron linked me, “What now?” I caught Cameron, Matt, and my dad up through link. Out loud I said, “We need to call our allies.” Heath rubbed the back of his neck, “You can’t. I shouldn’t even be telling you. We will find him.”

I growled, “This is RIDICULOUS! Why doesn’t she understand how allies work?!” Heath said, “Give me a few days, I’ll find him.” I agreed, “Fine. I’ll pretend to know nothing about it. Beta Alfred may be a pain in my ass, but they are still our allies. I’d find him.”

Heath smiled, “Don’t you worry. He’ll be back to be a pain in your ass soon.” I asked, “Who’s your informant?” Heath smiled, “One of my people. Sophia called him for help. So, we are helping.” I frowned, “She called you guys? I mean I get why she didn’t call me after the other day, but last I checked there were other options.” I wondered if the informant was himself.

I turned to my brother, “Cameron, have you and Sophia had a fight I don’t know about?” Cameron said, “No, and I find I’m deeply offended she didn’t ask me for help.” Heath shrugged. I frowned, “Alpha Eric would’ve helped. Hell, Haley would’ve popped to him by now. Or asked the Hackura to track him down.” Heath agreed, “She would’ve.” This was ridiculous.

Lexi came down the stairs. Cameron linked me, “Jesus Christ, I think she used all the mouthwash you own. That’s a powerful smell. I’m out.” I rolled my eyes, “She probably felt gross.” Lexi still wasn’t steady on her feet which did worry me.

I stared at her as she pounded away bacon. Heath punched my arm, “Your jaw is hanging wide open.” Derrick linked me, “It is really good.” I linked him, “She devoured about two pounds of bacon.” Derrick said, “There’s more don’t worry.” I rolled my eyes. I wasn’t worried about the bacon.

I grabbed beers for heath and me and walked off. My chest still felt tight, but not like at the wedding. We ate lunch, and Heath got ready to leave. He told me, “I’ll find Alfred, I swear.” I offered, “Let me know if you need anything.” Heath agreed, “I will.” Lexi walked Heath out.

When it was time for presents Lexi shot out of the house. Kevin linked me, “I’m on her Alpha.” I asked, “Aren’t you supposed to be with family?” Kevin replied, “If I have to listen about how I should go track down my mate from my grandparents one more time I’ll scream. Kincade lost it on them. He’s in the gym.”

I winced, “Why?” Kevin explained, “They wanted to set him up with some girls from their pack to see if they were his mate. He didn’t take it well.” I’d imagine he didn’t since I was certain he hoped Carry was his mate. I linked Kincade, “Are you alright?” He grunted, “Fine.” I replied, “That’s not what I heard.” Kincade repeated, “I’m fine, Alpha.” I sighed. “We can talk later.”

Lexi had been gone for a while. I starting pacing hoping she didn’t get a call. I linked my warrior, “Is she still in her house, Kevin?” Cameron put a hand on me, “She’ll be right back.” I ignored him. Kevin answered, “She just left her house.” I frowned. How many presents did she buy?

She came back with a normal number of presents. What had taken so long? Susie was opening presents first. Cameron teased her, “The birthday girl always goes first.” Lexi paled. She stared at me then whispered, “Birthday girl?” Susie squealed, “Yeah! It’s my birthday.” Lexi stood, “I’ll be right back.” She flashed out of the room.

I frowned and followed her. She’d run back to our room. I walked in and she was sobbing. I asked, “Lexi? Sweetheart? What’s wrong?” She said, “I didn’t know it was her birthday! I only got her a Christmas present!” I bewilderedly consoled her, “Sweetheart, it’s fine. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

We both turned when Susie said, “It’s ok, Lexi.” Lexi wiped her tears, “I’m sorry. I would’ve gotten you a present for your birthday too.” Susie shrugged, “You don’t have to get me anything, but if you do then it’s another day I get to open a present.” Lexi smiled, “Ok.” Susie waved her arm, “Let’s go back.” Lexi nodded.

Susie led her back downstairs. Everyone was worried about Lexi, that much was clear. She focused on Susie opening her presents. Matt linked me, “She cried about not getting a present for Susie’s birthday?” I replied, “Heath said I’d get in trouble. I guess she likes birthdays.”

Ted linked me, “Matt thinks this is odd, but it’s not. Lexi is big about family and birthdays.” I winced, “Sorry. I didn’t think about it.” Ted reminded me, “A lot has been going on.” Lexi cried when she opened my present. I’d gotten her a heart shaped diamond necklace. She kissed me. She pulled the necklace out and turned around so I could put it on her.